HETN calls for radical change in historically white institutions

31 August 2015 - 20:27 By RDM News Wire
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Stellenbosch University. File photo.
Stellenbosch University. File photo.
Image: ERHARDT THIEL

The Higher Education Transformation Network (HETN) has called for radical change in historically white institutions of learning.

The body said on Monday it had noted with grave concern recent revelations of racist taunting and abuse of black students at Stellenbosch University.

“This comes against the backdrop of a multitude of racist incidents at several of the historically white universities including the University of Pretoria‚ North-West University and the University of Cape Town amongst others‚” it said‚ adding that it was apparent that the “racism which permeates these institutions is systemic”.

It was also apparent that the racist culture at these institutions was not capable of self-healing‚ HETN asserted.

“The HETN is of the firm opinion that the time has come for the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training) to exercise bold leadership and abandon the lasses faire approach it has adopted towards the historically white institutions. The DHET must take whatever steps are required to exercise immediate control over the University of Stellenbosch and other racist historical privileged institutions of higher learning.

“Moreover‚ legislation needs to be passed‚ which gives the government and the broader society the power to select members of the Senate‚ Council and other governing structures at Universities and Universities of Technology. The newly constituted governing institutions should reflect the broader sector of society and not a self-perpetuating old boys network. The newly constituted Senate and Council should be tasked with making and implementing progressive rules and policies for admissions‚ hiring of faculty and promotions.

“We also urge the DHET to adopt a Centrals Admissions Office to deal with all applications and admissions to tertiary institutions‚” the body said.

RDM News Wire.

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