Cape Town - “Max Price must fall.”
This sentiment was expressed by the Rhodes Must Fall (RMF) movement on Monday when it called for the removal of UCT vice-chancellor Max Price and the top tier of the university’s management.
RMF spokeswoman Kealeboga Ramaru revealed that the organisation – which initiated the removal of the Cecil John Rhodes statue from UCT’s campus – was ready to approach the Department of Higher Education and Training to call for the UCT management’s removal.
Ramaru said that UCT management had failed black students.
“We are giving management until April 15 to deliver on our demands for transformation. If this does not happen, we will approach the minister (of higher education and training) and call for its removal.”
Asked to respond, UCT spokeswoman Gerda Kruger said: “Despite a challenging month, we followed an accelerated process within the UCT community that saw the Rhodes statue removed last Thursday. In addition to that, UCT will complete its work on transformation as outlined in the vice-chancellor’s statement which we have shared.”
RMF members Thatho Pule, Notokozo Dladla and Duduzile Ndlovu joined Ramaru at Jameson Square on Monday to address the media for the first time since the historic removal of the statue.
They accused university management, specifically Price and registrar Hugh Amoore, of using intimidation tactics against RMF. Ramaru linked this to an e-mail from Price which was circulated to staff and students. She also mentioned an eviction notice and a court interdict served to RMF members by Amoore on Friday and Saturday.
RMF has also complained to management, alleging its members had been assaulted by campus security and staff.
UCT has since threatened to take disciplinary action against four students who allegedly acted outside the legitimate boundaries of protest.
Kruger said: “We reject the allegations (of intimidation). Complaints from both staff and students in this last period are being investigated.”
Cape Times