Panel to probe nepotism allegations against Maties VC

The council met on Monday evening.

A motion of no confidence was also tabled in De Villiers by the DA’s Leon Schreiber.

During the marathon meeting, the council agreed to set up a three-person panel to investigate allegations that De Villiers used his discretionary power to place family members at the university.

“The allegations of nepotism are grave,” said new council chairperson Dr Nicky Newton-King.

“Once council has the committee’s report, it will evaluate it and consider the motion brought by Dr Schreiber. Council recognises the importance of addressing this issue as a matter of urgency and is committed to doing so in a manner that is fair to both the university and the rector and vice-chancellor, and in which the institution’s stakeholders can have confidence.

“We welcome the opportunity for scrutiny and reflection, enabling us to maintain the high standards we are known for and address areas of possible improvement. I want to provide the assurance that the stability and continuity of the University at this time is our priority,” said Newton-King.

De Villiers first came under pressure following a report by the South African Human Rights Commission which found the university guilty of contravening the rights of Afrikaans-speaking students in 2021.

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