Ex-student gets ultimatum for attack on varsity head

The University of South Africa (Unisa) has hit back at a former student and "whistle-blower" who has made damaging allegations against vice-chancellor Prof Puleng LenkaBula, accusing the former student of being in "wilful contempt" of a court order.

- Sipho Mabena

Skhumbuzo Vakalisa, director of law firm SM Vakalisa Incorporated, acting on behalf of Unisa and the vice-chancellor, threatened Simamkele Xani with urgent legal action if he did not retract a letter calling for LenkaBula's suspension amid allegations of corruption, abuse of power and interfering with investigations.

"Our instructions are to demand that your client retract his letter dated 26 November, directed to the council of Unisa, various government organs and/ or institutions and government officials which contains false and defamatory statements by your client against our client, within 24 hours of receipt of this letter of demand," the letter, addressed to Xani's lawyers, states.