DA Youth condemns ‘Blackface' incident

6 August 2014

The Democratic Alliance Youth condemns the recent ‘Blackface' incident at the University of Pretoria. The DA Youth rejects racial stereotypes and calls on all young people to help foster an environment of tolerance and respect for each other. 

We welcome the University's announcement that they will be investigating the incident and that disciplinary action will be taken against the students. 

Yesterday, a picture of two female students dressed as domestic workers, with their faces and arms painted black and their bottoms padded, has gone viral on social media. The students claim to have been dressed up for a 21st birthday party. It is worrying that after 20 years of democracy, this kind of behaviour can still be perceived as ‘good fun' by university students. We call on the University of Pretoria to not only investigate this incident, but also institute tolerance training for those responsible. 

We commend the DA Students' Organisation (DASO) branch at the University of Pretoria for its work in bringing this incident to the fore and requesting an investigation. 

The DA youth will continue to fight for a future that is free of gender and race stereotyping, where everyone can live and study together in an environment of mutual respect. 

Statement issued by Yusuf Cassim, DA Youth Chairperson, August 6 2014

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