Offensive graffiti on campus at Wits University

The group of students have sprayed ‘f***-you’ on the walls and T-shirts across campus. The Rand Daily Mail online stated that a Twitter user, Simamkele Dlakavu tweeted, ‘Students are fed up with whiteness!’

The university stated that the group claims to be mobilising on behalf of an individual who will allegedly be appearing before the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on 10 February for wearing a T-shirt which had the words ‘F*** White People’ on the back.

The statement from the senior executive team of Wits University said, “The individual wearing the T-shirt has been associated with a number of illegal activities on Wits campuses in recent weeks, which we are investigating in line with the University’s policies and procedures.”

The team stated that the university strongly condemns the offensive messages being propagated and it deeply regrets the insult that it may cause to members of the community.

“We have deliberated on the matter and while we do not agree with the actions of these students, we have been advised that legally, the statements may not be a violation of our country’s Constitution, which provides for freedom of expression, unless it constitutes incitement to cause harm. In this instance, while the messages are certainly hurtful, we have been advised that they may not directly incite harm,” said the statement.

The university added that it does not condone the actions of these students, whose behaviour runs contrary to the values of tolerance and respect which the university expects from members of the Wits community and strongly urges them to desist from this offensive and hurtful behaviour.

Wits management labelled the campaign offensive and said the graffiti was being removed from campus walls.

Details: www.wits.ac.za

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Details: www.wits.ac.za