Racism by design

From schools to the streets, the fight against institutional racism has been injected with renewed energy. 

The University of Cape Town is the latest institution to be thrust into the spotlight for allegedly not bending to the tide of transformation.

Last week, UCT’s executive distanced itself from a study by Professor Nicoli Nattrass.

The controversial paper, reviewed why black South African students are less likely to consider studying biological sciences.

While the study raised questions about the ethics of research at the institution, concerns of entrenched racism have now been raised about UCT’s geomatics program.

Dr Ramesh Govind, a former geodesy lecturer at UCT, broke his silence and spoke to etv news in an exclusive interview.    

But it’s not only former lecturers who are coming forward with allegations of racism within UCT’s geomatics program.

Former UCT student, Lindy-Anne Siebritz also shared her experience.

UCT spokesperson, Elijah Moholola, said the School of Architecture, Planning and Geomatics, in which the Division of Geomatics sits, acknowledges the impact of the alleged racialised victimisation and marginalisation of former staff and students who have had to resort to this medium to be heard and as a form of recourse.

According to Moholola the Dean of Engineering & the Built Environment also acknowledges that, although a detailed factual response to the questions could provide clarity as to what happened, it cannot compensate for the grievances of those who have felt victimised and marginalised.

"In alignment with the broader UCT values, the School is committed to addressing any issues of racism and to ensuring inclusivity for all students and staff. Although there have been some processes to ensure this, the allegations made show that we need to listen more, and that we must do more. We have heard and reflected upon the numerous points raised in the enquiry and will be using these to initiate an investigation within the School," he said.

Moholola said it should also be emphasised that the School strives to provide an environment in which students and staff are free to raise any concerns. "Staff make an effort to listen to issues raised and to accommodate those as best as possible. Where, for specific reasons, staff cannot be flexible, such reasons are always explained to students."

He said the university recognises that one of the ways to continue seriously dealing with the systemic and historical problems around race, victimisation and marginalisation is through people speaking out.

"We see this as an opportunity to increase the momentum in creating a truly inclusive and integrated environment. We also recognise that we are not divorced from the issues that affect our society and country and we are committed to listening to and hearing each other." 

Photo: Flickr