University of Mpumalanga Rejects Claims It Favours Foreign Nationals for Academic Jobs, SA Sceptical
- The University of Mpumalanga faced scrutiny during a Parliamentary oversight visit over the hiring of 38 foreign academic staff
- The institution responded to allegations that favoured foreign nationals over South African citizens when it came to hiring practises
- South Africans took to social media to weigh in on the Mpumalanga university's response to the allegations
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Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
MPUMALANGA — The University of Mpumalanga has pushed back against accusations that it favours foreign nationals over South African citizens when filling academic positions.
The controversy emerged following a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee oversight visit and a wave of social media criticism questioning whether the institution's hiring practices disadvantage local job seekers. At the centre of the debate is the employment of 38 academics who hold foreign nationality.
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University cites compliance with employment law
Responding to the allegations, the university stated that its recruitment processes are fully aligned with both the Employment Services Act and the Immigration Act, and that South Africans make up more than 94 per cent of its total workforce.
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Despite that defence, the university acknowledged that changes are on the way. Spokesperson Tlangelani Ubisi said the institution had already begun reviewing its appointment policy before the parliamentary visit took place.
"What we're doing, we said, look, we're going to review our appointment policy so that it becomes a pre-requirement.
"For instance, especially issues around the extensive search of the domestic labour market before we can be able to say, look, we couldn't find such a skill in the country. Overall, we're comfortable from where we sit,” he said.
Social media users react to the university's response
The University of Mpumalanga's statement did little to quiet public frustration as several social media users challenged the institution's account of events.
Mzweshi Mabalane wrote:
"I have a friend who works for the university. He told me that his boss retired and then he acted on his behalf after completing his honours. They then employed a foreign national with no experience and was underqualified compared to my friend, so he had to show the foreigner the job, and eventually the foreign national is now the senior."
Bongani Mgubela called for accountability, writing:
"They must be investigated. There can be no smoke without fire."
Ņėo Moroaswi echoed that sentiment:
"There is no smoke without fire."
Velocity Meme was sceptical of the denial itself:
"As if they will admit that they do prioritise foreign nationals over South Africans."
Nduduzi Shozi simply stated:
"What a disgrace."
Gert Sibande TVET College admits foreign nationals were hired illegally
A Portfolio Committee oversight visit to Gert Sibande TVET College in Mpumalanga exposed serious recruitment violations involving foreign nationals.
Briefly News reported that the college's Human Resources Manager admitted that candidates were not vetted against the Employment Services Act.
Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie read the law aloud to the HR Manager during the visit, confirming the appointments were illegal.
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Source: Briefly News
