University undertakes two investigations
7 March 2013
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, is undertaking two investigations into sexual harassment. The University is appealing to staff and students to formally report all incidences of sexual harassment, so that they can be investigated immediately. (
INVESTIGATION INTO A STAFF MEMBER ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The first is an investigation of a specific member of staff accused of sexual harassment, who is currently on special leave. It is anticipated that this entire investigation will be completed within the next two to three months subject to no delays occurring and the number of witnesses coming forward.
The University has appointed the law firm Bowman Gilfillan to lead this investigation on its behalf. Any other similar complaints that arise against any other staff members will be referred to the same law firm. Anyone who would like to make submissions relating to this specific investigation or to report any other complaints related to sexual harassment by staff members, can contact Xolisile Selatela on 011 669 9268 or 082 338 0915 or email [email protected]directly.
Students and staff can also lay any complaints relating to sexual harassment with Maria Wanyane, the University's sexual harassment advisor based at the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) on the West Campus. She can be reached on 011 717 9144 or via email at [email protected]. Counselling and therapy has also been arranged for anyone who comes forward or anyone who requires it at CCDU on the West Campus or the Emthonjeni Centre on the East campus.
The Senior Executive team of the University has also made available four senior administrators including Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Helen Laburn; the Registrar, Ms Kirti Menon; the Deputy Registrar, Ms Nita Lawton-Misra; and the Director: Transformation and Equity, Ms Nazeema Mahomed to receive any complaints of sexual harassment from any student or staff member confidentially.
CAMPUS-WIDE INQUIRY INTO SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The second investigation is a campus-wide inquiry into sexual harassment, which will be completed in August 2013. This inquiry is being led by the Head of the Centre of Applied Legal Studies, Professor Bonita Meyersfeld and Joe Mathibe from an external law firm.
This independent inquiry will assess existing policies and procedures which ought to be in place at the University, for the purpose of preventing instances of sexual harassment. It will further seek to provide recommendations which the University can implement to prevent and address (this includes the manner in which incidents of sexual harassment are reported) any future occurrences of sexual harassment.
The investigation will also establish whether sexual harassment and quid pro quo relationships are commonplace at the University; whether staff and students are aware of the policy and procedures on sexual harassment and whether they feel comfortable reporting sexual harassment incidents. It will also look at whether the process of addressing incidents of sexual harassment at the University (this includes the manner in which incidents of sexual harassment are reported and investigated) is fair, robust, effective and sensitive.
Members of the investigation committee will refer allegations against specific individuals to the University, while protecting the confidentiality of any person providing the members of the investigation committee with information and/or evidence.
The complete terms of reference and details of how to make contact with the investigators will be made available later today.
Prof. Tawana Kupe
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
7 March 2013
Issued by Wits, March 7 2013
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