The University of Cape Town publicly commits to combating corruption, fraud and bribery. UCT’s published commitments are focused on fraud, corruption prevention, accountability, and the enabling of whistle-blowing mechanisms.

  1. Fraud & Corruption Prevention Policy
    1. UCT has a Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Response Plan.
    2. The policy was approved by UCT Council in 2017.
    3. UCT explicitly declares a “zero tolerance” approach to fraud and corrupt activities, including reference to the "Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA)".
  2. Whistle-Blowing Hotline / Reporting Mechanism
    1. UCT runs an independent whistle-blowing hotline (0800 650 000), managed by an external service provider (Whistle Blowers (Pty) Ltd), for anonymous and confidential reporting of “fraud, bribery, conflict of interest, corruption … and non-compliance with university policies.”
    2. In its July 2024 update, UCT committed to publishing summaries of the whistle-blowing cases.
    3. According to UCT’s 2024 fraud-awareness campaign, after investigations of reported misconduct, “necessary consequence-management protocols are applied, and the institution will recover any loss from the staff member’s benefits.”
  3. Institutional Accountability & Governance
    1. UCT has internal audit structures, reporting lines, and investigative processes. UCT’s Audit Committee and Finance Directorate have emphasised that “fraud prevention” mechanisms are part of its financial-control environment.
    2. Council-approved policy underpins these mechanisms; the 2017 Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy is explicitly linked to UCT’s governance and financial management obligations.

UCT publishes clear principles and commitments on corruption and bribery. The Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy — combined with a whistle-blowing system — demonstrates a formal, published commitment to prevent and respond to corrupt practices.

The university’s use of an external, anonymous hotline, its declared zero-tolerance stance, and its formal response plan all reinforce its public accountability.

Excerpt from the Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy

The University of Cape Town (‘the University’ or ‘UCT’) aims to maintain the highest standards of integrity in all its activities. The University is committed to a systematic and effective approach to detecting, deterring, preventing and combatting fraud and corruption. This commitment plays a key role in maintaining the financial viability and sustainability of the University and its good reputation. Accordingly, UCT supports and fosters a culture of zero tolerance towards fraud and corruption and takes appropriate action in response to allegations and instances thereof.

  1. Objectives

    The objectives of the Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy and Response Plan (‘the Policy’) are to:
    1. Communicate the University’s formal position regarding fraud and corruption
    2. Create awareness of fraud and corruption in the University context
    3. Clarify roles and responsibilities in respect of the prevention, detection, and handling of reports and incidents
    4. Ensure that all stakeholders understand their responsibility to report related concerns and observations, using appropriate channels
    5. Provide for the investigation of reports and incidents of fraud and corruption where appropriate, and the application of all remedies available in law to act against any perpetrators of fraud and corruption
    6. Contribute to the creation of a culture in which engagements with the University are conducted lawfully and ethically
  2. Scope

    This Policy:
    • Applies to all who serve UCT, including its Council, its staff members, and students, including joint staff on Western Cape Government or National Health Laboratory Service conditions of service, and any related parties, whether through committees or associations, who act on behalf of the University or represent the University in any way.
    • Requires that third parties who seek to engage with the University refrain from doing so in a fraudulent and corrupt manner, and this includes job applicants, those seeking admission as students, student sponsors, potential and existing vendors and intermediaries, potential and existing donors, funders, and other patrons.
    • Applies to all allegations, attempts and incidents of fraud and corruption which impact or may impact the University, and related parties.