The Transformation Office’s role is to work as the protection office for students and employees involved in issues of discrimination, Gender-Based Violence and other related issues. The Transformation Office Investigator receives complaints; counsels, supports and advises complainants; ensures speedy resolution of complaints and make a Prima Facie Assessment. The Investigator also collates data, analyse the trends and report to different structures of the University.
For one to report a case of Discrimination or SGBV, one has to go to the Security Services Investigations Unit or the Transformation office. Alternatively, students and employees can also log a case online in the UP portal interface as follows:
Reported cases are investigated between the Transformation office and the Security Investigative unit. Once the case assessments have been finalised and Prima Facie case has been found, and if the recommendation is to follow a formal process, the case is then referred to Employee Relations or Legal Services for formal disciplinary processes as the processes depicted below:
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It should be noted that not all cases lead to formal disciplinary processes. Some cases are dealt with in an informal process ( mediation) depending on the nature and severity of the case and the complainant's choice of process. This goes with the ethos of the Transformation Office that our goal is to transform our nation through training and awareness and the changing of behaviours and the shifting of toxic paradigms of sexuality, masculinity, gender and violence.
The Transformation Office’s core function is to raise awareness, educate and handle all forms of discrimination and social injustice. This is done through the socialisation of embedded university policies and protocols that support the Transformation Office's work.
The Training and Advocacy Coordinator is responsible for designing, managing and implementing various social justice initiatives, advocacy, awareness and prevention campaigns which are run by the Transformation Office.
The Transformation Office invites you to a series of workshops designed for both staff and student groups. The goal of these workshops is to conscientise the University community on the five themes that are covered in the University of Pretoria's Anti-Discrimination Policy. These workshops also aim to inform the University community on how to report incidents of sexual and gender-based violence, sexual harassment and all forms of unfair discrimination
We encourage you and your teams to sign up by using the link in the attached poster:
1. Anti-Discrimination Policy
· This workshop provides an overview of the University’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, focusing on its five core themes. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how these themes impact our campus and how to foster a more inclusive environment.
2. Harassment and Sexual Harassment
· Participants will learn to identify different forms of harassment, understand how they may manifest in daily interactions and gain practical tools to address and report such behaviours.
3. Workplace Bullying
· Workplace bullying can often be subtle but has a profound impact on the overall workplace climate. This workshop will help participants recognise behaviours that may constitute bullying, understand their impact and learn how to respond appropriately. The workshop aims to raise awareness and deepen understanding of workplace bullying, empowering staff and students to recognise and report incidents confidently. It provides practical guidance on how the University addresses reported cases and fosters a culture of respect and safety, ensuring a supportive environment for all.
4. Gender Diversity and Inclusion
· This workshop provides insights into gender identities, inclusive language and practical ways to foster gender inclusion within different spaces.
5. Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
· Focusing on gender stereotypes and GBV within the context of the Anti-Discrimination Policy, this workshop explores the impact of rape culture as a barrier to justice and the importance of creating supportive environments for survivors.
We understand that each faculty/department has unique needs. Therefore, the workshops listed above can be combined or tailored to address specific topics relevant to your teams, contact us via email at [email protected] to see how best we can assist you.
#SpeakOutUP Programme
#SpeakOutUP is the advocacy programme of the University of Pretoria’s Transformation Office. Through #SpeakOutUP, the Transformation Office coordinates initiatives and activities aimed at addressing discrimination on prohibited grounds, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and all forms of sexual harassment. This work is guided by the university’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP), which the Transformation Office is responsible for implementing along with its associated protocols, and draws attention to other policies that speak to the abovementioned focus areas.
#SpeakOutUP has a cohort of student volunteers who play a critical role in the socialization of the ADP amongst the student population across all UP campuses and residences, and in ensuring that campaigns and programmes extend to UP accredited residences which house the university’s day students. Beyond the work related to the ADP, #SpeakOutUP student volunteers run initiatives that help spotlight student issues and concerns relating to matters of transformation within the university.
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