Missing academic still paid

KWAMHLANGA -- The vice rector of Marapyane College of Education in Mpumalanga has not reported for work for the past six months, but continues to be paid, African Eye News Service reported yesterday.

Mr Solly Ranamani -- who is also the ANC mayor of Mathanjane near KwaMhlanga, KwaNdebele -- was driven off the campus last July because he was considered unsuitable for the position.

"He just vanished and never showed his face at the college after students objected to his appointment," college spokesman Joconia Ntloana said.

Students and staff objected when Mpumalanga education MEC David Mabuza appointed Ranamani as vice rector.

They argued that he would not be a good role-model, as he allegedly skipped classes when he was a Tswana lecturer.

The college has been without a rector or vice-rector for the past 13 months, after Mabuza withdrew former rector Isaac Tlou and vice-rector Elliot Vilakazi. -- Sapa