UFS drops racist video charges

I just wonder how much they have promissed that Ractor to drop all those charges. DA never cease to amazed me with its world class racism support, Malema was right DA is for racists whites and they don't care about black people they only use them as voting vehicles.

So much for university independence. The ANC micro-managers cannot bear to let a decision be made outside of the "crony-kring".

Before waxing hysterical over alleged racism at UOFS, they should do something about their own racists, e.g. Malema and Chuene first.

The whole show was a hoax anyway. The students didn't really urinate in the food, but poured in an Oros drink, and if you would see the entire video you'd see the black workers gleefully participate along with the white students playing rugby, running a few circles on the athletics course and having a few drinks together.
The ANC's vehement reaction to this reveals more about its own racist tendencies and persecution mania. Crooks like Shabir Shaik is released from prison scot free, Zuma had 700+ fraud charges dropped against him but students pulling an innocent prank are treated as jews in Nazi-Germany.
I hope the rest of the world would see what a sick, repugnant bunch of racist crooks the ANC really is.

Malema and the ANC dumb struct's have nothing else to parasite their only arguments and values on, trying to survive the death of an old sick Apartheid's horse, the only thing they could ever ride when it was almost dead

The blood of Apartheid in their political blood meal is dead, old and useless. Keep on feeding on yesterday, your implosion is eminent, we await this brainless history to pass so that we can all focus on the challenges of South Africans tomorrow...

I'm baffled by what really motivated the prof to act like this . I want to know if he came to his decision because the whole thing concerned a couple of domestic workers who had nothing to lose or because peter is paying the piper. What is in this for the three ladies. I think the UFS must do the following for reparation.
1. Commit to educate the children of up to tertiary
2. Commit that this will never happen in the premises
3. Commit to restore the dignity of the three ladies
4. Apologies to the black communities for this to their kind

Funny that the prof is giving an olive branch to the students but nothing has been offered to the victims. What does he think of the humiliation they have suffered and are still to suffer for a very long time. why is he expecting the ladies to reconcile when their dignity was so trampled upon. Why is it always for the black to reconcile - the white communities are teaching their children in manners unbecoming all the time but it is for black to drive reconciliation even when their being is being trampled upon.

Who does this prof think he is to decide for the ladies - is it why he got the job - is he trying to be different by sticking his head to the sand and expect others to do likewise. Was this the prof's mandate when he got appointed to this position. I really have a lot of question regard this matter and even my 14 yrs daughter was suprised by this - she did not understand the merit of the prof's outcome just like me - all she was asking was how are these ladies going to live with this - how are their children going to survive this humiliation through their lives - these children are going to suffer this for the rest of their live and only empowerment through education can redeem them.UFS needs to contribute to these children education and their families well being - tha can only be the solace

Those naughty pranksters are far, far more likely to be VF+ supporters than DA ones.

Mahlangu: No mention of DA whatsoever in this article. World class racism support? Racist whites? You are trying to pull a Chuene on us.

I cannot in living hell believe what this VC(Jansen) did and his reoson for this in his own words is" for racial harmony and nation building".
For goodness sake,the ANC needs to take this matter seriously,we are tired of some blacks always sticking their heads in white people's backside.
Does Jansen know that black people died for these rights that most people enjoy today.Jansen's actions are a threat to the progress South Africa has made thus far.
One day Jansen will regret this when he cannot govern that university after students make that varsity ungovernable.

the nobel peace prize for 2010 goes to Jonathan Jansen...hahahahah

When I first read this article I was sick.No matter what the students used as "urine" ,the whole act was demeaning and racist. Prof Jansen,an intellectual,has let himself and the University down. The behaviour of the students is UNACCEPTABLE no matter how Malema or ANC members behave.

My heart goes out to the women involved and I think we as a society have let them down. It is society or a part of society that breeds this kind of disrespect.May those that can understand try to sopport the women and bring some respect into their lives. Being a cleaner or a domestic worker is a hard life in itself

Zephania,

What's wrong ? Got a big racist chip on your shoulder ?
DA is mentioned nowhere, so you feel it's ok to make up your own version of the truth ?

