On Monday, the University of Pretoria expressed strong condemnation toward a provocative act orchestrated by Afriforum Youth, which saw the placement of stickers reading ‘no whites allowed’ on certain entrances of the university’s Hatfield Campus.
What University of Pretoria said about the ‘no whites’ saga
The university, in its statement, emphasised its staunch commitment to the principles of non-discrimination and diversity, underscoring its resolve to take immediate disciplinary action against those involved in this act, which it described as blatant advocacy for racism in an institution devoted to the noble cause of education and societal transformation in South Africa.
“We will take immediate disciplinary action against those responsible for defacing the University’s property, and advocating for racism in an institution of higher learning dedicated to the education and transformation of South Africa,” the tertiary wrote.
Afirforum Youth breaks down logic behind race-baiting stunt
Afriforum, a lobby group known for its advocacy for minority rights, justified this act as an attempt to spotlight what it termed as ‘double standards at Tuks.
According to Afriforum, the sticker campaign was initiated to draw attention to racial exclusion and the university’s alleged double standards when dealing with issues of racial discrimination.
The group claims that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) members on campus had earlier shouted discriminatory remarks like, “only black students!” and despite Afriforum’s repeated letters to the university management demanding the deregistration of the EFF Student Command (EFFSC UP) as a student society, the university had failed to respond.
The absence of a response from the University of Pretoria, as per Afriforum, compelled its members to adopt a new approach to garner the attention and answers they sought from the university’s management.
“It is shocking that the university reacts so quickly and heated to a protest against racial exclusion on their campus, while those who are guilty of actual racial exclusion bear no consequences for their actions,” the lobby group said.
Afriforum expressed disappointment at the speed and fervour with which the university responded to their protest, contrasting it with the alleged lack of action against those accused of racial exclusion.
Louis Boshoff, an Afriforum campaign officer, mentioned that Afriforum plans to continue pushing for the deregistration of the EFFSC UP, while demanding accountability for the alleged racial exclusion incident, given the university’s demonstrated capability to respond promptly.
The incident unfolds against a backdrop of South Africa’s intricate history of systemic discrimination.
The University of Pretoria reiterated its role in actively working to redress historical injustices, creating an inclusive and equitable environment, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding.