University officials face jail time after ignoring ruling

AFTER ignoring a court order for more than a year which made it clear that the University of Limpopo had to reinstate a doctoral student and appoint external assessors for his thesis, the university and two of its senior officials were held in contempt of court.

- ZELDA VENTER

The Polokwane High Court voiced its dissatisfaction that a June 2024 order was simply ignored, leaving doctoral student Dickiel Kusainda out in the cold.

The court recently not only ordered that the university was in contempt, but also that Vice Chancellor Professor Nehemia Mahlo Mokgalong and Registrar Kwena Masha must take direct responsibility for ensuring compliance.

Acting Judge S du Plessis awarded a punitive costs order against the university and ordered that it had to immediately re-enrol Kusainda so that he could complete his doctorate. If they did not comply within a few days, the court warned that the senior officials could face a hefty fine or, alternatively, face a three-month stint in jail for contempt of court.