The Durban University of Technology (DUT)is concerned about the misinformation and unfounded allegations published by a Johannesburg-based media outlet regarding an infrastructure development project, DUT355, on the University’s Steve Biko and Indumiso Campuses. DUT355 was the name given to the project during the procurement process.
As a result of an arbitration process underway between DUT and the Principal Contractor, it’s approach has been to avoid the court of public opinion on the matter. DUT recognises, though, that accusers, jurors and judges all in one are running rampant with innuendo, distortions and falsehoods. As noted just above, the institution would rather facts and evidence be presented before the arbitration process it is involved in. Notwithstanding, it must deal with some tangential matters.
On Friday, 22 August 2025, DUT Council and Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandwa Mthembu, met with the Honourable Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, in Pretoria. This engagement provided the University with an opportunity to present facts and evidence and clarify and refute the misleading claims that have been circulated.
DUT through its Council had, prior to this meeting, also shared with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Ministry documentation to, amongst others, prove that the procurement processes regarding DUT355 complied with all governance requirements of the University. DUT remains committed to transparency and accountability in its governance structures and in all its dealings.
While the matter is sub judice due to ongoing arbitration proceedings and DUT has been legally advised not to disclose the finer details until arbitration is concluded, it unequivocally refutes the allegations that have been published. The arbitration proceedings are not a consequence of any alleged procurement governance violations. Claims such as “DUT officials appointed ‘unqualified’ company to run R400m project” and “Controversial R400m DUT project shutdown” and “BorCon terminated as DUT contractor amid Labour Department fraud suspicion” are patently false and misleading. The university has submitted the facts and supporting evidence to Minister Manamela, DHET and to the Department of Labour and DUT will continue to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities.
Furthermore, the claim that a former senior procurement staff member, who had been leading in the procurement process for BorCon in January 2025, resigned at the end of June 2025 in protest of this project is false. The individual in question requested an early exit from DUT for medical reasons, approximately two weeks before the conclusion of her contract period. Five months after BorCon’s appointment she participated in, her departure as in her letter of resignation and circumstantially, too, could not be said to be related to this project.
As was made clear to the Minister and DHET, 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 project carte blanche. It has not been terminated.
DUT reassures its stakeholders, partners and the wider public that the University is governed with integrity, professionalism and accountability. Guided by the values and principles of its ENVISION2030 strategy, DUT is resolute in protecting its reputation as a public institution of good standing.
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