Scrutiny over University of Limpopo’s vice chancellor’s third term
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, in his defence, explained that the council extended his term to allow him to mentor potential successors for the position.
POLOKWANE – The University of Limpopo’s (UL) vice chancellor, Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, found himself at the centre of controversy during a recent appearance before the portfolio committee on higher education.
Mokgalong, alongside other university management, was summoned to answer questions regarding administrative issues, particularly concerning the extension of his contract.
The meeting, held in Gauteng, included the University of Fort Hare management, though they were addressed separately. Tensions flared as the committee expressed dissatisfaction with UL’s earlier responses to their enquiries.
The university had described some of the committee’s questions as derogatory, even calling them “clumsy”.
At the heart of the discussion was Mokgalong’s contract extension, which the National Education Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) had flagged as a violation of university statutes. UL’s governing council, chaired by Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, has renewed Mokgalong’s term multiple times, despite the university’s rule that a vice chancellor’s tenure should not exceed 10 years.
Mokgalong, who has been in the role since 2003, is now 71 years old.
In his defence, Mokgalong explained that the council extended his term to allow him to mentor potential successors for the position.
While the labour union acknowledged the need for mentorship, they insisted the extension violated the university’s governing rules.
The position of vice chancellor had been advertised twice, but according to a council representative, no suitable candidates were found, prompting the decision to retain Mokgalong.
“There are a number of senior colleagues who are being looked at to mentor, not just one,” Mokgalong said, but he struggled to answer when the committee asked who had mentored him during his tenure.
Mokgalong later clarified that although he wasn’t formally mentored, he had been guided by former vice chancellor, Prof Noel Manganyi.
Committee members, frustrated by Mokgalong’s seemingly vague responses, raised concerns about the university’s administration.
Tebogo Letsie, the committee chairperson, suggested that a forensic investigation may be necessary to uncover potential inconsistencies in how the university is run.
The committee has indicated that it will soon release its recommendations based on the testimonies from both UL and the University of Fort Hare.
In the meantime, University of Limpopo spokesperson, Victor Kgomeswana, opted not to comment on the matter, pending the outcome of the investigation.
