South Africa: Mangcu quits HSRC, cites undue interference

In a move that could cast doubt on the continued independence of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Xolela Mangcu has quit as a director of the research institute due to what he calls "undue and inappropriate political interference". Mangcu is the first senior member to break ranks at the HSRC. His sudden resignation could ratchet up fears that government is seeking to impose a greater hold on supposedly autonomous organisations.