A Case Report on an Estimation of Financial Damage Occurring at A Rural University, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Universities are power houses that generate new knowledge by carrying out research all over
the world. Professors are promoted, appreciated and awarded as the academics who conduct research at
universities. This did not happen in the case of Mr BM, who was humiliated and punished for his research
activity.
Case History: Mr BM was excited by the prospect of carrying out research when he joined the university in
1996. He used his time and money in research and trying to find a gap in the lack of knowledge that he could
close through his work. He was quite on his own in his department without even a secretary yet managed to
find time for research either after hours or during holidays. Between 2001 and 2018, he published more than
100articles in around 25 different peer-reviewed journals. Mr BM boosted the good name of the university,
but in exchange for it, he received three disciplinary enquiries, two suspensions and a forensic audit. All
were intended to discredit him and to stop his research activity. The most painful was to cause him financial
loss by decreasing his monthly salary. The history of damage and its results are discussed in this report.
Conclusion: Heavy financial loss was caused by the persistent disciplinary enquiries at the university. The
extent could only be estimated by an actuarial consultant. The Ministry of Higher Education must take note
of it.