Former UJ student in racism upset
AUCKLAND PARK – Alleged racism will be investigated by the University of Johannesburg as soon as the previous year's student registers for the 2017 academic year at the institution.
A profile status, which reads ‘white pigs have turned this world into a capitalist world…’ and ‘F*** white pigs, settler pigs, land thieves, colonial invaders…’ has sparked an outcry.
The status is that of a former University of Johannesburg student’s WhatsApp profile. The student used to lease accommodation in Westdene from a landlord who owns a student commune. The landlord (whose name has been withheld by this newspaper), said he had direct contact with the former student and came across the status, which he said had a wide reach.
The landlord first reported the matter on 10 November last year to the University of Johannesburg, where his former tenant was also then registered as a student.
Herman Esterhuizen, the university’s media liaison, said the former student has not yet registered for the 2017 academic year, thus he is not presently seen as a student of the institution. He said that the matter was, however, still pending and that as soon as the former student registers for the 2017 academic year, the university’s Head of Student Ethics and Judicial Services will continue the investigation.
“The University has informed the ‘student’ that an investigation into the matter that occurred late in 2016 will be launched. To date, the ‘student’ has not yet given his version of the incident,” Esterhuizen said.
The university, Esterhuizen said, does not tolerate any acts of discrimination and dishonourable conduct or slurs, including racial, ethnic, sexual and religious, or physical abuse, which can all lead to disciplinary proceedings being taken against the perpetrators. He said that the institution offers advice and assistance to community members if faced with a problem caused by its students.
A student found to be violating behavioural standards, even if they are off campus, could face losing their place at the university, Esterhuizen added.
Northcliff/Melville Times attempted to contact the former student on the number provided in the screenshots but, by the time of publication, no contact could be made due to undelivered messages and voice mail.
