The University of Cape Town has policies and procedures that address harassment, discrimination, and sexual misconduct via its Office for Inclusivity & Change (OIC) and its Discrimination & Harassment Office (DISCHO).

Specifically, UCT’s Sexual Misconduct Policy: Sexual Offences and Sexual Harassment and the Disciplinary Procedure for Sexual Misconduct  were approved in December 2020 and replaced previous sexual harassment / sexual offences policies.

There is also a Code of Good Practice on the Handling of Sexual Harassment Cases used by UCT.

The Policy Addressing Bullying was approved in June 2021

The Policy of Anti-Racism, Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment was approved in June 2022

In UCT’s Sexual Misconduct Policy document (approved in December 2020), the university states: “This policy replaces the current UCT Sexual Offences policy and the Sexual Harassment policy.”

• UCT’s News release about the policy (Feb 2021) explains that the new procedure “specifically mandates a process that minimises trauma for the survivor” and provides the “right to legal representation” for complainants.
• The Code of Good Practice states: “All employers/management and employees have a role to play in creating and maintaining a working environment in which sexual harassment is unacceptable … Persons who have been or are being subjected to sexual harassment … have the right to lodge a grievance … and appropriate action will be taken … Allegations … will be dealt with … expeditiously, sensitively and confidentially.”
• UCT’s zero-tolerance commitment to sexual and gender-based violence is publicly stated: UCT’s SGBV page says the university is “committed to providing an institutional environment where all may … pursue their studies … free from sexual abuse, sexual harassment and sexual assault.”

All of the policies and procedures referenced are publicly available via UCT’s website or its online communication channels:

• The Sexual Misconduct Policy & Procedure PDF is publicly posted.
• News articles announcing the policy, describing its approval by Council, and explaining its provisions are accessible on UCT News.
• The Code of Good Practice document is publicly accessible.

Was the policy created or reviewed between 2020–2024?

• Yes - the current Sexual Misconduct Policy was approved by UCT Council in December 2020. This replaced earlier harassment / sexual offences policy, indicating a major update within the period.
• The Policy Addressing Bullying was approved in June 2021
• The Policy of Anti-Racism, Racial Discrimination and Racial Harassment was approved in June 2022
• There is also ongoing training: in 2020, UCT’s Office for Inclusivity & Change (OIC) ran training initiatives for staff and students on preventing sexual harassment and violence.