Unisa staff denounce ‘gagging’ of Malema
FAILED attempts to stop Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema from speaking at SA’s largest university yesterday have been criticised by pro-democracy and freedom of expression activists.
The University of South Africa (Unisa) cancelled an event organised by the Academic and Professional Staff Association (Apsa), at which Mr Malema was slated to speak, less than 24 hours before it was to begin.
When Mr Malema defied the ban and addressed hundreds of students and staff members from the steps of the university’s ZK Matthews Hall, people aligned to the African National Congress (ANC) tried to stop him by chanting anti-Malema songs.
A hostile standoff between EFF and ANC supporters ensued and was characterised by jeers, shoving and, eventually, fighting. At least three members of the National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) were injured.
Both sides accused the other of instigating the violence and both said they acted in self-defence. Nehawu’s Unisa branch chairman Ntsako Nombelani said EFF mem- bers had revealed firearms during the tussle but this was vehemently denied by the party’s supporters.
The cancellation of the formal event and the standoff paint a worrying picture of political intolerance and a lack of regard for freedom of expression.
Freedom of Expression Institute executive director Phenyo Butale said that cancelling an event that presented an opportunity for debate was tantamount to silencing participants in the discussion. “This should not be a trend where universities meant to cultivate a culture of robust debate are at the forefront of silencing just that.”
Mr Malema called the confrontation at Unisa yesterday a deliberate attempt to stop him from addressing the audience.
He was supported by Apsa chairman Nicolaas Coetzee who said Apsa “bitterly resented” the fact that the event had been cancelled and had degenerated into fighting. He likened the cancellation to “gagging” Mr Malema.
Apsa had invited speakers including members of the Azanian People’s Organisation, AfriForum and Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Gugile Nkwinti
among others. Only Mr Malema took the opportunity to address Apsa.
South African Students Congress (Sasco) Gauteng chairman Nhlamulo Siwela said he condemned the violence. Sasco was merely being vigilant against “unrecognised” organisations that “aimed to disrupt order”.
The EFF was “not a recognised student body and should not be causing disruptions at universities”, Mr Siwela said. Mr Malema’s invitation had been withdrawn and therefore he supported the organisations that had tried to stop him from being heard.
“Our members must defend (Unisa) and its (policies) as we are the only legitimate student organisation,” Mr Siwela said. “Students are reaffirming their confidence in Sasco and the ANC.”
ANC Gauteng spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said it was the EFF that was intolerant of the ANC, “hence the injuries to Nehawu members”. The ANC in Gauteng called on the EFF to apologise to Nehawu and Sasco.
Unisa spokesman Martin Ramotshela said the event was cancelled because of concerns that it would become a political rally. “The withdrawal of permission had everything to do with securing the property, staff and students and nothing to do with stopping (Mr Malema) from speaking.”
Political analyst and director at the Centre for the Study of Democracy Steven Friedman said the risk of violence was no reason for a university to cancel an event intended for debate.