Update on the independent investigation panel

Dear members of the campus community

As was previously communicated, the Council of the University of Cape Town (UCT) resolved in October 2022 to establish an independent panel (the Panel) to investigate and report on certain aspects regarding governance at UCT.

At a special meeting of the university Council on 31 January 2023, the Panel was reduced from five members to four, comprising retired Supreme Court of Appeal President, Judge Lex Mpati (chairperson), retired Supreme Court of Appeal Judge Azhar Cachalia, Dr Bernadette Johnson and Dr Patricia Hanekom.

• Read the Panel’s terms of reference and rules of procedure.

The Panel has commenced with its work with the assistance of an evidence leader team, which is, inter alia, tasked with gathering information to be placed before the Panel. To this end, the evidence leader team has met with, and interviewed, more than 30 people, many of whom have provided statements to the Panel.

Any person who has not been interviewed by the evidence leader team and who is of the view that they have relevant information which can be of assistance to the Panel is encouraged to contact the appointed secretariat at communication@heroldgie.co.za.

The Panel will commence with in-person sessions from 3 to 6 April 2023 at an off-campus venue in Cape Town.

It is the responsibility of members of the university community to assist the panel in its work, ie, staff and students are required to cooperate with the work of the Panel and the evidence leader team. UCT will not hesitate to take disciplinary steps against any member of the university community, staff member or student, who intimidates or harasses any person who is partaking in the work of the Panel, or who unlawfully interferes with the work of the Panel or the evidence leaders, or who breaches the confidentiality provisions of the work of the Panel.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements