Wits University has been embroiled in a race and transformation row since the appointment of a ‘white American male’ as the dean of the humanities faculty. The Mail & Guardian spoke to the protagonists to get to the bottom of the matter, Wendy Orr, director of the transformation equity unit, and Wits university vice-chancellor Loyiso Nongxa.

The appointment of a ”white Ameri-can male” as the new dean of humanities has underscored deep racial divisions at Wits University. Professor Timothy Reagan will replace Professor Gerrit Olivier, whose contract ends in September. Reagan is professor of linguistics and foreign language education and dean of the school of education at Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, United States.