N.B. Message From Advocate Geoff Budlender

Tuesday, 25 August 2009

NOTICE AND INVITATION

I have been appointed by the Vice-Chancellor to conduct an investigation into the events leading up to and during the Limmud Conference which took place at the Medical School Campus on 9 and 10 August 2009, and in particular to investigate:

1. claims that racial profiling and/or inflammatory slurs took place;

2. assertions that the University unreasonably attempted to prevent students from legitimate protest action;

3. an allegation that the University did not respond seriously and timeously to the issue;

4. whether the University exercised its proper responsibility with regard to ensuring proper control and use of the venues hired to an external organisation. If necessary, further recommendations will be made on this issue.

The findings of the investigation will be made available to members of the University community.

I invite members of the Wits community and interested members of the general public to provide me with relevant information which will assist me in conducting this investigation. In particular, I invite:

(a) persons who wish to provide written information to send it to me.

(b) persons who wish to be interviewed to indicate this, and to provide a summary of what information they will be able to provide at such an interview, if invited; and

(c) interested persons to identify any other persons whom they suggest I should seek to interview, and why I should seek to interview such persons.

All such information, with the relevant contact details should be sent to me via this email address: feedback.survey@wits.ac.za

As it is intended that I should complete the investigation by the end of September 2009, I shall be grateful if this information could be provided by no later than Wednesday, 2 September 2009. Once I have that information, I shall be in a position to make the necessary arrangements for interviews.

GEOFF BUDLENDER SC