Reports of racism at KZN university worry Zuma
Allegations of racism at the University of KwaZulu-Natal were cause for concern, Jacob Zuma told students at the investiture of the university’s student representative council on Thursday.
The former deputy president, who had been invited to speak at the university’s Westville campus in Durban by the newly elected SRC, said: “If you get hooked on racism you become a slave.”
He urged students to engage with the university management in fighting racism, but warned they should not expect major changes.
Earlier the newly elected SRC president Mdu Ntuli called on the university to appoint more black academic staff to the institution.
The media were not allowed to ask Zuma any questions.
However, when asked by a student whether his trademark song Awuleth’ umshini wami (Bring Me My Machine Gun) did not promote ethnic divisions, Zuma said: “This is a song that will never incite violence. It is a part of history.
The university has been racked by claims of racism during the past year, especially at the Nelson Mandela Medical School.
A forensic report on racism released on October 9 claimed the school was characterised by a fear of victimisation, but it was unable to produce evidence to this effect.
It pointed to a clash between Indian lecturers and black students.—Sapa
