EXCLUSIVE: Another UCT leadership crisis: 34 complaints, secret findings and a VC in court

A leadership crisis at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has escalated, with Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela taking the UCT Council to court over investigations into his conduct. This follows a series of complaints, totaling 34 from staff and students, that have been under scrutiny since Moshabela's appointment in August 2024. The investigation into these complaints concluded with no disciplinary action being taken, yet the council acknowledged raising "certain concerns" about Moshabela's behavior.

What troubles Moshabela most is the council's decision to further probe an incident involving unauthorized entry into a female academic's home. While the university has confirmed the initiation of legal proceedings, it has declined to comment on the specifics of the case. The complaints, which were recorded under a broad category of "Evaluative Relationships," included allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and bullying.

Despite the reduction in complaints, the council directed Moshabela to undergo executive coaching and annual reviews, a measure not extended to other senior leaders. The discrepancy in the treatment of Moshabela has been a point of contention, leading him to argue that a genuine developmental program should not single out an individual for compulsion based on undisclosed concerns.