Cape Town College Council has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector of South Africa, alleging irregular and unlawful conduct by Higher Education and Training Minister Kgwaridi Buti Manamela in the appointment of an administrator to the institution. The focus of the complaint is the Minister’s administration appointment, which the Council claims was based on a flawed report.
Administration Appointment Under Fire
The complaint follows the Minister’s appointment of Dr Robert Nkuna as Administrator on February 17, 2026, for a period not exceeding two years, based on a Stabilisation and Governance Support Team (SGST) report that identified multiple irregularities in governance, human resources and financial management.
The SGST report cited several concerns, including uncertainty regarding the Council Chairperson’s appointment, procurement irregularities, and conflict-of-interest management. The report also noted that the Academic Board’s composition was inconsistent with section 11(4) of the CET Act.
Key Findings of the SGST Report
The report found:
- Uncertainty regarding the Council Chairperson’s appointment, whose appointment was marred by an administrative glitch
- Procurement irregularities, including a security tender that was set aside by the Western Cape High Court
- Conflict-of-interest management, including the employment of the Chairperson’s son and the Principal’s wife in dubious circumstances
The Council has contested the SGST’s methodology, alleging that the investigation was not free from bias and that not all parties had the opportunity to respond. The complaint argues that the Final Report made broad and sweeping allegations without attaching any evidence to support the SGST’s submission.
For more information on the College of Cape Town, visit their website: College of Cape Town. To learn more about the role of the Public Protector, visit: Public Protector South Africa.