Don't you believe in honesty and integrity ?

I used to read the articles on The Times that the prof used to write and stopped for every time i read his article his ideas were absurd and sounding like ideas of a total drugy - perhaps he is.Why is this sorry ubuntu notion always only thrown at Black Africans.Is there no word for this in white languages or Afrikaans as it is the prof's language and the those naughty boys at UFS.

Prof i respect you but now you are taking actions that will cost you for the rest of your life.You have just assumed your duties and you through such a bombshell - tell your masters that we are watching you - but we want to see the face of the puppet master

Students all over the world, and of every ethnicity, pull tasteless and crude pranks. It's part of being young and immature. Lighten up a little, Mother Grundy.

Hi Jon Low
Perhaps an appropriate name for you "Low". You call this a prank?This a reflection of society. A reflection of how those boys were brought up. Didn't you white guys say that you didn't know much about the Racist Apartheid Laws ,you just lived the lives your parents taught you.

Accept responsibility and perhaps the likes of the ANCYL will reflect on their mentality and make the quantum leap and yes cahnge their ways.

Looking forward to Malema's response on monday. Likening the 'victims' to holocaust survivors.

Thousands of people have been hazed in the past, with much worse 'pranks'. You are just being reactionary, because the pranksters were white. And the reactionaries (ANC), will use this as fuel, to push their agendas.

This is in the hands of Jansen. Not in the hands of the ANC, or the youth league. So please dont interfere.

What kind of garbage is that,Sinudiety?

I'm actualle lost for words, it goes to show how racist the council of the University is still is, lets face it,the last Rector couldn't make the decision like that on behalve of the council because he was white,therefore they had to hire a black man and intruct him to make that particular descion,thinking that some of us are idiots who thinks the Rectors at Institutions of higher learning make decisions,but we know that the racist councils that continue to run our institutions continue with their racist agenda's.Therefore for the institution to say the complains in this matter are the victims,is nothing els but nonesence,because every institution has its own rules and regulations which ensures the behavior of persons within their campus,the rasist act took place inside the campus therefore the university cannot then say they are excluded from the matter,its just nonesence.We have to be vigilant as a black nation to ensure that we are not taken for a ride whereby a black face will be given a position of responcibility just to take unpopuplar decisions,we must remain firm in ensuring that we fight racism at all costs

Of course it's a prank. Harden up. Grow a chin. Get over it.

1st Black Rector after 15yrs, vice cancer, age of the Principal, tried to make a statement in White dominated Varsity!!!! What a cancer, come on Jansen get a life and see things on their correct percpective, for once we need Blacks that respect other people's dignity.

@Sinudiety, this is by far the most shallow post I've ever written from you.

"Thousands of people have been hazed in the past, with much worse 'pranks'." I don't know if its a culture thing, but in my culture, we don't prank grown women with kids our age. Perhaps your culture tolerates it but mine, and those women's, doesn't.

"You are just being reactionary, because the pranksters were white"...excuse me??! Perhaps u can't read an entire news story and your internet browser doesn't play videos, bu the rest of us saw a message written 'integration' and heard students talk about demonstrating how they feel about other races. Perhaps you should be honest with yourself for a change.


"This is in the hands of Jansen. Not in the hands of the ANC, or the youth league. So please dont interfere"....when Zille and her party bitch about everything that moves, where are u? Are u saying its ok for only the party you're fond of to voice an opinion on a matter of national interest? What the f*ck dude??! You're all over news websites but still sound incredibly ignorant and shallow. Sies!

To everyone else: stop justifying rubbish. It gives the impression u're ok with it and actually support it

These blacks of this country are confused,ignorant and arrogant where they are living in the past where their mentality is still steeped deep in the struggle.

If whites can leave enmasse they will suffer since they are now steeped deep into the culture of entitlement and dependency on whites but are not seeing it that way with their continuouos white bashing while continue to remind all and sundry that they`re non-racists.

There are issues with whites of course which makes it very difficult to consolidate and pool resources with them but one needs to touch on them than just shouting racists since racism is embedded in black environments pertaining to their unacceptance of albinos because they look like whites...

