UJ takes action against alleged racist lecturer – Solidarity

12 May 2015

The University of Johannesburg today confirmed that one of its lecturers who allegedly made racist comments on her Twitter profile was suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. This is according to the trade union Solidarity who insisted earlier in a letter to the university that disciplinary steps should be taken against the lecturer.

According to Solidarity’s Industry Head of the Professional Industry, Johan Botha, the lecturer, for a considerable period of time, made snide and destructive comments, especially towards white people, on her personal Twitter profile.

“The lecturer’s entries demonstrated a marked attack on white people. We believe that her actions are contrary to the virtuous culture and principles upheld by the university and that her actions stir up unnecessary racial tensions. Such actions should be nipped in the bud,” Botha said.

Botha said that, depending upon the disciplinary investigation, if the university does not adequately deal with the lecturer, Solidarity will consider taking further steps against her and the university. “UJ, however, maintains a strict policy against racist behaviour amongst its staff. We believe the lecturer’s remarks justify an urgent and severe response from the university.”

Botha explained that section 60 of the Employment Equity Act provides for action against an employer not taking the necessary disciplinary steps against an employee manifesting racist behaviour. “This is just one of the possibilities that we would consider if appropriate action is not taken against the lecturer,” Botha said.

See some of the lecturer’s tweets on Twitter attached to this email.

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Statement issued by Johan Botha, Head of industry: Solidarity, May 12 2015