More than 1,600 sign petition demanding UCT Council chair Norman Arendse’s resignation - IOL

More than 1,600 people have signed a petition demanding that University of Cape Town (UCT) Council chairperson Advocate Norman Arendse SC resign, accusing him of undermining public trust, breaching confidentiality and damaging the university’s reputation.

The petition, initiated by UCT alumni, has drawn support from academics, parents, funders and other stakeholders concerned about the institution’s governance. Signatories argue that Arendse’s leadership has deepened divisions and are calling on Council to elect a successor capable of restoring confidence in the university.

UCT, however, said Council had not formally received the petition.

“The University of Cape Town (UCT) Council has not received any formal correspondence from any recognised university stakeholders on this matter,” the university said.

The petition opens by emphasising the signatories’ commitment to the university, stating that their call for Arendse to step down stems from concern about UCT’s future rather than internal political disagreements.

“We, the undersigned stakeholders in the University of Cape Town, owe much to our university,” it reads.

The signatories say their connection to UCT extends beyond their academic years, with alumni carrying the institution’s reputation into their careers and communities, while parents and funders continue investing in future generations.

“We put our names to this Call because the conduct of the Chair of Council, Advocate Norman Arendse SC, has shaken that trust,” the petition states.

At the centre of the dispute are allegations that Arendse has failed to uphold the standards expected of the person presiding over the university’s highest governing body.

The petition cites UCT Council’s Code of Conduct, which requires members to act “in good faith, honestly, truthfully and for proper purpose”, exercise appropriate care and diligence, and act in the university’s best interests.

It also highlights the code’s commitments to fairness and integrity, including refraining from conduct that demeans or humiliates others.

The stakeholders contend that Arendse’s conduct has fallen short of these standards.

One of the petition’s central complaints concerns Arendse’s handling of allegations against UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela.

According to the petition, Arendse publicly discussed Council’s handling of complaints against Moshabela, despite an investigation commissioned by Council having reportedly cleared the vice-chancellor of wrongdoing.

The petition alleges that only one of the complaints had been put to Moshabela and that the investigative report had not been shared with him.

It further claims that three people linked to UCT subsequently denied making complaints attributed to them.

The signatories accuse Arendse of publicly repeating allegations they contend he knew were untrue, while breaching confidentiality.

They also question what they regard as an inconsistency between his treatment of Moshabela and his previously stated position on complaints against himself.

Arendse had previously said that “the principles of natural justice require that an accused person be apprised of the case against him with sufficient clarity and particularity to enable a meaningful response”.

UCT declined to comment on the substance of the allegations, citing ongoing litigation involving the vice-chancellor and the university’s Council.

“UCT reiterates that the legal matter involving the Vice-Chancellor and the university’s Council is currently before the courts. It would therefore not be appropriate for the university to comment on the details or merits of the case at this stage.”

Arendse had not responded to media queries at time of going to print.