The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has slammed inaccurate reports by a Johannesburg-based media outlet concerning allegations surrounding its infrastructure development initiative, known as DUT355.

This project, which is currently being developed on the University’s Steve Biko and Indumiso Campuses, has fallen victim to what the University is calling a wave of misinformation and unfounded allegations.

As an arbiter of information, DUT had previously chosen to refrain from engaging in the court of public opinion amid ongoing arbitration proceedings with its principal contractor.

However, with reports surfacing that include dire claims about procurement governance violations, the University finds it necessary to address such misrepresentations head-on.

In a meeting held on Friday, DUT’s Council and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, met with Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, in Pretoria.

This crucial engagement was aimed at providing clarity on the facts surrounding the allegations while refuting misleading narratives that have been circulating.

Prior to this engagement, DUT had pre-emptively shared comprehensive documentation with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to confirm that all procurement processes related to DUT355 had complied with the University’s governance standards.

”We remain committed to transparency and accountability in all our dealings,” the University asserted.

Despite the sub judice nature of the ongoing arbitration, which legally restricts DUT from divulging detailed information, the institution has decisively rebutted claims made regarding the purported appointment of ‘unqualified’ contractors for the R400 million project and alleged shutdowns of the initiative. Such allegations, they assert, are “patently false and misleading.”

The University has expressed confidence in the arbitration process, clarifying that these proceedings do not stem from any claimed governance violations in procurement practices. Specific accusations, including the termination of BorCon, the appointed project manager, due to alleged fraud suspicions, have also been categorically denied.

“BorCon is only a Project Manager to complete the project using sub-contractors that the Principal Contractor had appointed. It has not been given any construction carte blanche,” DUT noted.

A further claim involved a former senior procurement staff member who allegedly resigned in protest of the DUT355 project. DUT clarifies that this individual requested an early exit for medical reasons, with her resignation having no connection to the project whatsoever.

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