THE University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is investigating a syndicate that could allegedly be selling places at the medical school.
According to reports, the syndicate involves high ranking academics and administration staff who allegedly helped students get places at the university under false pretences. UKZN spokesman, Lesiba Seshoka, said a preliminary investigation had taken place, and further investigations were now being carried out. If sufficient evidence came to the fore, the matter would be referred to the police.
He said the allegations were brought to the university’s attention in April, following information from a whistle-blower.
Reports state that the investigation centred on a list of students whose race was in question, and the university allegedly registered them on the basis that they were coloured. According to reports, in 2015 and 2016 Indian South Africans needed to score a minimum of 90.83 per cent overall in matric to be eligible to study medicine at UKZN and Coloured pupils needed a score of 65 per cent.
It is believed the syndicate allowed 10 Indians to pass themselves off as coloureds and gain entry to the medical school, and this was alleged done for a sum of money. Seshoka said the students were all registered as coloureds on UKZN’s database and there was no way for the university to confirm their ethnicities until an investigation was done. He said if it comes out that the students lied, they will be removed from the university.
Seshoka said those making allegations needed to come forward with any information that can assist the university with their investigation.
