Prof. Akech defends hiring of expert witness in Machar trial as lecturer

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba has defended the appointment of South African computer scientist Ratlhogo Peter Calvin as a lecturer, saying it complies with the institution’s hiring policies.

The appointment had drawn criticism from civil society activist Ter Manyang Gatwech, who questioned hiring a foreign national for a role he said could be filled locally and cited Ratlhogo’s role as a prosecution expert witness in the trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar.

Akec said the teaching role is separate from any court involvement and that the position is temporary.

“It is not a permanent position… our interest is to transfer his knowledge on cyber security to our academic programs,” he said. “The university has nothing to do with what the court is doing… He is a professional. The university recruits any time, anywhere.”

He said Ratlhogo will teach part-time and continue supporting the university remotely after returning to South Africa.