Racism is still a significant problem, even though it is a delicate and contentious subject, especially in higher education institutions.
A conference on race and change in higher education was held on November 15 by Stellenbosch University, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and the University of Bath. The contentious issue of race and transformation in South African higher education was the conference's main topic.
The conference took place against the backdrop of Stellenbosch University's (SU) complicated and varied experiences in attempting to restructure the institution by human rights, equity, and restitution.
While discussing the proceedings of the conference, in detail, Stellenbosch University's Dr Leslie van Rooi, stated that this part of the conference focused on the science and the roots of racism.
Historically, South African universities like universities across the globe have invested in an understanding of race that unlocks racism to the extent that our policies, our scientific outcomes, our scientific processes were based on an ideological understanding of race and racialization and of course racism so we wanted to start the process of unrooting that in science.
In May earlier this year the university was in the spotlight, following a racial discrimination incident where a white student, Theuns Du Toit urinated on the belongings of a black student Babalo Ndwayana, Stellenbosch University released a statement condemning the actions of the perpetrator.
The university subsequently suspended Du Toit, however, at the time, student movements were demanding his expulsion.
Transformation also took centre-stage in the multifaceted engagement in which other stakeholders outside of the university sector, such as the surrounding community of the Khayamnandi, a historically black township in Stellenbosch.
Du Toit concluded that the approach, which formed the theme of the conference, entails ensuring that as an institution, they encourage students and staff members to invest in society, deal with its issues and ensure that they let go of any prejudices and biases.
He added that this can only happen through inclusivity and teaching experiences that acknowledge the need for tolerance and understanding of differences and each other’s living experiences.
