The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has moved to suspend the head of its sociology department, Professor Srila Roy, following her disparaging comments about South Africans on her personal X (formerly Twitter) account.
Roy, who is an Indian national, was commenting on a parliamentary portfolio committee on higher education debate on February 18 on the hiring practices of foreign nationals in South African institutions of higher learning.
Following the debate, the committee warned universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges not to misuse internationalisation as a reason to ignore South Africa’s immigration and labour laws.
In her comments on the parliamentary debate, Roy took to X and wrote, “South Africans have little ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic.”
Although Roy has since retracted her statement and apologised, the remarks drew widespread condemnation.
Wits said in a statement that it had “noted with deep concern” the comments posted on February 19, which it has since deleted. The university also confirmed that it received complaints from individuals and organisations in connection with the post.
“Wits is addressing this matter directly with Prof Roy, in accordance with the university’s rules, policies and procedures, and the relevant and due processes will ensue. Prof Roy has been placed on precautionary suspension whilst the university investigates the matter.
“The university takes seriously allegations of prejudice, discrimination, or racism and alleged conduct that may undermine or compromise the university’s values, policies, and commitment to equality, dignity, and non-discrimination,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Roy has since stepped down as the head of sociology after the department requested her to do so.
In a statement dated February 26, the department condemned her X post, saying it was racist, offensive and indefensible.
“The intensity of the responses to the tweet reflects the visceral pain it has caused, especially to black South Africans. We reject the tweet and its sentiment outright and unconditionally.”
Higher education portfolio committee chair Tebogo Letsie welcomed the action taken by the university. Letsie has now called for Roy’s dismissal. He said such remarks are deeply offensive, insulting and unacceptable, particularly from a senior academic entrusted with teaching, mentoring and shaping the minds of young South Africans.
“Institutions of higher learning must be spaces of respect, inclusion and nation building. Discriminatory and degrading attitudes have no place in post-school education or in our society. Professor Roy serves as the head of sociology at Wits, a field dedicated to understanding social issues such as inequality, gender, and development. It is therefore deeply disappointing that someone in such a position could hold and express views that undermine the dignity and potential of the very people our universities exist to serve.”
The South African Sociological Association (Sasa) has also weighed in on the saga, noting its concern with what it labelled as “problematic, classist, racist and xenophobic remarks”.
Although the remarks were expressed on her private X account and in her personal capacity, Sasa said it was deeply troubled by their severity, especially given her position and the influence she wields at the university.
“This philosophical and ideological statement raises concerns about the fairness, equality, dignity, and experiences of the students and colleagues who have interacted with her in the corridors, lectures, office, and during supervision.”
Sasa said Roy’s apology was “lacking rigour, emotion and cause”, calling it an attempt at face-saving. “We demand that Professor Roy recuse herself from the Wits local organising committee and all conference-related responsibilities to safeguard the integrity of the conference among our local and international community. Further, her membership be suspended and tabled for deliberation at the AGM.”
In her retraction posted on the same platform on February 23, Roy apologised, saying, “Given the painful history of racist stereotyping in South Africa, this tweet was simply wrong, and I take full responsibility for the pain it has caused.”
She explained that her remarks were prompted by “xenophobic tropes about international academics in the South African university sector. The tweet I posted was written as a hasty pushback against these xenophobic attitudes.”
“I want to emphasise that my tweet was not in any way intended to give expression to derogatory views about South Africans or South African academics. I want to be expressly clear that I do not hold such views, and my written committee work and supervision and mentoring stand as testament to that. I deleted the tweet and posted a quick apology, which I now realise was inadequate to the pain I caused.”
