At SU, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every staff member feels safe, valued and respected. The University takes a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of discrimination, prejudice, rights violations and violence on campus. We subscribe to the constitutional principles of dignity, healing, justice, freedom and equality, which have also been included in our institution’s new Transformation Policy.

To achieve this, we have introduced a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening workplace wellbeing and ensuring that our policies and support structures are clear, accessible, and responsive to staff concerns.

The University’s decision-making structures are currently considering a revised Policy on Unfair Discrimination, Harassment and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). We have also finalised the new Plan for a Respectful, Safe and Inclusive Workplace. These documents:

• recognise a broader range of workplace behaviour concerns alongside unfair discrimination and harassment;
• provide clearer reporting structures so that staff know exactly where to seek assistance;
• ensure swift, fair and meaningful resolution of complaints; and
• align with Code 2040, SU’s integrated code of ethics, as well as the University’s ECARE values, reinforcing our commitment to ethical leadership and professional integrity in the workplace.

Prevention and early intervention are key. To support staff, SU is implementing:

• a mediation panel with 12 trained mediators to help resolve workplace concerns constructively;
• conflict management training for Human Resources (HR) teams and managers, equipping them with the skills to handle disputes fairly;
• an employment relations heatmap to detect early warning signs of workplace tension and address them before they escalate;
• diversity and inclusion workshops, such as Siyakhula, to help teams work better across differences;
• workshops on a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace, which will be presented widely across SU and will soon also be available under HR’s training offerings on sun-e-HR, where line managers’ participation will specifically be encouraged; and
• mental health support, including mental health first-aid training for line managers, resilience workshops, and stress management resources.

If you experience or witness any unacceptable workplace behaviour, you do not have to face it alone. SU offers multiple safe and confidential reporting options:

• Internal reporting platform: Submit a report via Thetha. (Did you know that thetha is isiXhosa for speak?)
• The Deloitte independent tip-off line: Available 24/7 in all South African languages; staff can report issues anonymously via 0800 007 092 or SUunfair@tip-offs.com.
• Direct email reporting: Workplace concerns can also be reported to unfair@sun.ac.za.
• The Equality Unit will serve as the initial contact point for these complaints. The Unit ensures that all reports are received, documented, and directed to the appropriate channels for investigation and resolution, guaranteeing that every concern is handled with care, confidentiality and urgency.
• A dedicated micro-site with clear information and resources on GBV: https://www.sun.ac.za/english/gbv
• To further improve accessibility, SU has centralised all complaints reporting options on the main University website. These include channels for matters relating to the Ombud’s office, fraud, corruption, language policy concerns, discrimination, and GBV. Access these reporting options here.

As part of our commitment to dignity, safety and social justice, SU has partnered with the Ring for Peace Cape Trust and other stakeholders to establish the INSPIRE Facility. INSPIRE is an acronym for the Initiative for Non-violence, Support, Prevention, Intervention, Research and Education. This proposed learning, teaching and research collaboration hub focuses on addressing the root causes of GBV and fostering a culture of non-violence. The facility aims to create sustainable and impactful interventions, using a transdisciplinary approach to address national challenges with immediate contextual impact. Additionally, it will help establish global networks to study non-violence and create an environment for academics and students to research GBV.

Furthermore, SU is proud to host South Africa’s first Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) that is not based in a public hospital or on government-owned property. The TCC was established on non-governmental premises in Idas Valley. The community-based centre provides survivor-centred care, forensic services and trauma support, offering a safe space for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Locate the TCC on Google Maps, or phone them on 063 238 4280.