Unisa CFO Suspended Amid Financial Misconduct Allegations
Reshma Mathura, the acting CFO of the University of South Africa (Unisa), has been placed on precautionary suspension by Vice-Chancellor Puleng LenkaBula following allegations of receiving unauthorized bank deposits from students. Mathura claims these deposits were part of a conspiracy to damage her reputation, asserting they were unsolicited and linked to a student financial aid list.
University's Action
Mathura filed a complaint with the Hawks to investigate the alleged setup. Despite her defense, Unisa cited several policy breaches, including the unauthorized sharing of information and overstepping her authority, prompting an internal investigation.
Impact on the CFO Role
This incident underscores the challenges CFOs face in educational institutions, where they must navigate financial complexities and maintain high ethical standards. The situation at Unisa emphasizes the importance of transparency and governance in financial roles.
The ongoing investigation at Unisa highlights the need for clear conduct standards for CFOs, particularly in the educational sector, stressing the balance between professional responsibilities and personal integrity.