UKZN professor fired – plans to challenge dismissal

It notes the Council also decided to accept and effect Professor Pumela Msweli-Mbanga’s resignation. Msweli-Mbanga, Dean of the Management Studies faculty, was instrumental in awarding Pillay’s degree and had resigned last year to take up a post at the University of Johannesburg. She later accused the UKZN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba, and the Council’s chairman, Dr Vincent Maphai, of sexual harassment, victimisation and undermining her. However, she later asked to retract her resignation, which was temporarily withdrawn until her allegations were investigated. The Council’s decisions were based on the recommendations of the Magid Tribunal, headed by retired Judge Alan Magid, which was set up to investigate Pillay’s degree and Msweli-Mbanga’s allegations. Pillay, however, plans to challenge his dismissal. The Council resolved to dismiss him with immediate effect and his post would be filled as soon as possible, said acting Council chairman Mac Mia. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)