Cape Town - Suspended UCT student Chumani Maxwele said he is positive about the outcome of his disciplinary hearing, which is expected to be delivered on Thursday.
Maxwele has become widely known for throwing human excrement on the statue of Cecil John Rhodes at UCT in March and was suspended earlier this month for allegedly intimidating, harassing, threatening and racially abusing a UCT staffer.
Maxwele denied the claims, saying the university was attempting to intimidate him and others.
He laid a counter-complaint against the institution and on Wednesday, after his hearing, said he was positive about the process.
“It went very well. I was represented by my legal team and we made a good case and I am looking forward to hearing the good news by on Thursday.”
UCT spokeswoman Pat Lucas confirmed that the hearing took place on Wednesday and said no outcome was available yet.
The hearing was held at the Bremner building and two students, who are part of the Rhodes Must Fall Movement, were there to support Maxwele.
Wandile Kasibe said the allegations against Maxwele will not deter their movement.
“The law states that you are innocent until proven guilty, and in his case Chumani was found guilty before being found innocent and we are calling all students to stand behind him and support him.”
Kasibe said UCT’s disciplinary process was biased. He said the university had a number of cases that also needed to be deliberated before Maxwele’ s.
This sentiment was echoed by Brian Kamanzi, who believes Maxwele’s case was “bumped up the queue” to be heard before other cases.
“It is distressing that they can decide what is negotiable. I know of many students who lay charges of sexual harassment and rape against other students, but why does this case come before theirs? This is why we say this is politically motivated,” Kamanzi said.
He added that he would be surprised if Maxwele was suspended from the institution.
“I have spoken to him and the story they (UCT) are telling seems a bit out of character and does not seem like something Chumani would do at all. I don’t think the university will be able to separate his political involvement from the matter.”
Lucas said they were not able to divulge any more details about the hearing, as per the institution’s policy.
The Rhodes Must Fall Movement posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday that they are behind Maxwele, saying “an injury to one is an injury to all”.
The hearing will continue on Thursday when a verdict is also expected to be delivered.
Cape Argus