Durban – The universities of the Free State, Stellenbosch and the North-West University’s Potchefstroom campus are set to face protests over alleged incidents of racism and sexual harassment.
The intended protest action was announced at a press conference in Durban held by the leadership of the African National Congress Women’s League.
While neither newly elected League president Bathabile Dlamini and secretary Meokgo Matuba would say which incidents had provoked the ire of the movement, Matuba said that the protests would be staged in the first week of October.
Stellenbosch University hit the headlines recently when a video was posted on the internet in which black students at the university claimed to have suffered extensive racial discrimination.
“We want to send a clear message to all South Africans and the world that racism cannot be tolerated 21 years after we attained our freedom,” said Matuba.
Dlamini added that there were no divisions within the league following her recent election.
Earlier this month Dlamini unseated education minister Angie Motshekga to become president of the league.
Asked if there was disunity in the movement following her election, she said: “The way you (media) interpret division and the way we interpret division is different.”
She said there had been “contestation” in the league and that all in it would strive to improve it and help it achieve its goals.
Matuba also announced “Young Women’s Desk” – an initiative aimed at drawing younger women to participate in the league. – was now operating in all nine provinces.
“We want to invite young women to be a part of this vibrant and progressive platform that has been created for them.”
ANA