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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has welcomed the swift action taken by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) following a social media post by the Head of its Sociology Department, Professor Srila Roy. Mr Letsie is now calling for the Professor’s dismissal.

In the now-deleted post, Professor Roy criticised what she described as the poor work ethic of South Africans.” The university has since placed Professor Roy on precautionary suspension while an investigation is underway.

Mr Letsie called her remarks unacceptable and said such conduct should not be tolerated in the higher education sector. “Her remarks were offensive, derogatory and undermined the dignity of many South Africans. Such views are completely unacceptable, especially from someone entrusted with teaching and leading in our universities. This is not a minor matter,” he said. “These statements reflect deeply troubling views that cannot simply be overlooked.”

The Chairperson said the matter warrant serious consequences and a demotion would not constitute sufficient accountability. He expressed the view that dismissal would be the right consequence should the allegations be substantiated. “We cannot tolerate individuals who openly express views that are widely regarded as discriminatory and then expect to continue shaping young minds and leading academic departments.”
 
The Chairperson said that Wits leadership’s swift response shows the seriousness of the matter. He said it would be untenable for a Head of Department to remain in their position at the university if their conduct is found to be inconsistent with the values of the institution. “Leadership must reflect the values of equality, fairness and respect.”
 
Mr Letsie further said the committee has received information from members of the university community and the public raising concerns about fairness and equal opportunity. “There are allegations that South Africans may have been unfairly excluded from opportunities in her department. These allegations must be fully investigated,” the Chairperson said. “Our universities must never be used to advance exclusion or discrimination.”

The Chairperson said accountability must be decisive. “We are determined to restore integrity, fairness and accountability. No one is above scrutiny. Our higher education institutions must remain spaces of dignity, fairness and transformation for all South Africans,” he said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Lebogo Letsie