By Ntsebeng Motsoeli
MASERU — The process of appointing a Vice Chancellor (VC) at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is under way, the Lesotho Times has heard.
The NUL VC position remained vacant following an unexpected resignation of American Professor Sharon Siverts late last year. She had sworn to remain in the position even when lecturers at the university pushed for her ouster.
But it would seem that she could no longer stand the pressure from the lecturers and other staffers seeking her ouster.
This paper has heard that some of the applicants include acting VC, Professor Mafa Sejanamane.
Sejanamane was appointed NUL Pro Vice Chancellor in 2011. He acted as the VC after Siverts’ resignation.
Inside sources told this paper that the other candidates are Professor Nqosa Mahao.
Last September Mahao quit his position as Dean of Commerce, Law and Management at the University of Wits.
Former Lesotho Ambassador to Germany, Dr Makase Nyaphisi is said to be another candidate.
He was recently appointed one of the commissioners of the Independent Electoral Commission.
Professor Njabulo Ndebele, a South African is one of the two foreign candidates who are said to have applied for the job. Ndebele is former VC of the University of Cape Town.
He was once Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg.
The name of the fifth candidate could not be established.
Opening for applications for the post was December 2013 and the closing date was January 21, 2014.
The Vice-Chancellor shall be appointed for a fixed contract term of five years and will be required to contract to specific Key Performance Areas (KPA’s) with the Chairman of Council acting on behalf of Council.
NUL management declined to comment on the matter.
