UFS probing disciplinary action

2008-03-03 18:34

Bloemfontein - Lawyers for the University of the Free State (UFS) and two white male students who made a racial video involving black university workers were still discussing details of possible disciplinary action on Monday.

UFS spokesperson Lacea Loader said the process of disciplinary action was still ongoing on Monday as "the legally correct processes were continuing".

The video, which caused a national outrage, featured black university employees on their knees eating food which had supposedly been urinated upon by white students.

It was filmed last year by students from the Reitz men's hostel.

The film depicts a mock initiation of five staff members into hostel activities and refers openly to the university's diversity policy for campus residences announced in 2007.

The students involved had rejected the notion that they were racists and said the 10-minute video was made in a "satirical slant" on a topic which was, then, prevalent and controversial. They also apologised.

UFS council meeting brought forward

Police are investigating a case of crimen injuria.

Superintendent Annelie Wrensch said earlier a docket had been opened "based on the video footage".

Loader also confirmed that the university's quarterly council meeting had been "brought forward" to Friday.

"The Reitz video incident is one of the agenda points."

The Free State legislature announced on Monday that political parties would take part in a debate of urgent public importance on the topic of "Racism at the University of the Free State".

The debate was scheduled to start at 14:15 at the Fourth Raadzaal.

- SAPA