It all began earlier this year when the institution announced that they have put its chairperson of the council, Matthew Rantso, on suspension pending an investigation into allegations against him. The reason for the investigation was the allegation that Rantso failed to declare a conflict of interest with an applicant and candidate, former Free State Health MEC Benny Malakoane. 

Malakoane allegedly was interviewed to be the CEO of CUT Innovation Services (CUTis), which is the institution’s investment company.

Rantso’s suspension came amidst media reports criticising him for not having a tertiary education – in which the President of the CUT’s Alumni Association and member of the CUT board, Mbuyiselo Frans, was quoted. This article also formed part of the investigation to assess whether Frans’ conduct constitutes a charge/action of bringing the institution into disrepute.  

CUT was riddled with controversy since 2021 when the then Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Henk de Jager, decided to “leave his position”, according to the statement by the institution. De Jager was first placed on “precautionary suspension” and then left after an agreement with CUT. The suspension of De Jager was followed by the resignation of the chairperson of the board, Boysie Phehlukwayo.  

An acting chairperson, Nonie Mokose, was elected until a new chairperson could be elected. Rantso was elected and Mokose remained as a board member. Several complaints were registered against her for unbecoming behaviour as a board member and how she openly disrespected Rantso in board meetings. These complaints also formed part of the investigation.

The report in possession of OFM News and what was tabled at the latest board meeting had the following findings and recommendations:

• There are no regulations on the required tertiary qualification or lack thereof of the chairperson of a board of higher institutions.
• No evidence was found that Rantso had a “business relationship” with Malakoane.
• The report, however, questions the fact that Rantso indicated on several occasions that he does not know Malakoane although evidence was found to the contrary.
• That Rantso, Mokose, and Frans should undergo disciplinary processes.
• That the Minister of Higher Education should be consulted for further decisive action to be considered against them for unprofessionalism.
• That Rantso should be “declared unfit to hold office”.
• Board members who are implicated who hold membership in professional bodies, should be reported.

The spokesperson for the institution, Dan Maritz, replied to OFM News’ inquiry into the allegations. He stated: “The list of questions you are referring to are confidential to Council and are therefore not currently available in the public domain until the Council makes a pronouncement on them. Also, it is concerning that confidential Council information is being leaked to the media, as confirmed in this media inquiry. This unethical practice compromises the fair process. Thus, the university will not comment on matters still being dealt with internally. The CUT Council wants to assure all the stakeholders and (all parties concerned) that it is dealing with issues within the provisions of the Higher Education Act, statute, and policies. The decisions taken are made in the best interest of the CUT. Until these processes are concluded, the Council will not make public pronouncements.”

OFM News