Williams and Maqula could be re-elected in UWC polls

TOMORROW’S UWC Convocation elections may be the turning point for the future of Professor Brian Williams and Songezo Maqula.

Last year, Williams was expelled and former SRC president Maqula suspended by the university’s council after an allegation surfaced that they had incited students during a #FeesMustFall meeting at the campus.

Williams and Maqula took their expulsion and suspension to the high court. In November, the Western Cape High Court ordered the council to reinstate them. Leading up to the election, there has been growing support for the two. Williams said he and Maqula had “no choice,” but to avail themselves to stand as candidates.

“We are standing as candidates so that we can help to rebuild a great university, which has achieved much despite its humble origins. UWC has suffered because its proud legacy has been violated by its leaders who refused to follow the ethos of liberation, but choose an oppressive route.”

Faiez Jacobs, a UWC alumnus and secretary of the provincial ANC, showed his support for the two.

“Allegations against Professor Williams and Maqula were false and the process was fatally flawed. Prof Williams and Maqula should be commended for protecting the liberation ethos and values of our constitution and the people’s university, UWC.” National Education Health and Allied Workers Union members at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology also rallied in support.

Spokesperson Shaheed Mahomed said: “We cannot support candidates who support human slavery. The only candidates worth supporting are Brian Williams and Songezo Maqula.”

However, Cosatu has brought out its own list of candidates.

Provincial secretary Tony Ehrenreich expressed support for Llewellyn MacMaster, former dean of students at Stellenbosch University, and Judge Nathan Erasmus.