Varsity director's degree questioned

THE student representative assembly (SRA) at the University of Venda has called for the removal of the director for students affairs, Simon Nedohe.

This was after questions were raised about the legitimacy of Nedohe's qualifications.

In their letter to university management, the SRA made it clear that they had reservations about Nedohe's qualifications.

They also questioned why Nedohe, who was dismissed from the university, was re-hired. Nedohe is also a pastor.

"Based on the director's leadership skills, we question his education status. We want your office to investigate his PhD legitimacy," read the letter.

The response from the university's deputy vice chancellor of operations Jan Zaaiman confirmed there were questions about Nedohe's qualifications.

In a written response to SRA president Mafulo Mudau, Zaaiman said: ". I confirm that Reverend Nedohe's doctoral qualification is not recognised by the University of Venda and this information has been formally conveyed to him."

University spokesman Takalani Dzaga confirmed there were problems verifying the authenticity of Nedohe's qualifications. "In November 2009, the director for human resources informed Reverend Nedohe to desist from using a title for the PhD because the institution where he alleges to have obtained the qualification is not registered in the US and can therefore not be accessed by the South African qualifications authority.

"Reverend Nedohe was previously employed by the university. He was dismissed in November 2000 [for allegations of misconduct] and was re-appointed in July 2008.

". He was re-employed after applying for the advertised position of an administration officer in the department of student affairs after going through a due interview process," Dzaga said.