By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) council has suspended the implementation of four resolutions challenged by the vice-chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela.
The decision follows a special University Council meeting held on Saturday, 15 August 2026, to consider the legal proceedings brought by Moshabela against four resolutions adopted by Council on 30 May.
Council said it had considered legal advice on the matter before resolving to suspend implementation of the four resolutions pending the final determination of the judicial review proceedings.
The latest development comes after an investigation whose mandate ultimately encompassed 34 complaints concerning Moshabela, according to his court papers.
Fullview understands the Council decided against instituting disciplinary proceedings against the Vice-Chancellor following the investigation, but adopted four separate resolutions concerning him.
Moshabela is challenging those four resolutions, Resolutions 3 to 6, in court. The separate resolution not to institute disciplinary proceedings is not part of his challenge.
The dispute has also brought renewed attention to complaints recorded by UCT’s Ombud, Nashira Abrahams.
According to Moshabela’s court papers, UCT Council member Malcolm Campbell informed the Vice-Chancellor on 30 June 2025 that the Ombud had received 21 complaints from staff relating to his “interactions with them”.
By December 2025, the Ombud had recorded 39 visits by staff and students concerning Moshabela, with eight matters marked as closed and 31 as open.
The court documents caution that these 39 recorded visits do not necessarily represent 39 different complainants.
Six of the open matters were categorised as three sexual harassment complaints, two complaints relating to discrimination based on culture and one relating to discrimination based on gender.
Council adopted a resolution on 14 February 2026 mandating that the 31 open matters be formally investigated.
Council Chair Norman Arendse SC said the university would follow the preliminary processes required by the Rules of Court.
“Council resolved to follow the preliminary processes prescribed by the Rules of Court and to await the Vice-Chancellor’s supplementation of his papers in terms of the rules, before deciding whether or not to oppose the review proceedings,” he said. “Council has also confirmed its willingness to participate in mediation to resolve the dispute.”
“The four resolutions will remain suspended pending the High Court’s final determination of the judicial review proceedings.”
The university has identified Council as its governing body, while Moshabela has served as Vice-Chancellor and Principal since August 2024. UCT announced his appointment as its 11th Vice-Chancellor in July 2024.