The Chairman of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has noted with grave concern a social media post by the name of Professor Srila Roy of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), alleging that “South Africans have low ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic.”
Mr Letsie said such comments, if accurately attributed, are extremely offensive, disrespectful and unacceptable, especially coming from a senior academic who is tasked with teaching, mentoring and shaping the minds of young South Africans. Institutions of higher education should be places of respect, inclusion and nation building. Discriminatory and abusive attitudes have no place in after-school education or in our society.
“Professor Roy serves as Head of Sociology at Wits, a field dedicated to understanding social issues such as inequality, gender and development. It is therefore deeply disappointing that someone in such a position can hold and express views that undermine the dignity and potential of the people our universities exist to serve.”
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“I condemn these alleged comments in the strongest terms. South Africans are resilient, hard-working and ambitious, and they continue to strive for a better future despite the many challenges they face. It is unacceptable for any academic, especially one in a leadership position, to make statements that generalise, demean or belittle the people of this country. Our universities should uplift and empower students, not discourage or belittle them “Those who are entrusted with the task of shaping young minds have the responsibility to contribute positively to the development of our country.”
The senior management of Wits University should immediately investigate the matter and take appropriate and decisive action. Universities must hold their staff to the highest ethical and professional standards and take firm action where those standards are breached, Mr Lettiz said.
“As the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, we call on Wits to ensure that its institutional environment protects the psychological and emotional well-being of all students and staff, and that all forms of discrimination and abusive conduct are addressed without hesitation,” Mr Letsie said.
The Committee is committed to ensuring that institutions of higher education serve the people of South Africa with integrity, fairness and respect.