‘Toxicity’ and ‘scandal’ claims brings UWC, UCT leadership into question

Clarence Ford speaks to Professor Jonathan Jansen.

Listen to the interview in the audio below.

The process of appointing the University of the Western Cape’s new leadership has raised some concerns.

When appointing a candidate, the council ignored the recommendations of important bodies like the Institutional Forum and the Senate.   

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Jansen says the council ignored its own committee's recommended candidate and overturned the decision, which he says is extremely undemocratic.

“It is scandalous… that is extremely dangerous.”

- Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor in Education at Stellenbosch University (SU)

“This has got nothing to do with the persona’s it has just got to do with the process.”

- Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor in Education at Stellenbosch University (SU)

The council is disregarding democratic processes, and questions about governance weaknesses have been raised for a while, he notes.

UWC is not the only institution facing issues. At the University of Cape Town (UCT), the vice-chancellor candidates have raised questions as there appears to be a lack of strong contenders.

Jansen says the candidates are extremely weak, and he is shocked they could not find anyone better.

He says the toxic racial politics at the institution are driving away top academics.

“How on earth did UCT sink to this level where they cannot get top candidates, black or white, anywhere in the world to lead Africa’s top university?”

- Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor in Education at Stellenbosch University (SU)

“The toxic politics of race makes the place so unpleasant.”

- Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor in Education at Stellenbosch University (SU)

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.