The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is deeply committed to ethical governance and management. Guided by the King IV Report, our Council and management prioritise integrity and ethical leadership, ensuring a culture of ethical conduct is integrated into all our practices and policies. This page provides guidance on ethical issues and secure channels for reporting concerns.

Purpose of the Ethics Help Desk

The Ethics Help Desk and Reporting Portal are designed to promote a culture of ethical decision-making, provide a confidential platform for reporting concerns, offer support for ethical dilemmas, and ensure strict compliance with university policies and national laws.

What Can Be Reported?

You can use this portal to report concerns or seek advice on a wide range of ethical issues, including but not limited to:

Types of reportable ethical concerns

How to Report Ethical Concerns

Any official, employee, student, or stakeholder with a concern may raise it through the following secure channels. Reports can be submitted in your preferred language.

1. Online Reporting Form

Submit your concern securely and anonymously via our dedicated digital form.

Access Reporting Form →

2. Independent Hotline & Email

Toll-Free: 0800 222 225

WhatsApp: +27 (0)31 308 4664

Email: cut@whistleblowing.co.za or ethics@cut.ac.za

3. In-Person Consultation

Schedule a confidential meeting with an Ethics Officer at the Orion Building, Room 5 (Governance, Risk and Compliance Section).

4. Internal Escalation

Concerns may also be raised verbally or in writing to your direct line manager, the accused's manager, the relevant Faculty Dean, Executive Manager, Committee Chairperson, or the Registrar.

What to Include in Your Report: Please provide the nature of the complaint, where, when, and how the incident occurred, the parties involved, and, if known, how long the alleged incident has been ongoing. Note: While anonymous reporting is permitted, providing your contact details may be necessary for the university to effectively follow up and resolve the issue.

The Reporting Process & Confidentiality

What Happens After You Report?

  1. You will receive confirmation of receipt within a reasonable period.
  2. Your concern will be reviewed by the relevant governance office.
  3. If necessary, an impartial investigation will be conducted in line with university policies and regulations.
  4. Based on the outcome, appropriate action will be taken, and involved parties will be informed of the outcome where appropriate.

Protecting Whistleblowers

All reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the identity and privacy of reporters. While you may choose to remain anonymous, please note that this may limit the university's ability to investigate or resolve the issue effectively.

Learn how we protect whistleblowers' identities.

Ethics Resources & Policies

Access our official governance documents, policies, and declaration forms below:

Whistleblower Ethics Hotline: FAQs

Watch our informational videos answering frequently asked questions about the reporting process and whistleblower protection.

Part 1

Part 2

Uploaded 10 September 2026 Views
Contact Us

+27(0)51 507 4048
ethics@cut.ac.za
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