Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
UCT leaders probe a ‘racist, sexist’ plot campaign’
THERE seem to be divided opinions at UCT on the investigation into vice-chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng and UCT council chairperson Babalwa Ngonyama.
Student bodies, black academics and the caucus of workers unions believe there is a racist agenda to remove Phakeng and Ngonyama.
Athabile Nonxuba, who was a student activist during the #RhodesMustFall and #FeesMustfall campaigns, now a representative for the Democratised Transport Logistics and Allied Workers Union, believes the probe is racially motivated
“We have observed attacks on the VC and council chair as a ‘pushback’ tactic to her leadership. The criticism comes from white people who question her leadership and are critical of her. These are racist sentiments from the white community who feel entitled.”
Nonxuba said the white people who are against Phakeng fear the departments of human resources and finance are headed by black people, as is the university council.
Nonxuba said that, as unions, the council had not engaged them regarding outcomes of council. He claimed they had not been issued with a report.
Simamkele Mtheli, who represents the EFF students’ command at UCT, said there is a white-driven propaganda smear campaign against Phakeng and the chair of council.
“This attack is a result of the mischievousness of the white cabal. Phakeng has never been given an opportunity to lead. From the beginning, there was a clear racist agenda on the attempt to discredit her qualifications. There is also a clear sexist agenda, as Phakeng is both black and female.
“We have tried to mobilise students, but it has been difficult due to exams. The timing of these meetings was also questionable because it was during SRC elections, and the incoming SRC has just taken over.”
Liam Jacobs, leader of the DA Student Organisation (Daso), said it was in favour of the independent panel.
“The issues in council are related to bad governance and not transformation. It is thus best to ensure that this panel gets under way sooner rather than later.
“This issue has absolutely nothing to do with race or removals and everything to do with ensuring that good governance manifests. The council members pushing for an independent investigation are a racially diverse group of individuals, with a variety of political affiliations and ideological outlooks.”
UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola said: “The UCT council is putting in place an investigation panel that will deal with issues relating to governance at the institution. This independent panel will carry out its duties and report back to council.”