COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: CORPORATE RELATIONS

WARNING ON SCAMS TARGETING LANDLORDS

Dear Staff and Students

It has come to the attention of University Management that some individuals are falsely promising landlords and property owners the awarding of DSRA contracts for the 2023 academic year in exchange for money. These actions are criminal and also constitute a violation of the University’s Code of Conduct.

Reports indicate that some members of the University community, including students, are behind these scams. Some landlords were approached and promised contracts for student residences, while others were misled by individuals who misrepresented themselves as consultants acting on behalf of the landlords.

The University takes these reports very seriously, and any individual guilty of such misdeeds will face swift and severe consequences, including possible dismissal or expulsion from the institution. The University’s Forensics Unit is currently investigating some of these cases, and the matter will also be referred to the SAPS for criminal investigation.

Property owners are cautioned against false promises and to not fall prey to these scams. Paying money to secure contracts is also a criminal offence, and all parties involved may face legal consequences.

We call on anyone with information, including landlords or property owners who have been approached by such individuals, to provide all the information. You can report these incidents to the University’s tip-offs anonymous line at Tip-offs Anonymous Contact – Forensic Services at Tip-offs Anonymous Contact – Forensic Services (ukzn.ac.za) or to the Risk Management Services Offices on each one of the University’s campuses.

We want to emphasise that no one can guarantee University contracts. Our processes for awarding contracts are fair, transparent, and free from corruption. We are committed to ensuring that our contracts are awarded based on merit, and we will not tolerate any illegal or unethical activities that attempt to compromise these processes.

We urge all members of the University community to abide by our Code of Conduct and to act in accordance with the highest ethical standards. We will not hesitate to take swift and decisive action against anyone who violates these standards.

Issued by

Normah Zondo

Executive Director: Corporate Relations