Discrimination & Harassment Office
First established in 2001, the Discrimination and Harassment Office (DISCHO) serves the campus community with advice and support in regard to all matters related to discrimination and harassment on campus.
DISCHO remains the first port of call for staff or students at UCT who are experiencing any type of discrimination or harassment. The office receives, assists with, advises on and investigates claims regarding all forms of discrimination and harassment, including rape, and provides assistance to both complainants and alleged perpetrators.
DISCHO's role has grown in scope over the years to incorporate policy work, policy implementation and education and awareness, as well as the training and deployment of Anti-Discrimination Advisors (ADAs) and Sexual Harassment Advisors (SHAs).
Services
The services offered by DISCHO include:
- Awareness campaigns on issues of harassment and discrimination
- Office of first report of harassment / discrimination
- Investigation procedures on alleged transgressions
- Assisting with UCT policy formulation
- Legal advice & court preparation for gender violence victims (staff and students), with particular expertise in Protection Orders
- Trial assistance and disciplinary hearing preparation programmes
- Workshops and discussion on a variety of issues, including masculinity, race and gender
Other services
In addition to the above, the following services are also offered by DISCHO.
- Investigations of complaints that include sexual harassment, racial discrimination and intimidation
- Networking with relevant stakeholders and role players
- Setting up electronic databases and communication systems
- Presentations around available services
- Advise and assistance to staff and students on a variety of legal issues
- Conflict resolution
- Mediation
For more information please see our DISCHO pages.
Contact us
Director: Francois Botha
Administrative Officer: Rashieda Khan
Tel: 021 650 3530
Discrimination & Harassment Office
The Cottage
Lovers' Walk
Lower Campus South
UCT
