Chester Makana

Chester Makana

A senior official at the University of Venda (Univen), who was suspended in November for alleged misconduct, has left the institution.

Former director for student affairs Justice Nnzeru is said to have taken early retirement before a hearing into the matter was conducted.

Acting registrar of the university Khuliso Nemadzivhanani said Nnzeru has taken early retirement.

"We did not force him out," Nemadzivhanani said.

But sources at the university allege that Nnzeru was forced to resign from his post because someone favoured by management had been ear marked for it .

Meanwhile, former assistant director of finance Enoch Maphwanya has been appointed as acting director for student affairs.

Sowetan was told that certain factions were not in favour of Nnzeru leading the student affairs department.

A source in the student council told Sowetan that interference by senior managers was among the factors that forced Nnzeru to resign.

"There were instances when certain of the officials dictated that their people be awarded bursaries and accommodation though they did not qualify, " the informant said.

Nemadzivhanani said that reaching an agreement on Nnzeru taking retirement had been in the interests of both parties.

Approached for comment Nnzeru said he did not want to discuss either Univen or his resignation.