Steps to merge the University of the North (Unin) and the Medical University of Southern Africa (Medunsa) received a boost during the past week, when some important decisions were taken regarding the way forward.

At its meeting on April 4, the Council of the University of the North gave Acting Vice-Chancellor Prof Mahlo Mokgalong a mandate to move ahead with all aspects of the amalgamation process.

The merger is in line with the current policy of Education Minister Professor Kadar Asmal to rationalise tertiary institutions throughout the country. The council has also approved the establishment of a Merger Office on the campus, to deal with day-to-day issues relating to the proposed amalgamation. The office will also collate information and ideas from various stakeholders.

"The office must table an action plan at the next council meeting, and set up a strategic planning workshop before June", said council chairperson Mr Prince Mafojane.

"We have approved the promotion of twelve professors and seven lecturers. They will help to see us through the merger process and beyond", Mafojane added. Mokgalong has taken up his task energetically, and plans to spread information on the progress of the merger plans to staff, students and external role-players at regular intervals.

The council has also given the University Senate guidelines to deal with aspects of HIV/AIDS and language policies.