Dear colleagues and students
I write to provide feedback on the whistleblowing cases received at the University of Cape Town (UCT) during 2025.
A total of 60 unique complaints were recorded in 2025, compared to 2024 when 40 cases were reported. This upward trend reflects increased confidence among staff, students and third parties in the university’s whistleblowing processes and reporting mechanisms. The university’s executive leadership welcomes this confidence and remains committed to ensuring that all reported matters receive appropriate attention.
There has been a noticeable increase in complaints relating to employment contracts, selection committee outcomes, discrimination, harassment, bullying and other staff grievance-related matters. It is important to note that matters of this nature are not investigated through the whistleblowing channel.
These matters should instead be referred to the appropriate university processes. Staff, students and third parties are encouraged to report concerns relating to discrimination, sexual harassment or racism to the Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC), which provides a dedicated confidential and anonymous reporting system. In addition, matters referred to the Ombud’s office cannot be investigated through the hotline until they have been finalised by the Ombud.
As part of our ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability and communication, we provide an annual summary of a selection of matters investigated. Some cases from...
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