Thomas Johnson - The Blog

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is broken, financially, organisationally and its ethos. This article explains why. When I saw the title of the op-ed "Universities under siege: UCT and the assault on its autonomy and academic freedom" by Nazeema Mohamed in Daily Maverick, I thought it was going to be about how UCT's academic freedom is being threatened from within, and threats to university freedom in general. She is a member of UCT's council. Instead, it was tirade against the Trump administration, Israel and UCT's donors who object to its resolution suspending academic ties with Israel. Although it's specifically about the US and other donors cancelling and threatening to cancel funding, Mohamed's wrath is directed against everyone who disagrees with UCT's council and executive policies and decisions.  I'd never heard of Mohamed until now. But then I don't know who most council members are. I suppose I should; I'm an alumnus who has the...

The inquiry into the conduct of former University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng has confirmed allegations of mismanagement, unethical conduct and victimising staff. The report's publication has released claims and counter-claims from critics and supporters.  But lost in all the Sturm und Drang is the fact her conduct was a consequence of decisions and actions then VC Max Price, the executive and council made almost eight years ago. But first, down the memory lane.  In 2009 as a recent, mature UCT Master's degree graduate, I made enquiries at my former academic unit, the African Centre for Cities, about enrolling for a PhD. The distinguished (late) Prof. Vanessa Watson asked if I knew the difference between a Master's and PhD. The insulting implication was I was not worthy or qualified as a potential candidate. The director of ACC Edgar Pieterse ignored my enquiry and request to join their regular seminars but a third professor was encouraging. I was not a...