Former University of Cape Town (UCT) council chairperson Sipho Pityana has defended the appointment of the institution's embattled former vice-chancellor, Mamokgethi Phakeng, saying she earned her position, which was based on merit.
Pityana, who has been named in the independent probe led by retired Supreme Court of Appeal president Judge Lex Mpati, maintained Phakeng's appointment was a result of her qualifications and achievements.
Phakeng, together with former council chairperson Babalwa Ngonyama, found themselves at the centre of an independent judicial investigation into the governance crisis at the university, over the resignation of Professor Lis Lange, who was the deputy vice chancellor for learning and teaching.