I`m equally disgusted by the response of the HRC since it indicates it is a policeman,judge and jury than a reconciler.I pray and hope the courts throw their case out the window and we must all throw our weight behind the Rector`s decision.

However the suspicion that this could be a trap to lure them back in the country and then prosecute them is lingering behind one`s head.The fact that blacks were involved it paints a different picture since i also cannot agree with circumstantial evidence that they were forced to take part ince they never reported this until the video was revealed.

Blacks in the form of security guards,cops,gangs do far more worse things to blacks and one is compounded and baffled by the silency.

Once again reconciliation and forgiveness has to come from one side and is never embraced by the other who are too comfortable in their own skin. We forgave they always tell us to move on and forget then they throw it back in our faces. When a black man speaks out against discrimination we're accused of having chips on our shoulders, pulling the infamous 'race card' and then they tell us "this is not what Mandela fought for". According to them what exactly did Mandela fight for?? These people are taking us
for fools. Black man like Jansen always seek to appease and look at themselves through the colonisers eyes, this must come to an end.

Prof is a dissapointment to the Transformation of Institutions of Higher Learning. I think the Minister responsible should intervene.

The biggest racist of all is the ANC and look at the comments those who think is disgusting are all black what do you expect and what do you mean transformation in higher education you are suppose to earn that title it not given out like confetti you are suppose to earn a place in hight education just get on you bike and learn a thing or two.
If a white person does anything slightly wrong it becomes international news and the race card is played by all the insane ANC get a life.

Johncarlos: Of course, you show respect for your elders. Im not trying to justify their actions, personally I think what they did was wrong.

I remind you as well, that the action of 4 students, does not reflect the opinion of all white South Africa.

But I am commenting on, is your OVERREACTION. Any excuse to label all white South Africa as racist. Are the victims emotionally scarred? Did I not see them laughing in the video?

Surely the victims did not have to partake in the hazing. Why did they agree to it? If a student tells you to eat something, and sticks a camera in your face, are you not suspicious?

PS, I have never seen the DA get involved in university matters. I see the ANC getting involved everywhere else.

Unfortunately, never the areas that really require their attention.

@Sinudiety, I overreacted to YOUR comment. As u can tell I have a European name and surname and wouldn't judge an entire race that's literally part of my life. Stop using the race card once again to respond. You did the first time when u said they're being targeted coz they're white. Now u're saying I'm judging a race just because I was unhappy about YOUR post. You're fond of the race card, aren't u?

"I have never seen the DA get involved in university matters".....the same DA that opposed the introduction of English to Stellenbosch University for some degrees a few years ago? (White) professors and academics have stated the NEED for an introduction of English to assist both in academics(40% of students there are/prefer English over Afrikaans) and integration in general (there are many more coloured students in UWC than Stellenbosch, though in the latter they teach in their home language). Now compare that DA lady with nothing but a BA in Journalism actively opposing a decision taken by people a hundred times more knowledgeable and experienced in the matter, to the ANC voicing its (legitimate) opinion on this matter, and decide who's more dense in the head.

*A few months ago, not years.

If 40% of Stellenbosch students prefer English to Afrikaans, it means that 60% of Stellenbosch students prefer Afrikaans over English. In any zero-sum choice, go with the majority. It's the democratic way.

@Jon, in that case, varsities like Wits should teach in Zulu etc. Not very fair if u look at it from other people's side, is it?

Johncarlos: Whenever someone wants to point out white racism, they use two examples, the Crossley murder, and the Reitz video. I dont play the race card, Im just trying to point out, that you are.

'people a hundred times more knowledgeable' - Who? In government? Dont make me laugh. The 'knowledgeable' people in government, are not put into positions, because of their education.

As with what you posted about the DA, and what I posted about the ANC, we both can agree on one thing. Let Jansen handle it, and keep the stupid politicians out of the matter.

"I dont play the race card, Im just trying to point out, that you are." That I am what? Last I checked I was commenting on one video.

