3 linked to Naziinspired posters

TTHURSDAY MAY 11 2017 HREE individuals have been identified by Stellenbosch University for being behind Nazi-inspired posters that are doing the rounds on social media headlined “The New Right” and “Fight for Stellenbosch”.

The posters are similar to Nazi-era posters, associated with anti-Semitism and white nationalism.

Student and activist Luke Waltham said the posters are “deeply concerning” and he found them “very disgusting and disturbing”.

He said the posters also create anxiety around the university, in particular among people of colour.

“Having a redo of a Nazi poster is totally unacceptable and inappropriate,” Waltham said. Details surrounding the purpose of a meeting last night, which the poster announced, is unknown at this stage. The protocol to organise an event on campus at Stellenbosch is straightforward. Anyone can go to the venue management and fill out a form stating what the event will be about. Then it requires the organisers to get a stamp of approval from the Student Representative Council (SRC).

Kamva Somdyala, the communications officer for the SRC, said as far as he knows they did not receive any stamp of approval.

“What I do know is that the right protocols were not followed. And at a time when we are calling for transformation, this is distasteful and we as the SRC condemn this,” he said.

Stellenbosh University said that so far it has been able to identify three individuals linked to the event at the university. The university said the Equality Unit was leading the investigation.

“The posters and advertised event promoting racial polarisation/superiority combined with highly offensive references to Nazi propaganda and neo-Nazism are totally unacceptable,” head of the Equality Unit, Jaco Greeff Brink, said.

The vice-chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, said: “Not only is the message of the posters totally unacceptable, it is also contrary to our institution’s values. There seems to be deliberate mischiefmaking involved, and if that should be the case, disciplinary steps will be taken.” EMOTIONS ran high yesterday in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court when Randy Tango, 32, accused of raping and murdering 11-year-old Stacha Arendse appeared.

The case was postponed yet again due to the community’s anger. Yesterday, the defence was still arguing about a document believed to be Tango’s confession to be released. The State, however, is objecting and instead wants that document to be given when the trial starts. Henry Arendse, the uncle of Stacha, said: “We are very angry with this decision because we feel that they are just prolonging the case.” Outside court yesterday, Mitchells Plain Crisis Forum member Joanie Fredericks said: “The fact that he wants to get out after he confessed just makes us angry.” Tango is facing three charges – murder, rape and kidnapping – and is expected back in the dock on June 7. – Staff Reporter