UJ dismisses lecturer who makes racist statements on social media – Solidarity

8 September 2015

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) confirmed that one of its lecturers who allegedly published racist statements on her Twitter profile, has been dismissed. This is according to the trade union Solidarity who earlier demanded that disciplinary action be taken against the lecturer.

The lecturer was suspended temporarily by the university in June, pending a disciplinary hearing. However, the university’s Department of Human Resources confirmed to Solidarity that the disciplinary hearing has been finalised and that the lecturer has been dismissed.

Johan Botha, Head of the Professional Industry at Solidarity, believes the lecturer’s statements had been a direct attack on white people. “It is unacceptable for a person in her position to display such racist behaviour in public. We are of the opinion that her actions are in contravention to the culture and principles of the university and that it fuelled unnecessary race discord, ” Botha said.

Botha thanked the university for the way in which the complaint was handled. “Solidarity welcomes the university’s finding and dismissal of the lecturer. Such conduct should not be allowed by any educational institution”, Botha said.

Statement issued by Johan Botha, Head of industry: Solidarity, September 8 2015