"Who? In government? Dont make me laugh." Each university drafts its own language policy and decides when to change it and what to. This is done by professionals in the field and researchers.

Johncarlos: My issue is with the ANC, not agreeing with Jansen in withdrawing the charges. He is the boss, and doesn't deserve criticism.

Which stems from Blade, trying to interfere with the language policies of Stellenbosch the past two weeks.

I agree with the fact that this matter is best left to the professionals, and not the politicians (Both DA and ANC).

I have always respected you and your comments, and I apologise for generalising.

If 50%+ of students at Wits are Zulu-speaking and they clearly express a preference being lectured in isiZulu rather than English, then -- yes -- no stone must be left unturned in transforming Wits into a Zulu-medium university. Why ever not? It's the right thing to do.

But we all know that a clear unambiguous majority of Wits students either do not speak isiZulu and/or have no desire to change the medium of instruction away from English. So democracy requires it to be left just as is.

This is really not hard.

@Sinudeity, apology accepted.

About Nzimande 'interfering', Stellenbosch University's language policy was drafted in 2002 and has been undergoing implementation ever since, with the biggest step taken from next year, and a view of completing it in 2015(I think). There's nothing peculiar being done here to other varsities....Its arguably the most behind university in the issue since other varsities like UFS and U.Pretoria having already done what they're doing. The above varsities have a working system for everyone although outside the classroom interaction is another story. US has the added advantage that unlike in UFS where all the whites are Afrikaans and those who prefer English are black, in the Cape language isn't particularly attached to any race. Anyways, lets not divert too much from the current article.

There are more coloured/brown (i.e. not white) people with Afrikaans as their mother-tongue than there are whites, and this applies quite overwhelmingly in the Western Cape, where Stellenbosch is located.

And all universities everywhere on earth are, by definition, exclusive because you have to be smart enough to get in and to pass your exams. Universities really do not have to beat themselves up with guilt at being elitist -- it's essential that they are. This is the real world, not fairyland.

these 'pranksters' embarressed our nation internationally (yes, that sorry video was seen around the world), and gave the Malemas of the country fuel to continue vilifying the white tribe (honestly, mostly we are not like those people).

The damage done in many areas was great. The UFS dropping charges seems a very easy way out for those involved.........leaves a bitter taste.

The pranksters are youngsters with a very poor taste in humour -- just like youngsters right across the world tend to be. And their tasteless prank really did not "shame the nation". That's another wild over-reaction. Everyone has long since moved on. Do likewise.

Sadly Jon, they did shame our country - in particular the white tribe. The history of South Africa leaves us with awkward reputations as individual members of the population. If you are white, you are an ex opressor. If you are black, you are an ex victim. In the eyes of the world, it's that simple. 15 years of efforts to give dignity to the 'victims' and to show changed attitudes from the 'oppressors' is easily undone by this 'prank' and instances similar.

It is extremely embarressing for all concerned; black and white.

Equally as importantly, as I mentioned above, it adds weapons to the arsenal of those who would divide us along racial lines. It allows these individuals to again point out the 'oppressors' and the 'victims' with no heed to the giant strides we have made as a people. These 'pranks' have (perhaps naively unintended) consequences, and an example should be made, so that others don't foolishly think that this behaviour is in any way acceptable in the new South Africa. It simply isn't.

It's the same as being at a braai, and hearing a blatantly racist remark by a friend or relative. I used to wince internally, and 'just let it go'. These days I take those people to task on the matter. People (friends and relatives included) should not be allowed to think that this behaviour in our country is acceptable by the majority. It's much harder to make a stand though, than it is to simply ignore; and I have alienated people once close to me by taking my 'high ground' approach. It has also made some people aware of their poor choice of words, and some even examine their attitudes to others with long term benefits for both them, and those they would look down on.

Prof Jansen has taken the 'easy' option here, and simply 'let this one go' for the sake of a more peaceful life. I can understand this, but it doesn't make it the right approach morally.

Sinudeity,

You never stop to amaze at the way you like justifying rubbish. So after the elderly black women were ridiculed and humiliated in a very racist fashion - you call this a prank? Do you really call this a prank?

