Health
With regard to the serious allegation of sexual misconduct by a UCT professor who is employed by her Department:
(1) (a) What is her Department’s policy for dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct (i) in the workplace and (ii) by an employee of her Department, (b) what is the number of sexual misconduct allegations against employees of her Department, including agency staff, that were received and investigated during the (i) fourth, (ii) fifth and (iii) sixth administrations, (c) how many employees were found guilty and (d) what sanctions were issued for each case;
(2) (a) when did she and her Department become aware of the allegations of sexual misconduct by a UCT professor who is employed by her Department and (b) what are the details of the remedial action taken in response to it;
(3) whether the UCT professor has been suspended pending the investigation; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
1. [a] The Department has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment in the workplace – Circular H24/2017.
[i] [ii] As such, allegations of this nature are being thoroughly investigated by the Department through an independent investigator.
[b][i] [ii] [iii]; [c]; [d] Attached
2. [a] The Department became aware on 9 September 2021 through a grievance procedure.
[b] The Department of Health and University of Cape Town acknowledge that both the complainant and the alleged perpetrator are employees of the Department and joint staff members of the University. Due diligence is followed which includes treating the matter with the necessary sensitivity, studying the findings and consult the involved parties. This needs to be done to ensure the process is correct, fair and transparent.
The allegation of rape is separate and being investigated by the South African Police Service.
The Department is reviewing the report received and will act accordingly.
