The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) is committed to ethical governance and management. The Council ensures a culture of ethical conduct through a Code of Ethics integrated into all practices and policies. Guided by the King IV Report, the governing body promotes an ethical culture aligned with its values. CUT's council and management prioritise integrity and ethical leadership. This page addresses ethical concerns, reports misconduct, and provides guidance on ethical issues.

Purpose of the Ethics Help Desk and Reporting Portal

The Ethics Help Desk and Reporting Portal are designed to:

  • Promote a culture of ethical decision-making and behaviour.
  • Provide a confidential and secure platform for reporting ethical concerns.
  • Offer resources and support for ethical dilemmas and queries.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies and laws.

What can be reported?

You can use this portal to report concerns or seek advice on:

How to report ethical concerns?

1. Any official, employee, student or stakeholder who has a concern may raise that concern anonymously by using the ethics reporting form or communicating anonymously through the CUT's Ethics and Fraud/Whistle-blower Hotline:

Toll free: +27(0)800 222 225

E-mail: cut@whistleblowing.co.za or communicating directly with the ethics office by sending an email to ethics@cut.ac.za

2. Reporters can use the language of their preference.

3. Reports can be submitted anonymously if preferred. However, please note that such may limit the university's ability to follow up on or resolve the issue.

4. In-Person Consultation: Schedule a confidential meeting with an Ethics Officer at Orion Building, Room 5, Governance, Risk and Compliance Section.

5. Alternatively, any official, employee, student or stakeholder who has a concern may raise that concern, in writing or verbally, to any of the following:

  • his/her direct line manager/supervisor, or the direct line manager/supervisor of the accused;
  • the faculty dean or relevant senior manager of the reporter or the accused;
  • the relevant executive manager of the reporter or the accused;
  • the relevant chairperson of the committee, or the Registrar

6. Details of the reported ethical concern should include the following: nature of the complaint, where, when and how the incident occurred, parties that are involved, and, if available, how long the alleged incident has been going on.

What happens after you report?

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

Confidentiality

All reports are handled with the utmost confidentiality to protect the identity and privacy of the reporters. Although reporters have a choice not to identify themselves, in some cases, such may delay and/or render the investigation process unsuccessful.

Ethics Resources




Uploaded: 19 May 2025
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