2007-05-21

Response from Professor V. Verijenko

The area in which Dr Shaik's research was conducted, namely the development of higher order theories for laminated composite structures, is highly specialized and requires a great deal of background knowledge in order to be able to make assessment on both quality of the research performed as well as the authenticity and Shamim Shaik's contribution.

The work performed by Dr Shaik is of the highest standard which was confirmed through the internal and external examination by examiners all of whom are internationally recognized as leading scientists in the field.

Regarding the "independent assessment" conducted by the Sunday Times, I would like to question whether it was conducted by the specialist in this narrow field: development of higher order theories? If not then what academic merit can it possibly have? On the level of Dr Shaik's contribution, the only individuals who may comment on this matter are myself and Professor Adali. Both of us have said that the work presented in Dr Shaik's thesis is original and of a high standard.

I am not aware of any "independent University investigation". This allegation follows hot on the heels of an enquiry made by Dr. Richard Young in his endeavour to review the theisis of Dr. Shamim Shaik. This he is not qualified to do and his "independent assessment" has no merit at all.

The relationship between Dr. Richard Young and Dr. Shamim Shaik is acrimonious and the enmity between the two has its roots in the arms deal. I suspect the allegation of plagiarism has more to do with the arms deal than academic excellence.

It is my firm judgement that the theisis submitted by Dr. Shamim Shaik was of a high standard and satisfied the criteria for the award of the doctorate. The work he performed, on his own, was significant and worthy of recognition.

The Wheel Wear project has nothing to do with Dr. Shamim Shaik and he was not involved in that matter in any way. I have not been advised of any allegation of misconduct or any enquiry into plagiarism or Veriytech c.c. for that matter.

The Wheel Wear project was done under my supervision and in co-operation with the University of Natal. The technology developed is considered to be "break-through" and its value estimated to be several billion of rands.

This project resulted in development and construction of a unique test rig which is currently based at the University of Natal. This test rig and the project was subsidized by Veriytech. The payment of R1 million by Veriytech to the University is in accordance with an agreement and was made before the due date. There is nothing improper in the payment as is suggested. The only issue in dispute relates to the ownership of the intellectual property.

To the best of my recollection the payments to Dr Shaik refers to bursary payments made in accordance with the rules and regulations of the National Research Foundation, and University of Natal. There is nothing sinister about the matter.

The allegation that senior professors of the faculty of engineering together with the external examiners conspired with each other and Dr. Shamim Shaik to fraudulently award the doctorate, is outrageous, to say the least. It demeans the good name of the professors, the faculty, the university and the integrity of their awards. Whilst such an allegation may have sensational value, it will have lasting damage to the good name of the university and demoralize present students of the faculty. It has taken many years to build the faculty of engineering into a world-class center of excellence and such a bizarre allegation will squander the work done to the detriment of the country.

It is quite obvious that there are some forces within the University which have assisted you in this smear campaign against eminent professors. It will be a tragedy if students of the faculty, and Dr. Shamim Shaik in particular, are used as canon fodder in my dispute over intellectual property rights.

If the article is to be published along the lines presented to me it will create international outrage in the field, and affect future co-operation relationships with universities and donor agencies.

With regard to my tendered resignation, it was as a result of my dis-satisfaction with the way and manner an investigation into the Wheel Wear Project was conducted. However, and at the behest and appeal of the senior members of the University, I withdrew the resignation. I left on sabbatical only after I was assured that this enquiry was put to bed.

It comes as a surprise to be informed by the Sunday Times that in fact there is any enquiry at all. I have received no official correspondence from the university to this effect.

Kind regards
Professor V. Verijenko

With acknowledgement to Professor Verijenko.