2010 Annual Report

TH YAR UDR review has had its share of controversy and triumphs. The latter far
outweigh the former, and this report will concentrate on the positive developments
and successes with which 2010 was liberally studded. However, it is important
that all the university’s constituencies are apprised of the facts surrounding recent
activities relating to the merger of our two previous universities – the University of
the North and the Medical University of Southern Africa – to form the current
University of Limpopo. This merger occurred six years ago, on 1 January 2005,
and since that date an enormous amount of work on both campuses has been done
to harmonise the two previously independent institutions and to create a common institutional culture and purpose.

Nevertheless, late in 2010, the minister of Higher education and Training unexpectedly announced in the media that he would appoint a task team to examine the state of the merger with a view to recommending whether it should
remain in place or be reversed. This was a surprise to the University Council and to
our executive Committee. Our Council immediately contacted the ministry, requesting that Council be consulted on the matter. A delegation from the
University of Limpopo travelled to Cape Town for precisely such a consultation,
where the minister apologised for the lapse in protocol. It was then agreed that
a task team comprising two senior academics from universities in Cape Town
and KwaZulu-atal be appointed to examine the situation and make recommendations by early 2011.