The University of Cape Town (UCT) Council continues deliberations over sanctions following a special meeting on 18 October 2026, where judges’ reports on 50 complaints lodged against Council members were adopted. The inquiry found that only two members breached the Code of Conduct, with retired Judge Mahomed Navsa recommending expulsion for Mark Oppenheimer and a six-month suspension for David Ansara.
The complaints, submitted between 15 March and 18 October 2025, stem from allegations and counter-allegations within UCT’s governance structure, notably involving contentious claims that Islamist elements had taken control of the university—a claim made by Oppenheimer but not independently verified by investigators. Judge Navsa described these disputes as “part of the retaliatory exchanges between the parties.” Another judge, Wallis, reviewed three complaints involving five Council members and found no breaches of conduct.
Advocate Norman Arendse SC, UCT Council chairperson, confirmed: “Only two members of Council were found to have contravened the Code of Conduct. In the case of the first member, Judge Navsa recommended expulsion from Council. In relation to the second member, he recommended a six-month suspension from Council.” The recommendations now rest with a five-member Council subcommittee that will consider representations before final sanctions are imposed.
Oppenheimer has criticised the process as “an egregious attack on freedom of expression,” while the university has maintained a cautious stance. Speaking to Mail & Guardian, UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said, “UCT is therefore not in a position to comment further at this stage. The university will provide further updates when appropriate.” The matter remains an internal governance and speech dispute at this point, not involving criminal proceedings.
The complaints and ensuing reports have highlighted tensions around UCT’s internal governance, freedom of expression debates, and the fallout from the university’s Gaza resolutions. The public release of some reports prompted an apology from UCT for confidentiality breaches, underscoring the sensitive nature of the inquiry. The Council’s decision on final sanctions is pending, with detailed deliberations expected in the coming weeks.