The University of KwaZulu Natal has clarified that crime researcher Mary de Haas has no formal employment relationship with the institution, following scrutiny of her academic background during a recent parliamentary session.
The university explained that de Haas’s connection to UKZN stems from the 2004 merger between the former University of Natal and the University of Durban Westville. Since that merger, her only link to the institution has been through an honorary research fellowship in the School of Law. The university stressed that this title carries no teaching duties, no employment obligations and no involvement in administrative work. It noted that while she has occasionally worked with members of the Navi Pillay Research Group, her research on violent crime and policing is undertaken independently.
UKZN declined to comment on the content of her testimony to Parliament.
During the session, ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli and MK Party MP David Skhosana questioned de Haas about her qualifications and professional standing. Ntuli raised concerns about why someone without formal training in security was advising senior government officials on policing issues. Skhosana pressed for clarity on the basis of her analysis and recommendations, arguing that lawmakers needed confidence in her expertise.
Responding to the criticism, de Haas acknowledged that she does not hold the title of professor and said that the designation had been used by others over the years rather than by her.
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