By Charmaine Ndlela
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie, has called for the dismissal of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) Head of Sociology, Professor Srila Roy, following a controversial social media post that sparked national outrage.
Roy resigned as Head of the Department of Sociology after posting on her personal X account that South Africans “have little ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic”.
The remarks were made during a debate about foreign academics in South African universities and drew fierce criticism from students, academic groups and political figures.
The university has since placed her on precautionary suspension pending the outcome of an investigation.
Her resignation was confirmed by the Sociology Department on 26 February, and the investigation continues in line with Wits policies.
The saga has triggered debate about academic accountability, discrimination and the role of social media conduct by academics.
The South African Sociological Association condemned her comments, describing them as classist, racist and xenophobic, and said they contradicted the principles and values of South African higher education.
Letsie described the remarks as unacceptable and said such conduct should not be tolerated in the higher education sector.
“Her remarks were offensive, derogatory and undermined the dignity of many South Africans. Such views are completely unacceptable, especially from someone entrusted with teaching and leading in our universities. This is not a minor matter,” he said.
“These statements reflect deeply troubling views that cannot simply be overlooked.”
Letsie said the matter warrants serious consequences and that a demotion would not constitute sufficient accountability.
He said dismissal would be the appropriate sanction should the allegations be substantiated.
“We cannot tolerate individuals who openly express views that are widely regarded as discriminatory and then expect to continue shaping young minds and leading academic departments,” he added.
He said Wits leadership’s swift response demonstrates the seriousness of the matter, noting it would be untenable for a head of department to remain in position if their conduct is found to be inconsistent with institutional values.
“Leadership must reflect the values of equality, fairness and respect,” he said.
Letsie further stated that the committee has received information from members of the university community and the public raising concerns about fairness and equal opportunity.
“There are allegations that South Africans may have been unfairly excluded from opportunities in her department. These allegations must be fully investigated,” he said.
“Our universities must never be used to advance exclusion or discrimination.”
He emphasised that accountability must be decisive.
“We are determined to restore integrity, fairness and accountability. No one is above scrutiny. Our higher education institutions must remain spaces of dignity, fairness and transformation for all South Africans,” he said.
Roy issued an apology on 23 February, saying her comments were a “hasty pushback against xenophobic attitudes”.
“I fully understand that the tweet caused hurt, and I sincerely regret and apologise for it. Given South Africa’s painful history of racist stereotyping, the tweet was wrong, and I take full responsibility for the pain it has caused,” she said.
She stressed that the post was not intended to express derogatory views about South Africans or South African academics.
“I want to be clear that I do not hold such views. My academic work, committee contributions, supervision and mentoring reflect this,” she said.
“Despite the context of academic xenophobia, my response was not acceptable. I exercised poor judgment and take full responsibility,” she wrote.
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