University Vice Chancellor axed for corruption

PROFESSOR Obert Maravanyika, who was Vice Chancellor of the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU), has been relieved of his duties amid revelations of corruption at the institution of higher learning situated in Masvingo.

Sources at the university told The Financial Gazette this week that Maravanyika left the university early his month but it could not be immediately ascertained whether or not the former Vice Chancellor was given a golden handshake.

His deputy Herbert Chimhundu, according to impeccable sources, has taken over the post but in an acting capacity. When contacted for comment yesterday, Maravanyika explained that he had left GZU since his contract had expired.

"I had a contract which ended on the 21st of July. I handed over to my deputy who is now the acting Vice chancellor," said Maravanyika.

Asked whether his depature had anything to do with the corruption issues published by this paper, Maravanyika referred this paper to Simplicio Chihambakwe who is the GZU council chairperson. A lady in Chihambakwe's office said he was not in the office.

But Maravanyika last month confirmed to this paper that interviews had been conducted for his post and he was one of the candidates. It has now turned out that the powers that-be decided against renewing Maravanyika's contract, instead opting to pass the baton to his deputy while they review the results of interviews they have conducted.

In the past two months, The Financial Gazette exposed that under Maravanyika's stewardship, GZU had been fleeced in the purchase of a minibus, cattle and through the employment of a bogus artisan.

The bogus artisan, Akim Manyudza, had managed to conceal his deception for close to eight years at the university but resigned after an investigation by the internal auditor had exposed his academic deficiencies yet he was awarded his terminal benefits under unclear circumstances.

Regarding the alleged purchase of old cows, Maravanyika previously confirmed that he was the one who first approached the Knott family who have a farm close to his and were selling their cattle.

He then advised the university's director of planning and farm manager who then went and purchased the cattle for the university. When quizzed on the university's procurement procedures, Maravanyika refused to discuss the issue further saying several institutions purchase livestock in different ways.

According to papers in our possession, the university purchased an old 1990 minibus for US$20 000. Maravanyika said the decision was made and authorised at "policy level".

"The US$13 000 bus was too old and so the bursar and the director went to Durban and got the current bus. Because of duty, the amount came to US$20 000," said the GZU vice chancellor.

Sources at the university said at the time this paper broke the story, the vice chancellor had embarked on a witch hunt to find out who had leaked the story.

Maravanyika even phoned the paper in a bid to clear his name alleging that the information was coming from agents bent on discrediting his candidature for the advertised vice chancellor's post.