Johannesburg - The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has placed four staff members on special leave following allegations of sexual harassment made against them, it said on Friday.
“The investigations into this matter are underway and are being managed by an external law firm, Bowman Gilfillan, appointed by the university,” vice-chancellor and principal Loyiso Nongxa said in a statement.
He said anyone wanting to make submissions relating to the specific investigation, or to report any other complaints related to sexual harassment by staff members, could contact Bowman Gilfillan.
It was anticipated the investigation would be concluded in the next month.
A separate campus-wide inquiry into sexual harassment should be completed in August.
“This inquiry is being led by the head of the Centre of Applied Legal Studies, Professor Bonita Meyersfeld, and Joe Mothibi from an external law firm,” said Nongxa.
“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 would further seek to provide recommendations which Wits could implement to prevent and address any future occurrences of sexual harassment.
The commissioners would refer allegations against specific individuals to Wits, while protecting the confidentiality of the people providing the investigation committee with information, evidence, or both. - Sapa