UP urged to condemn new ‘Afrikaans-only’ residence

The University of Pretoria has been urged to take a stand against a new Afrikaans-only residence that recently opened at the University. The private residence, named De Goede Hoop, was opened on January 28 and houses 48 students, the Perdeby Newspaper reported.

Activist Yusuf Abramjee took to Twitter to air his views on the new residence, expressing his distaste that segregation still existed in 2017.

Looks at this!!! We are in 2017 and we have segregation. This cannot be allowed!! @UPTuks @SAHRCommission pic.twitter.com/fWswDxYVTm

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 22, 2017

Abramjee called out the university for condoning segregation since the announcement was made in the school’s newsletter. He added that a “volkstaat” could not be allowed in a democratic South Africa, adding that this was not on.

This article is in @UPTuks newsletter. So, does Tukkies condone segregation??? @SAHRCommission pic.twitter.com/eaEdR7sD0s

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 22, 2017

And we can't have a volkstaat in a democratic SA. This is not on! https://t.co/3Hrv2LncDJ

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 22, 2017

Abramjee called on the university to issue a “strongly worded statement” condemning the residence and call for it to be boycotted.

The @UPTuks needs to issue a strongly worded statement to condemn this nonsense and ask students to boycott it! https://t.co/Pyr0hkUfPE

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) March 22, 2017

Responding to Abramjee, the university distanced itself from the residence, saying it had nothing to do with the private establishment and did not “condone” it in any way.

@Abramjee These residences aren't associated with the University of Pretoria. This is a private initiative not condoned by the university.

— Rikus Delport (@RikusD) March 22, 2017

Other reactions to the new Afrikaans-only residence:

Agree! This madness must end! Final! Sidikiwe! https://t.co/lrqj7lDmhd

— Sis'Mantoa Mother of the Nation (@mantoa_selepe) March 22, 2017

Keep your broeks on; media relations officer at UP confirmed that De Goede Hoop is a private residence.

— jesus loading … (@PAULN0GUEIRA) March 22, 2017

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