News24 | UCT to submit to govt probe into alleged discriminatory marking practices

UCT says it will allow an investigation by the Department of Higher Education and Training into allegations of grade manipulation.

• UCT says it will allow an investigation by the Department of Higher Education and Training into allegations of grade manipulation.
• The department this week said it had been informed of allegations of discriminatory practices in awarding marks.
• UCT said it had offered to conduct an internal investigation.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) will open its doors to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for its investigation of the alleged discriminatory awarding of marks.

In a communication from the vice-chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela, UCT said it had also offered to conduct an internal investigation.

“We now invite DHET to conduct an independent investigation, given the need to restore public confidence as stated in the statement by the minister,” Moshabela said.

Minister Buti Manamela said his department had been made aware of allegations of grade manipulation and institutional malpractice in the Department of Social Development at UCT this week. He described the accusations as “grave and deeply troubling”.

“If substantiated, such practices constitute a serious violation of the principles of academic integrity, non-discrimination, and public trust. The fact that these concerns were raised by a former head of department, elevates the urgency and legitimacy of the matter,” he said.

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Manamela said he would engage directly with the council chairperson and the vice-chancellor to establish which internal investigations were launched, what measures were taken to safeguard academic standards, and how the university intended to restore public confidence.

“The Department of Higher Education and Training has reviewed the dossier submitted to it and is currently assessing the appropriate steps within the framework of the Higher Education Act, including options for oversight or independent inquiry, should governance failures be confirmed,” said Manamela.

“This matter will not be brushed aside. We owe it to the students, academics, and the public to get to the bottom of it - and to act accordingly.”

Moshabela said the university was made aware of the allegations on Tuesday - the same day the department posted a public statement saying it would engage with UCT.

“On the morning of Wednesday, 6 August 2025, I had a call with the Minister of Higher Education and Training to discuss the handling of the matter going forward.

“As UCT, we have tight measures in place to safeguard the integrity of our academic programmes,” said Moshabela.

He added:

“ If anyone in our academic community was found to engage in academic misconduct of any kind, such practices will compromise the academic quality, standards and standing of UCT.”

Moshabela said the university would “continue to engage with the minister and the department to ensure this matter is timeously brought to conclusion”.