SOUTH AFRICA: Physicist quits in academic freedom row

Appeals from international academic heavyweights to University of KwaZulu-Natal authorities were not enough to prevent the resignation last week of respected physicist Professor Nithaya Chetty, who faced what commentators have described as "unwinnable" internal disciplinary action, reports The Witness. The university has come under sharp criticism for what critics claim are infringements of academic freedom.

Accused by the University of KwaZulu-Natal management of bringing the institution into disrepute, for comments made in the media and criticism of the university for not allowing a report to be tabled in senate, Chetty has already received job offers from a number of South African universities.

His resignation, accepted by the university with immediate effect, came in the wake of a flurry of letters to council chairman Mac Mia from a range of international academics expressing concern about the disciplinary proceedings. The academic freedom committee at the University of the Witwatersrand also registered its concern, along with the Freedom of Expression Institute.

Chetty's resignation came shortly after his co-accused, associate professor of mathematics John van den Berg, signed a settlement agreement with university management that ended impending disciplinary action.
Full report on The Witness site