The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has distanced itself from Dr Mary de Haas following public questions about her relationship with the institution after her appearance before Parliament’s ad hoc committee this week. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the university said De Haas is not an employee and does not hold a professorship at UKZN.
According to the university, De Haas retired from the former University of Natal in 2002, where she worked as a senior lecturer and programme director in social anthropology. The University of Natal later merged with the University of Durban Westville in 2004 to establish the University of KwaZulu Natal.
UKZN said De Haas currently holds the title of honorary research fellow in the School of Law. The institution said this title carries no employment duties, teaching responsibilities or remuneration. It said she conducts independent research, including work on violent crime and policing, which is separate from the university. UKZN said it will not comment on evidence presented before the parliamentary committee.
The clarification follows questions raised after De Haas appeared before the Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu Natal Provincial Head Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. De Haas provided testimony on allegations of abuses by the Public Order Policing Tactical Team. During the session, some committee members challenged her credibility and questioned her conduct.
Members of Parliament criticised De Haas for failing to provide what they regarded as clear evidence to support some of her claims. Committee members also debated how she should be addressed, with the chairperson instructing MPs to refer to her as Doctor after some had referred to her as gogo. MPs questioned how she could still be linked to UKZN if her current role was unclear.
De Haas is known for her work as a criminologist and for raising concerns about policing practices in KwaZulu Natal. During her testimony, she said she had approached government officials in the past about alleged misconduct, including suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu, whom she reportedly asked to disband the unit. She also questioned the credibility of Mkhwanazi and suspended intelligence head Khumalo.
On Tuesday, DA MP Ian Cameron said De Haas failed to provide first hand evidence to support her public allegations. He said her information relied on unnamed individuals and unverified accounts. He said parliamentary oversight cannot be based on untested claims. He said policing reforms must be supported by factual information and proper investigation.
The ad hoc committee continues to hear testimony as part of its investigation into allegations related to policing in the province. The committee is expected to call additional witnesses before completing its report.
