Dr. Zamambo Mkhize, a social scientist at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has spoken out about the so-called "Forest Hill incident," stating that she never complained about Vice-Chancellor Prof Mosa Moshabela or the wellness check that is at the center of his legal battle with the university council. In an affidavit filed in the Western Cape high court, Mkhize expressed her concerns about the continued investigation into the November 2025 incident, believing it to be unwarranted. She emphasized that she had never lodged a complaint and had nothing further to add after being questioned by investigators.
The Forest Hill incident is a contentious issue in Moshabela's legal challenge against the UCT council. Moshabela, who was appointed vice-chancellor for a five-year term in 2024, has approached the high court to review and set aside four resolutions adopted by council on May 30. These resolutions followed an investigation into 34 complaints about his conduct. Council decided not to institute disciplinary proceedings over those complaints but authorized a separate investigation into the Forest Hill incident. Mkhize, cited as the 35th respondent, felt compelled to provide her account to prevent a potential miscarriage of justice.
According to Mkhize, the incident occurred at UCT's Forest Hill staff residence on November 13, 2025. She had fallen seriously ill several days earlier and was taking strong medication that caused her to sleep for extended periods. On the evening of November 13, she left her cellphone charging on silent in the dining room and went to bed before 8 pm. She later woke to knocking and heard a man announce himself three times before entering her bedroom. The man identified himself as Grant de Monk and said he worked for Moshabela.
Mkhize explained that she had previously met De Monk in January 2025 when she visited Moshabela following the publication of her first book. She explained that she had been ill and that her phone was charging on silent in another room. De Monk offered to call an ambulance, but she declined because she was already receiving treatment. He asked her to contact her mother and said he would return the next morning, which he did. Mkhize thanked De Monk for the wellness check before he left.
Mkhize received a call from a woman identifying herself as an attorney from Fairbridges Attorneys on March 2, requesting a meeting. She was subsequently told Fairbridges had been appointed by UCT council to investigate a matter concerning Moshabela. At the March 4 meeting, Mkhize says she was repeatedly asked to recount what happened on November 13. Investigators asked whether De Monk had announced himself three times before entering her bedroom, which she confirmed.
Mkhize expressed her disappointment with the investigation, stating that her central question remained unanswered: why was a wellness check she had never complained about being investigated? She alleges that one panel member became "visibly agitated" when she repeatedly gave the same account and declined to characterize the incident differently. Mkhize says she respected the investigation's confidentiality and expected the same protection for her privacy.
The Forest Hill dispute comes amid broader questions about the investigation into Moshabela. UCT council has since suspended implementation of the four resolutions challenged by Moshabela pending the outcome of his judicial review application. Council chairperson Norman Arendse SC previously said council had received independent legal advice and would follow court processes before deciding whether to oppose the application.
Key points
- Dr. Zamambo Mkhize never complained about Vice-Chancellor Prof Mosa Moshabela or the wellness check.
- The Forest Hill incident is a contentious issue in Moshabela's legal challenge against the UCT council.
- Mkhize's account raises questions about how matters involving UCT staff came to be incorporated into the vice-chancellor's investigation.
