Academic Faces Inquiry over Shaik Thesis Scandal [Sunday Times, 2007-07-08]

Publication: Sunday Times Issued: Date: 2007-07-08 Reporter: Megan Power Reporter: Jocelyn Maker

Academic Faces Inquiry over Shaik Thesis Scandal

Publication	Sunday Times
Date	2007-07-08
Reporter	Megan Power, Jocelyn Maker
Web Link	www.sundaytimes.co.za

A University of KwaZulu-Natal professor, implicated in the Chippy Shaik fake degree scandal, faces a disciplinary inquiry this week.

Suspended academic, Professor Sarp Adali, one of several internationally acclaimed researchers involved in the awarding of Shaik’s doctorate degree in 2003, will answer misconduct charges related to his role in the dodgy thesis saga.

A Sunday Times investigation in May revealed that Shaik’s PhD in mechanical engineering was plagiarised. It showed that portions had been regurgitated from journal papers of other authors without proper acknowledgement. Shaik has denied this.

German authorities are investigating allegations that Shaik was paid a R21-million bribe by German arms manufacturer ThyssenKrupp.

At the internal hearing, scheduled for Thursday, one of the questions Adali will be required to answer is why he accepted and/or neglected to act properly as head of department, co-supervisor and examiner of the thesis

Failed to ensure that independent examiners were appointed
Accepted large portions of Shaik’s thesis as his own, unaided work when it had been copied from previously published work, without proper reference.

The university has appointed Shepstone & Wylie attorney Michael Maeso to prosecute. An independent advocate will chair the inquiry. Adali’s attorney Brett Purdon said on Friday that his client would plead not guilty. He declined to comment further.

With acknowledgement to Prega Govender and Sunday Times.