The decision of UNISA to approach the SAHRC for this intervention was informed by its considered view that the nature and depth of the issues to be investigated required the involvement of an external, independent person or body.

Following receipt of this request, the SAHRC held an inquiry, from 20 February to 18 May 2018, to gather information and evidence of the challenges faced by UNISA.

The SAHRC’s inquiry provided a platform for UNISA employees to make submissions with the aim of finding amicable, sustainable and meaningful solutions to the UNISA’s challenges. During the inquiry, the SAHRC received oral and written submissions, which demonstrated that there were systemic, institutional challenges at UNISA that could not be solved through a single form of intervention. On 12 November 2018, the SAHRC released the outcomes of the investigation into allegations of racial tension, unfair discrimination and harassment at UNISA

In the said outcome, it is stated that:
“The recommendations are fairly broad and in order to implement change at UNISA, the Commission and UNISA agreed to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with clear timelines that will provide the framework within which these recommendations will be implemented.”

On 5 December 2018, Professor Mandla Makhanya and the SAHRC CEO, Advocate Tseliso Thipanyane will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), which seeks to outline key activities and timelines in order to implement the broad recommendations in the SAHRC investigation outcome.

The MOA reflects the parties’ commitment to taking a co-operative approach towards addressing institutional and human rights challenges that face UNISA. The MOA further reflects the parties’ commitment to a partnership approach to the achievement of substantive transformation at UNISA and the implementation of appropriate interventions aimed at mending relations, strengthening internal dispute resolution mechanisms and building social cohesion amongst its employees.

The signing of the settlement will take place as follows:
Date   : 5 December 2018
Time  : 17:00 – 18:00
Venue: South African Human Rights Commission, Main Boardroom, 4th Floor Forum 3, Braampark, 33 Hoofd Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the signing ceremony. Questions will be taken.

END!!

For RSVPs and interview requests, please contact: Mr Tommy Huma (Unisa Senior Media Liaison Officer) on 012 429 3981 / 072 218 6197 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. OR Mr Buang Jones (Gauteng Provincial Manager, SAHRC) on 011 877 3753 / 078 617 0476 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ISSUED BY UNISA MEDIA AFFAIRS AND SAHRC