If you read Jansen's latest book 'Knowledge in the Blood' you would realise from his account of his years as Professor of Education at the University of Pretoria that he has a deep understanding of and sympathy for white Afrikaner youth. His gesture of reconciliation is not just a political or strategic move, although the Freedom Front + will now see their their innocent student prank story vindicated. Jansen's gesture will be seen in a much broader and deeper context both historically and from the point of view of reconciliation.
ANC's attempt to undermine the university's autonomy is disturbing, and in line with their increasingly kragdadig power wielding style.
We could very soon be seeing Jonathan on Oprah - he was a "scholar in residence" at the Oprah Winfrey Academy and his writing and rhetoric style at times verge on Oprah-kleenex-speak.. If this contributes to racial harmony, why not?

Most of the time its all about blacks being racially abused by what we call our white sisters and brothers, which is bull, blacks attend rugby matches and cricket and the outcomes are so disgusting, but for them to attend soccer matches its all about joy and dance, and if those who think that south africa ows them something they are in a wrong country, this democratic south africa ows nothing to them, they must live with that!!!!!!!!!!

Ladies & Gentlemen, I urge you to stop talking CRAP about a simply matter here creating grey areas when everything is really Black & White.To the Rector that has dropped the charges,that fine baba, just please forward us their names & addresses we the people will deal with this in an orderly fashion!to those rascist lil bastards....GOODLUCK...you gonna need it!

I really feed sad for the mothers who were given food with human urine. The culprits are now let off the hook in the name of reconciliation.This makes me angry and hate all people associated with that degrading and inhuman act.How does one feel if his/her mother is "fed" urinated food...that's a very serious undermining of blacks and I am very sad that we have people like professor Jansen who say things for the sake of being controversial as the expense of our hard earned democracy based on human dignity.

If Prof's mother was served urine food, would he he have said what he said? If yes, I would like to know where his mother eats out so I can put mine in the name of race relations and reconciliation.

The DA is Supporting this ridiculous act by the rector, it was reported on the Sunday Times that "The DA yesterday welcomed Jansen's decision, saying that he will not be "pushed around by the political authorities"."

This act some how encourage other students to do racist acts as these.. i wonder if he could of done the same thing if it was the other way around

How dare we even engage in talks & dispute when everything is captured on video.There is EVIDENCE of great human right's being violated.NONSENSE!

I don't really believe that what the students did can simply be written off as a 'prank'. 'Prank' seems to diminish the act by giving primacy to the intention of 'fun' rather than to the consequences of hurt.

Jon, how would you feel if your mother or father had been the one subjected to that behaviour? If she or he had been made to ingest human waste? Would you still be so nonchalant about it and write it off as juvenile(though) misinformed fun?

bring them ekasi!

The criminal charges have not been dropped.

They were fed 'human waste'?
Is that the rumours going around?

another whites sucking up person, Jansen, what on earth is this dude been smoking, as for Low, so its okay for you guys to get away with murder, so its is right for those halocust survivors to degrade our mothers and called it a prank,but when Malema open his mouth you call him uneducated and stupid, Sinudeity i use to respect you i thought you know right from wrong, taking of hypocracy,

@Sinudeity: ... And I quote: "eat food into which a student had urinated". Urine: "The waste product secreted by the kidneys that in mammals is a yellow to amber-colored, slightly acid fluid discharged from the body through the urethra".

Since the student is presumably a human, not a cat, a bat, a mouse, or a whale, its probably safe to say that their urine could be considered "human waste". No?

okay why forgive them? does that mean we should forgive everyone who committing a crime? or is it because their whites? well i think the answer is whites cant go to jail but blacks derses it!!!!!!!!! and its disgusting bcos our so-called constitution says we are equal be before the law or is just a song? maybe i don't know our so-called constitution!!!!!!!!!

cant sleep, 4 am in the morning in Brisbane, so reading this.
My thoughts. If all involved were the same age group,mates,irrespective of race, it may have been a uni prank, if not, something else is underlying the situation