The University of South Africa (Unisa) has secured an interdict against its former registrar, Prof Steward Mothata, barring him from making further attacks against the institution and its leadership.
The High Court in Pretoria granted the order on Tuesday, restraining Mothata from continuing with actions and communication that attack, harass or undermine the university, its leadership and governance structures.
The court heard the urgent application in Mothata’s absence. Despite being duly informed of the proceedings, he failed to appear. The court was satisfied that proper notice had been served and that he had elected not to participate.
The interdict marks the latest development in a long-running dispute between Mothata and Unisa that began with his dismissal in 2023.
Mothata was fired from his position as registrar in 2023, amid claims of misconduct and policy breaches. He maintained that he was dismissed for allegedly not returning a work laptop, which he said he had handed over.
Before his dismissal, Mothata had been vocal about governance failures at the university. He repeatedly approached the university council to address what he described as serious maladministration, and brought a court application seeking declarations that the council was no longer properly constituted.
His concerns appeared to be vindicated when Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande announced in August 2023 his intention to place Unisa under administration. The decision was based on a report by independent assessor Prof Themba Mosia, which found serious financial and other maladministration that significantly undermined the university’s effective functioning.
The Mosia report detailed weak internal controls, pervasive non-compliance in supply-chain management, and a management committee that knowingly made irregular financial decisions. It also highlighted a laptop procurement scheme worth more than R87 million that involved deviations from supply-chain management policy.
At the time, Mothata welcomed the minister’s move as “long overdue” and said the council had “brought this on themselves” by failing to hold the vice-chancellor accountable.
In granting the latest interdict, the court heard evidence of what Unisa described as persistent attacks by Mothata against the institution and its leadership.
Unisa said the court’s decision underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary treats conduct that may harm institutional governance and reputation. The university has reiterated its position that it will take legal action against anyone who damages its reputation.
University spokesperson Prof Boitumelo Senokoane said the order aims to stop further harmful conduct and protect the integrity, reputation and functioning of the institution and its leadership.
ALSO READ: Unisa wins court cases against three for defamation
