…as race to appoint new Vice-Chancellor intensifies
Mohloai Mpesi
THE National University of Lesotho (NUL)’s recruitment of a new Vice-Chancellor has taken a dark turn after a member of the recruitment committee allegedly received anonymous death threats.
The university has thus issued a public statement condemning, in the strongest terms, threats made against Professor Vindor Jaichad, who was recently appointed to the university’s Joint Committee of the Council and Senate (JCCS).
The JCCS is tasked with facilitating the recruitment of a new Vice-Chancellor ahead of the expiry of Professor Olusola Isaac Fajana’s term in July this year. Prof Fajana assumed office on 2 August 2021 as NUL’s 10th Vice-Chancellor.
The controversy comes amid an ongoing dispute over the legality of the recruitment process. NUL Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Kananelo Mosito, who also serves as President of the Court of Appeal, has challenged the university’s governing Council, arguing that the recruitment process violates the National University of Lesotho Order of 1992.
Prof Mosito contends in his High Court application that no vacancy currently exists and that recruitment can only proceed once the position is formally vacant. His case will proceed before Justice Polo Banyane tomorrow for argument of the jurisdictional issues raised by the Council.
In a statement released on Friday, the university Council expressed shock over the threats directed at Prof Jaichad, who is based in South Africa.
According to the statement, Prof Jaichad was warned to withdraw from the JCCS or risk having his reputation destroyed—or even being killed.
“The 15th Council of the National University of Lesotho has established the Joint Committee of the Council and Senate (JCCS) to facilitate the recruitment of the new Vice-Chancellor.
“It is with utmost shock and dismay that Council has learnt of anonymous threats made against one of the JCCS members, Prof Vindor Jaichad, who resides in South Africa.
“He has been threatened that if he does not withdraw from the JCCS, his reputation will be destroyed and he could be killed,” the statement reads.
The Council said Prof Jaichad has reported the matter to South African police and informed his family and legal representatives.
“He has reported the threats to the South African police and has also informed his family and legal counsel of the seriousness of the threats.
“Council is deeply perturbed and condemns these threats in the strongest possible terms. Members of Council and its committees are volunteers who generously contribute their expertise to the National University of Lesotho.
“They should not face risks to their wellbeing or lives. A threat to one member of Council or its committees is a threat to all,” the statement added.
The Council further directed NUL management to open a case with the police in Lesotho to enable investigations.
“Council does not take kindly to these dastardly threats and has therefore instructed NUL management to open a case with the police for investigation,” the statement reads.
Contacted for comment, NUL spokesperson, Mamosa Mateete, confirmed that the matter had been reported to the police.
“This issue was discussed at the last Council meeting, and the university has since reported it to the police. Investigations will now be handled by the relevant authorities.
“I am not privy to further details, but to my knowledge, the matter has been formally reported,” Ms Mateete said.
Meanwhile, Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) spokesperson, Superintendent Thabo Mohai, said he was not aware of the case.
“I am not privy to this matter and therefore cannot provide an update on the status of any investigations,” Supt Mohai said.