Most, if not all, of the collapsing South African universities display evidence of organised anarchy leadership style. Organised anarchy leadership is characterised by leadership emergent decisions arising from crisis, competing interests, and turmoil. Because planning and strategic leadership are non-existent, governance is reactive and management staggers from one emergent crisis to the next. Their strategies change depending on the nature of the emerging crisis and the pressures, and there are no long-term institutional priorities and agendas.
The results of the organised anarchy are clearly visible through poor governance and campus instabilities, repeated students’ protests, financial challenges, poor academic standards, leadership battles, and bad publicity, which erode public confidence. Strategic direction, accountability, and institutional performance are eroded by reactive decision-making.
South African universities are not personal fiefdoms of Councils, Vice Chancellors, and Executive Management; they are the nation’s treasure, tasked with knowledge production, innovation, community engagement, and the development of future leaders. A clearly defined vision, strategic planning, ethical leadership, and responsible and accountable leadership are needed to halt the collapse of South African universities. These are the key pillars for the existence of a sound and proper university. Organised anarchy will only result in organised collapse.
By
Dr Sefoko Ramoshaba
064 709 2097
