Walter Sisulu University vice-chancellor professor Rob Midgley is being investigated by an accounting firm following allegations of impropriety in relation to negotiations for the purchase of 11 buildings to be used for student accommodation.
Ernest & Young is conducting the investigation relating to a deal with a private property company called Pulse Urban Properties.
The university's spokesperson Yonela Tukwayo confirmed the probe and that results of the investigation will be made available to the university's council today.
Midgley, who is based at the East London Buffalo City campus, addressed the issue of the probe in a memorandum letter to the council about three weeks ago.
In the letter seen by Sowetan, Midgley said negotiations with the property company were placed on hold due to the investigation.
“As you well know, I have been involved in negotiations with Pulse Urban Properties [Pulse] for the possible acquisition of certain properties in East London. That process has been stalled by allegations of impropriety on my part and a subsequent investigation into the matter," wrote Midgley.
"I understand that council will be presented with the outcome of the investigation at its meeting on 27 November 2020.”
Midgley added in the memorandum letter that he had good intentions for the university regardless of the outcome of the investigation.
“I am sorry that this matter is so complicated. Under different circumstances I would simply have walked away, but I sincerely believe that it is not in the university’s interests that I do so. Irrespective of the ultimate outcome, when I leave WSU, I want the university to know that I have done my best.”
In the letter, Midgley also asks the council to hasten the process of acquisition of the buildings before the offer from Pulse Properties expires on November 30.
“I am concerned that, unless some proactive plans are put in place [prior to or after the council meeting], we will not get a council directive on the matter before 30 November 2020, and the deadline will expire.”
Tukwayo said council took a decision to appoint Ernst & Young to investigate the process which was followed in recommending the purchase of the student accommodation in question.
"Council will analyse the final report and decide on the next steps based on the outcomes, Tukwayo said.
In May, Sowetan's sister publication Daily Dispatch reported that the university had decided to reallocate the R177.5m that was set aside to consolidate Walter Sisulu University’s faculty of science, engineering and technology (FSET) for the purchase of the 11 student accommodation buildings in East London from Pulse Urban Properties.
Daily Dispatch reported that the faculty head, Msimelelo Siswana, had expressed concern about the reallocation of the funds, which he was not made aware of, due to the fact that the engineering faculty was at risk of not being accredited should the faculty not be consolidated.
In his response to Sowetan's questions Midgley said " Thank you for the offer [to comment] Noxolo, which is appreciated. But no thanks."
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