From the Chair’s desk: Council to consider request for inquiry

Dear students and colleagues

As a campus community, we continue to mourn very deeply the loss of our colleague and friend, Professor Bongani Mayosi. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We recognise the profound sense of personal loss that the Mayosi and Khumalo families are feeling, and the search for understanding that may help them in a process of healing.

Many at UCT share this need for understanding and healing – especially those of us who worked closely with Professor Mayosi. The UCT Council has received the statement, dated 31 July 2018, that was issued by Concerned Academics and the UCT Black Academic Caucus, calling for an inquiry into the circumstances leading up to the passing of Professor Mayosi. The Mayosi and Khumalo families have also asked for an inquiry. Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng called for an inquiry two days after Professor Mayosi’s passing.

Since then a committee of Council members has been established to consider the request for an inquiry. The committee will be convened by Advocate Norman Arendse, and will commence its work shortly. Consideration of the request for an inquiry is a necessary prior step before any decision to proceed with an inquiry. Council recognises the importance of this matter, and the need to proceed responsibly and judiciously, with due regard to related issues of privacy.

I ask that we approach the time ahead with the kind of care, diligence and compassion that will continue to honour the memory of Professor Mayosi.

Sincerely

Sipho M Pityana
Chair of UCT Council

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