TUT Vice-Chancellor Faces Legal Action if A Campus Dispute Is Not Resolved. The TUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, is under mounting pressure from the Bapedi Kingdom over an unresolved dispute concerning the establishment of a Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campus in Sekhukhune. This disagreement, rooted in promises made years ago, has now escalated into potential legal action, with the Bapedi Kingdom giving the university 14 days to respond—or face a court challenge.
Background: A Broken Promise?
At the heart of the dispute is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2021 between TUT and the Bapedi Kingdom. This agreement was meant to initiate the establishment of a university campus in Sekhukhune, a vision initially spearheaded by the late King Thulare III. According to the Bapedi Kingdom, the plan was not only approved but was also symbolically endorsed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the King’s burial ceremony in 2021.
However, in what the Kingdom views as a betrayal of trust and tradition, TUT allegedly diverted the project to Giyani, a different region altogether. The move has sparked deep resentment and a sense of injustice within the Bapedi community, who claim that their dream has been “hijacked.”
Legal Ultimatum: The Letter That Might Lead to Court
On May 23, 2025, a legal letter was formally addressed to the TUT Vice-Chancellor by the Bapedi Kingdom’s legal representative, Advocate Rudolph Baloyi. The letter clearly outlines that TUT must respond within 14 days, or else legal proceedings will be initiated.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 26, 2020 | Department of Higher Education requests market feasibility study. |
| May 20, 2021 | MoU signed between TUT and the Bapedi Kingdom. |
| May 16, 2025 | Maluleke acknowledges meeting with Bapedi Kingdom. |
| May 23, 2025 | Legal letter sent to Maluleke demanding resolution within 14 days. |
Allegations Against TUT and Professor Maluleke
The Bapedi Kingdom’s legal representatives allege that the TUT Vice-Chancellor and his administration failed to honour their agreement and instead relocated the project to benefit a different community. According to Advocate Baloyi, this action violates the principle of good faith and is viewed as a “hijacking” of the original concept created by the late king.
In his letter, Baloyi emphasized that the 2021 MoU was meant to formalize TUT’s intention to establish a campus in Sekhukhune, but no progress has been made in over four years. This delay has not only caused logistical setbacks but has also wounded the pride and trust of the Bapedi people.
Baloyi further noted:
“The university approached the Department of Higher Education and Training for approval. The department required a market feasibility study, which was completed, leading to the signing of the MoU in May 2021.”
Yet despite these formal steps, the university’s decision to prioritize Giyani over Sekhukhune remains unexplained, according to the Kingdom.
Community Outrage and Political Involvement
The controversy surrounding the TUT Vice-Chancellor has not gone unnoticed by the public or political stakeholders. The founder of the Sekhukhune campus establishment project, William Maphutha, has lodged a formal complaint with Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka, accusing the university of sabotaging the initiative.
The Bapedi nation feels deeply betrayed. The campus was seen as a vital investment in the community’s youth and economy an embodiment of King Thulare III’s legacy. Many are questioning how an agreement supported by both the monarchy and the president could be disregarded.
TUT Response: Diplomatic but Vague
While TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe did not confirm whether Professor Maluleke had officially received the legal letter, a leaked correspondence dated May 16 reveals that the Vice-Chancellor expressed gratitude for the hospitality received during a visit to the Bapedi Kingdom.
Maluleke wrote:
“It was an honour and a privilege for our delegation to connect with the Bapedi Kingdom and to discuss opportunities for mutual growth… TUT is eager to continue this journey with the Bapedi Kingdom. We look forward to future engagements.”
However, a source close to the Kingdom mentioned that the meeting did not yield any substantial results, casting doubt on the sincerity and commitment of TUT’s leadership.
The Stakes: Legacy, Trust, and Legal Consequences
For the Bapedi Kingdom, this is about more than just a campus—it’s about honouring a legacy, fulfilling a promise, and asserting their place in the development agenda of South Africa’s higher education landscape. Should TUT fail to respond or propose a viable solution, legal action is inevitable.
Baloyi made it clear:
“The Bapedi Kingdom hopes to resolve the matter amicably, but is prepared to take legal action if necessary.”
This situation presents a significant reputational and legal challenge for the TUT Vice-Chancellor and the university as a whole. It may also lead to broader conversations about equity in education development, the role of traditional leadership in shaping policy, and the accountability of public institutions.
Possible Resolutions: What Can Be Done?
To resolve the dispute and rebuild trust, a few steps can be considered:
- Immediate Response: TUT must formally acknowledge the Bapedi Kingdom’s concerns and clarify their decision-making process.
- Mediation by Higher Authorities: The Department of Higher Education and even the Presidency could mediate the issue to find common ground.
- Feasibility Reassessment: Conduct a fresh feasibility study focusing solely on Sekhukhune, reaffirming the original MoU.
- Dual Campus Proposal: Explore the possibility of establishing campuses in both Giyani and Sekhukhune to promote regional balance.
Conclusion
The standoff between the TUT Vice-Chancellor and the Bapedi Kingdom highlights the importance of ethical governance, especially in matters involving community development and historical commitments. What began as a hopeful plan to expand access to education in Sekhukhune is now at risk of becoming a cautionary tale of unfulfilled promises.
