Overview
- Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced the move on Monday, citing a governance collapse, a disclaimer audit for 2024/25, and material irregularities flagged by the Auditor‑General.
- Professor Hlengani Mathebula was appointed administrator with a brief to repair ICT systems, fix data integrity, clear appeals backlogs, improve accommodation oversight, and restore internal controls.
- Government says core services will continue without interruption, including monthly allowances, university and TVET engagements, and ongoing appeals.
- Remaining board members are seeking urgent court relief to suspend the appointment, arguing the intervention bypassed proper procedure and weakened the board’s authority.
- Reaction is mixed, with Universities South Africa welcoming a short-term reset, unions such as NEHAWU warning about poor consultation and past failures under administrators, and Parliament signaling close oversight.