Editorial accusing UCT of racist ideology completely unfair and devoid of merit

THE Cape Times editorial of July 13 (“Proud to remove a symbol of racism”) overlooks statements made by the University of Cape Town to explain the disciplinary charge faced by Chumani Maxwele; and the fact that this charge is based not on politics, nor on racial issues, but merely on allegations, supported by witness statements, of how Mr Maxwele behaved towards a staff member on campus on May 1.

A full explanation of the charge is available on www.uct.ac.za. UCT has a responsibility to all its students, staff and other stakeholders to provide an environment that is conducive to the quality of education that puts the university among the top rankings in the world.

This means UCT must investigate and consider disciplinary action when its code of conduct may have been breached. To fail to do so would be unconstitutional.

As we have explained in past statements on public record, UCT declared a general amnesty for all actions committed during a specific period (March 9 to May 18) that might have otherwise resulted in disciplinary action against members of Rhodes Must Fall (RMF) who committed illegal activity, such as the occupation of UCT administration buildings and the disruption of the special Council meeting that was called to vote on the removal of the statue of Cecil John Rhodes from Upper Campus.

UCT’s actions since the initial protest against the Rhodes statue on March 9 have been guided by the desire to enter into mediation with RMF members. We continue to pursue such mediation.

So the implication expressed in the editorial, that UCT’s actions are motivated by “racist ideology”, is completely without basis and is an unfair representation of the matters now under discussion at the university. Patricia Lucas