Universities must confront the shadow of institutional capture

South Africa’s public universities are facing a governance challenge that can no longer be brushed aside as isolated campus drama. The spectre of “institutional capture”, where governance processes, decision-making and resource allocation are bent away from the public interest toward factional or private gain, has become a systemic risk. Universities South Africa(USAf), which represents the country’s 26 public universities, is sounding the alarm and pushing for collective action.

ProfessorFrancis Petersen, the chairperson, says governance cannot remain a campus-by-campus concern. “Strengthening institutions is part of USAf’s role, including governance,” he says. “We also need to help council members understand the difference between governance and management and how to exercise effective oversight.” The distinction is crucial.

Councils should focus on policy, strategy, risk, performance oversight and the appointment and support of executive leadership. When the boundaries blur, universities become vulnerable to capture, whether through political interference, reputational attacks or opportunistic meddling in procurement and tenders. The risks are not abstract.

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Petersen points to sustained attacks on executive leadership, often emanating from the political sphere, including parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education. “Oversight is legitimate but when it preempts due process or amplifies allegations prematurely, it damages universities,” he says. In today’s climate, reputational risks are amplified by misinformation campaigns.

Allegations circulate rapidly, coordinated narratives distort public perceptions and confidence in institutions erodes before internal processes conclude. Petersen warns that governance depends on disciplined procedures — clear timelines, documented decisions and communication that balances transparency with fairness.

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