All eyes on UFH management as Daso sabotage claim unfolds
FOR many years, I lectured at the East London campus of Rhodes University, which became part of the University of Fort Hare (UFH) in 2004. My years in academia imbued in me an appreciation for the liberal thinking and tolerance that are so much part of university culture.
It was therefore with absolute horror that I read of the sabotage plans against the DA Student’s Organisation being formulated by the registrar, Professor Mike Somniso. What an utter disgrace!
Many people, disheartened by the ANC’s corrupt and inefficient governance, suspect this kind of underhand activity takes place. But to have it at such a high level in university governance is a terrible blow.
It brings shame to an academic institution long associated with the best ideals of the liberation struggle.
As we daily witness the vast majority of people mired in poverty and despair, we must realise we are engaged in a new struggle against a corrupt, self-enriching government. The embryo of that realisation manifests itself at forward-thinking institutions like universities – in this case through the Daso victory in the SRC elections at UFH.
Somniso’s planned sabotage of Daso smacks of political immaturity and is selfdefeating. The dissent will not go away. It will become louder and louder until it cannot be ignored. That has been the lesson of history. The registrar’s seeming ignorance and intolerance is especially egregious in view of his being one of the privileged minority who has a university education.
All eyes will be on the UFH management as this saga unfolds. If the allegations are true, Somniso is guilty of gross misconduct and should be fired. — Joyce Miles, Vincent Heights
● THE articles “Plot to destroy Daso at Ft Hare” (SD, September 26) and “Targeted, claim DA students” (DD, September 28), should not be taken lightly as it is an ageold tradition of the ANC and its component structures to resort to thuggery once they have been defeated intellectually.
Fort Hare is experiencing a repeat of the situation which occurred in 1993 when PACaligned Pan Africanist Student Organisation (Paso) students were shot, maimed and physically attacked in broad daylight using people who called themselves MK cadres. The late Dr Sibusiso Bengu was vice-chancellor and Makhenkesi Stofile a top official.
Even then the attacks were planned and executed from Ngqele location under the pretext of “the community not wanting Pan Africanist Congress ideas”.
In the case of Paso the modus operandi was simple. The idea was total extermination of what they perceived to be a contrary view.
Testimony was submitted to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission alleging the involvement of Stofile and Bengu.
Students at Fort Hare can only heed this warning, “When the horse is about to die, it kicks the hardest”. — Pasika Nontshiza, Mthatha
True Bok servant
“GIVE credit where credit is due” is fitting advice to salute the retiring Bok captain, Jean de Villiers. Despite some disappointing performances by the team, De Villiers has been a true servant of the Springboks and a gentleman in the game.
As Bok captain, he was an ambassador of the nation, on and off the field. As a nation we salute him for his great work done for the team and in representing us.
We are sorry to lose him – from the game and as Bok leader at such a critical stage in the RWC. Unfortunately, this has left the Bok camp with a leadership dilemma.
We wish De Villiers a speedy recovery and the very best going forward. Our thanks for his contribution over the years.
South Africa has a new mountain to climb in the RWC – to name a new captain and to continue to improve in each game.
Last weekend it was as if the Boks had heard the call to play well in honour of the late Mike Stofile, former deputy president of Saru. We hope for a similar performance against Scotland – to bid farewell and in honour of the departing captain.
We remain cautiously optimistic about the rest of the RWC, considering the past performances and injuries the team has picked up, or entered the tournament with. And the bad selection choices.
Indeed, South Africa lacks no talent in rugby, but lacks leadership and a sustainable winning strategy. Nevertheless the Springboks remain a national asset and part of our national heritage.
We will continue to support and pray for them, that they will play well, that God will hear us and look favourably upon our flag and his people in the Republic. — Kenneth Macibela, via e-mail
Vavi claim misleading
THE ANC is again marching against itself. Admirable as it might be to be vociferous in opposing corruption, it is somewhat disingenuous for those widely alleged to be tainted to parade as innocents.
Corruption is universally condemned but something about which little, if anything, is done by those with the power to stop it.
Even that pillar of societal rectitude, the Public Protector, is pilloried by those who have sworn to uphold the constitution.
Zwelinzima Vavi has rather misleadingly claimed “only [the workers] can confront a corrupt, capitalist system and use its power to fight for socialist objectives” (DD, September 29). That clearly shows Vavi was either absent from his economics 101 class or has allowed socialist dogma to cloud his intellect in understanding the economic imperatives that motivate human activity.
It seems he would rather beat the drum of the discredited socialist world than embrace that which stimulates people to apply their minds and bodies in seeking to achieve their full potential.
It took the harsh reality of economic stress for the Soviet Union and China to reverse their centralised economic models and to embrace more capitalistic systems once more rational minds understood the certainty of economic laws applied, even within those countries.
It is not capitalism that is the genesis of corruption, but the failings of those who operate in the system. Capitalism provides incentive structures for those capable to apply themselves to become productive citizens. Those who take undue advantage of others in that system distort the system.
The workers have no monopoly on fighting corruption; it is the social responsibility of all citizens to do so. — Bill Gould, Southernwood