Students gathering and interacting outside the University of Cape Town’s famous central building.
(The Post News)- Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela is investigating claims that University of Cape Town (UCT) awarded student a degree to silence a rape victim. Furthermore, the case has raised serious concerns about institutional accountability.
Sunday World reports that a court order obtained at the Western High Court restricted the complainant after investigations found no evidence supporting her claims. Consequently, critics argue that survivors may face challenges in seeking justice.
Alleged Influence over the Complainant
Manamela told Sunday World that his office will request a detailed report from UCT this week, explaining how the matter was resolved and whether the university strengthened its sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) policies. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of transparency and compliance.
The source explained that the complainant, a postgraduate student and government employee, experienced UCT awarding a degree following the alleged assault. Moreover, an anonymous source said the complainant, raped in 2020, faced pressure to drop her case in exchange for a free degree.
The source added that UCT awarded student a degree during a May meeting, requesting she drop the case and leave the country. Meanwhile, legal representatives reportedly attended, demonstrating institutional involvement.
Minister Manamela Advocates for Responsibility
On Friday, Manamela said the complainant first raised these serious allegations with him while he was deputy minister, highlighting the broader challenge of sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV) in higher education, including at UCT.
“The department treats allegations of universities silencing GBV survivors with utmost seriousness. Therefore, we are assessing measures to stop misuse of restraining orders or other legal tools to intimidate victims,” he said.
He added that the department’s goal is to ensure institutional procedures, including at UCT, protect survivors, uphold justice, and comply with the Constitution and relevant laws. In addition, he stressed the importance of institutional accountability.
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