The Freedom of Expression Institute (FXI) has expressed concern over the suspension of a professor at the University of Kwazulu-Natal after he criticised management.
”We are concerned at the erosion of free expression rights at tertiary academic institutions,” FXI director of operations Na’eem Jeenah said on Friday.
”In terms of the South African Constitution, academic freedom is an instance of freedom of expression, and is protected in terms of this right.”
Sociology professor Evan Mantzaris was suspended earlier this month.
He is also chairperson of the university’s staff union, the Combined Staff Association.
Mantzaris is accused of criticising the university’s management and engaging in a campaign to bring negative publicity to the institution.
He allegedly also produced and published defamatory letters about vice-chancellor Malegapuru Makgoba.
Jeenah said the university had a history of suppressing freedom of expression.
The suspension of the professor was ”part of a larger process in which the space for free expression and academic freedom at that university is being narrowed”.
Jeenah added: ”If the university is to move beyond this controversy, it needs to create maximum space for debate about its future direction.” – Sapa