Committee condemns racism incident at Free State University
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has noted persistent incidents of racism at some of the country’s higher education institutions, which are supposed to be the platforms for inter-cultural tolerance and common humanity.
The recent incident at the University of the Free State has once again demonstrated the highest level of defiance to transformation and reconciliation which continues to threaten diversity and social cohesion in the society.
The Committee wishes to condemn the incident in the strongest terms possible, and also applaud the university management for their swift and appropriate disciplinary action against the perpetrators.
“As a country, we come from a system that institutionalised racism, sexism, inequality and other forms of discrimination that were expected to fade away after the demise of the apartheid government. We will therefore never allow any space for such practices and tendencies to co-exist with our hard-earned democracy,” Committee Chairperson, Advocate Ishmael Malale.
He added: “As the Committee, we believe that tertiary institutions, like other public spaces, should be the safest places for the citizens regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation to work, live or study, without fear.”
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Foster Mohale
Parliamentary Communication Services
Cell: 072 432 3792
Tel: 021 403 2239
Email: fmohale@parliament.gov.za
