The Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) at Rhodes University has expressed “dismay” after the university convicted three of its four leaders for hosting ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe without following the university's protocol.
The Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA) at Rhodes University has expressed “dismay” after the university convicted three of its four leaders for hosting ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe without following the university's protocol.
In a media statement issued this week, the PYA rejected the charge that its leaders interfered with the administration of the university and, instead, accused the university of racism. "Rhodes University has been demarcated as a ward for 2011 municipal elections,” the statement read.
“We are therefore not surprised by this apartheid tactic of hiding behind the law to advance political goals. Rhodes University is still run by the same old boys club that subscribes to the racist philosophies of Cecil John Rhodes although there is [a]so called black façade."
The PYA accused the University of allowing the leaders of the Democratic Alliance and the Congress of the People, "to come as they please on campus without following protocol". "This is a clear indication that ANC is not welcomed at Rhodes University, although they pretend as such when ANC leaders come to open libraries that are supported by the ANC led government," charged the statement.
“This is the same university that will protest the idea of Media Appeals Tribunal and Protection of Information Bill on the basis that [these]will censor ideas, but [it]finds it ideal to convict people for bringing Comrade Gwede Mantashe."
On Tuesday, Nonceba Mhlauli, Xhanti Njozela and Egmont Bouwer were found guilty of contravening the student disciplinary code at a disciplinary hearing. They were each sentenced to 30 hours of compulsory service under the supervision of the university’s registrar by proctor, Helen Kruuse.
"The November 2010 examination marks of the accused shall be withheld until such time as the accused have completed the said 30 hours compulsory service," reads Kruuse's judgement. University spokesperson, Lebogang Hashatse declined to comment, saying the hearing is not over as the students may appeal against the judgement. Siyabonga Yonzi, who represented the four students, said they do not intend to appeal.
