DASO condemns anti-Semitic hate speech at Wits University  

1 November 2016

The Democratic Alliance Students Organisation strongly condemns anti-Semitic messages spray-painted onto boards at the University of the Witwatersrand (see below). 

This language has no place in our constitutional democracy, where the principles of freedom, equality and dignity are paramount. 

We call on the University to initiate a full investigation into the matter, and to submit evidence to the South African Human Rights Commission and the South African Police Service for further investigation.

It is a cause of great concern that racial and other divisions on our campuses are increasingly used as a strategy by some students during this fraught time.

Indeed, just last week, #RhodesMustFall, referred to me as ‘Samoosa Cassim’ (see here) in a bid to mock my identity as a Muslim South African, and my involvement in the DA’s march to increase funding for poor students. I am considering all my options regarding this racist attack on me.

While this is deeply upsetting, it is not surprising that this level of hatred is allowed to take route and flourish at our Universities when violence is encouraged by some, and dissenting views are put down vigorously. 

DASO believes that our campuses should be spaces for debate and the interrogation of ideas. Violence, intimidation and Hate Speech, however, undermines this right fundamentally. 

We urge all students on our campuses to reject hate, and to unite behind peaceful and practical solutions to our current higher education crisis.

Issued by Yusuf Cassim, DASO Leader, 1 November 2016

Source: Twitter