Independent inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment at Wits
- By Wits University
(THE UNIVERSITY)
(hereinafter “Campus-Wide Independent Inquiry”)
Notice of consultations with individual members of the University Community
(hereinafter “Consultations”)
1. The Office of the Vice-Chancellor of the University has commissioned Joe Mothibi, the Head of the Employment and Labour Department of Norton Rose Attorneys Inc and Professor Bonita Meyersfeld, the Director of the Centre for Applied Legal Studies at the University (the investigation team) to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment at the University.
2. The Campus-Wide Independent Inquiry has been commissioned to establish:
2.1 whether sexual harassment and quid pro quo relationships are commonplace at the University;
2.2 whether students and staff are aware of the University’s sexual harassment policies and procedures and are comfortable reporting such incidents; and
2.3 whether the process of addressing sexual harassment is fair, robust, effective and sensitive.
3. The investigation team is to provide recommendations aimed at preventing and addressing incidents of sexual harassment in the future and will assess the existing sexual harassment policies and procedures of the University.
4. In order to fulfill its mandate, the investigation team would like to hear from various bodies, groups, individuals and associations within the University community who choose to participate.
5. Individuals may approach members of the investigation team during the allocated times stipulated in paragraph 8 below to discuss their individual experiences or knowledge and views on the subject, including specific incidents of sexual harassment.
6. Specific incidents of sexual harassment may at all times be reported through the University’s established procedures and in addition, may be raised confidentially with the investigating team on an individual basis. The investigation is not a substitute for reporting in terms of the University’s established policies and procedures.
7. The investigation team encourages all interested persons to come forward so that its recommendations and findings will be as accurate, informed and relevant as possible.
8. Mr. Mothibi and Professor Meyersfeld and their team are available to consult, during the following dates and times:
8.1. 8 April – 10 April 2013 from 11h00 to 14h00 in Room 8025, 8th Floor, Senate House, East Campus; or
8.2. 11 April – 12 April 2013 from 11h00 to 14h00 in the Jackson Room, 2nd Floor, Chamber of Mines Building, West Campus.
9. Any queries regarding the Campus-Wide Independent Inquiry may be directed to-
9.1 Professor Bonita Meyersfeld bonita.meyersfeld@wits.ac.za
9.2 Mr Joe Mothibi Joe.Mothibi@nortonrose.com
9.3 Ms Verushka Reddy Verushka.Reddy@nortonrose.com