The bigger picture

STUDENT Chumani Maxwele could and should have chosen a different way to get his point across when he threw poo over the base of the Cecil Rhodes statue on the UCT campus earlier this week. The throwing of poo was both disrespectful to the institution, fellow students and the staff who had to clean it up.

The university leadership is well within its rights to take action against the errant student. But we would urge the university to consider the route less travelled of reconciliation.

A few years ago, the same student, Maxwele, was detained for showing the middle finger to President Jacob Zuma’s motorcade while he was out running. He is certainly not afraid to make himself heard.

However regrettable Maxwele’s poo protest was, university life is about the shaping of individuals and minds. His protest was about the lack of transformation at UCT and against symbols, signage and heritage at the university.

Acting vice-chancellor Sandra Klopper yesterday said of the incident: “UCT endorses freedom of expression.

“We encourage open debate, as all universities should do, and urge our students and staff to participate in discussions that contribute to responsible action.”

The bigger picture is that Maxwele’s protest happened against the backdrop of an opinion piece in this newspaper by lecturer Siona O’Connell, lamenting the lack of transformation at UCT.

O’Connell has since complained that she’s become the victim of a backlash and has been victimised for her views.

THE TWO flashpoints offer UCT the opportunity to engage on the issue of transformation in an inclusive manner with its student body, academics and administrators. We are glad to report that UCT is embarking on a series of discussions on transformation scheduled for the rest of this year, which will commence next week.

It is hoped that UCT and individuals like Maxwele and O’Connell can find each other in the process. That will give meaning to its intention of striving to be a truly transformed institution.