UCT lecturer on leave pending probe
UCT has moved to place chemical engineering lecturer, Arthur Mabentsela, on medical leave following social media comments referring to women as “hoes”, and telling women to “close their legs”.
He said on social media that he had thoughts of raping his two-year- old daughter as a result of depression.
A pre-suspension hearing took place where Mabentsela, a lecturer at UCT’s Department of Chemical Engineering, could make a case why he should not be suspended earlier this week.
Following that meeting, UCT Vice-Chancellor Mamokgethi Phakeng said in a statement issued yesterday: “This meeting was concluded and the staff member, according to due process, made his representation on why he should not be suspended.
“We considered all the information that was presented (and) we took the decision to proceed with the preliminary investigation into the entire matter with urgency. We also made the decision not to suspend the staff member, but to place him on a compulsory leave of absence on medical grounds.”
She said they further determined that the necessary interventions will be made available to support him.
“I want to assure staff, students and parents that we are urgently acting on this matter because we recognise its importance. We continuously strive for, and remain committed to, creating and maintaining a climate on campus that is aligned with the values of UCT, which includes upholding the dignity of all people,” said Phakeng.
Over the weekend, Mabentsela bashed the #MenAreTrash movement on social media.
Remarks he had made included: “It was not me who did not teach you how to attract and retain a quality man.
“For some of you trash attraction runs in the family. Ask your mother to teach you how to attract a real man. Close your legs and open your ears.”
He also referred to females as “hoes”.
When someone commented on the post and said men who sexually abuse women and children, were “trash”, Mabentsela replied that “some of these men are suffering from depression… When I was depressed I had thoughts of raping my own 2-year-old. I wanted to kill her. I saw nothing in her. There was no love.”
Phakeng said the lecturer has the right to a fair process, and the institution will ensure that relevant labour legislation is followed meticulously.
“The necessary support will be made available to anyone who may need it,” she said.
DASO-UCT had earlier called for the immediate termination of Mabentsela’s employment at UCT.
Chairperson Neo Mkwane said DASO was appalled at Mabentsela’s abhorrent social media behaviour.
In a statement, the Khayelitsha Engineering Society (KES) said it was deeply saddened by Mabentsela’s status.
He is a former president of KES and had resigned from the society at the beginning of July 2018.