Another UCT leadership crisis: 34 complaints, secret findings and a VC in court
%2Ffile%2Fattachments%2Forphans%2Fbecs_UCT_288506.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
University of Cape Town Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela has initiated legal action against the university council following an investigation into 34 complaints regarding his conduct. While the council cleared him of disciplinary proceedings, they have ordered further investigation into a specific incident involving unauthorized entry into a staff member's home.
Why it matters
This leadership crisis at a major academic institution highlights ongoing governance challenges and the intersection of institutional policy and legal accountability.
A new leadership row unfolding at the University of Cape Town has seen Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela taking the UCT Council to court over investigations into his conduct.
7 Aug 2026 Illustrative image: Professor Mosa Moshabela.(Photo: Gallo Images/Die Burger/Jaco Marais) | UCT Campus (Photo: iStock) Dive Deeper Speed Read Summary Listen Dive Deeper Less than four years after the University of Cape Town was plunged into a governance crisis over allegations concerning then vice-chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng , Africa’s top university is facing fresh leadership turmoil involving her successor.
Court papers filed this week reveal that UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela has taken the university’s own council to the Western Cape High Court after an investigation into 34 complaints from UCT staff and students concerning his conduct.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in