Statement by Babalwa Ngonyama in response to the UCT Independent Panel's Final Report findings
3 November 2023
Following the release of the report by the independent panel appointed to investigate various governance issues at the University of Cape Town and the related media coverage, Ms Ngonyama felt it appropriate to provide her perspective on the matter.
A legal review process is currently pending in the Western Cape High Court to challenge the lawfulness and fairness of the process and the nature and extent of the Panel’s powers. More alarming is the fact that the panel chose to release the final report while a court review process is pending.
She says: “I strongly deny the allegations made against me in the report which is the very reason that I have challenged the basis of the findings in the legal review process. They are one-sided, unverified and untested, leading to the unlawful damage and defamation inflicted upon my dignity, reputation and character, which is profound. I eagerly anticipate the resolution of the legal review process in the Western Cape High Court."
The panel was appointed to investigate broader governance issues at UCT. It is unfortunate that a process that could have been used constructively was rendered a missed opportunity as it morphed to target a few individuals. It is one thing to focus on improving governance at UCT, it is a completely different matter to use the process to lay blame.