Wits Professor Srila Roy who sparked outrage for allegedly referring to South Africans as lazy, has resigned
Image: Facebook
PROFESSOR Srila Roy, a senior academic at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has resigned following the backlash after her social media post in which she claimed South Africans "have little ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic," prompted widespread outrage.
Roy, who was the head of the sociology department, made the remarks on X on February 19 in response to a debate about foreign academics in South African universities.
Her comments were swiftly deleted, but not before drawing fierce criticism from student bodies, academic associations and political groups alike.
The South African Sociological Association (Sasa) blasted her words as classist, racist and xenophobic, while the university confirmed it had received multiple complaints and was addressing the matter under its policies.
Sasa insisted that her statements contradict both their constitutional by-laws and the principles of South African higher education.
"Sasa is committed to a democratic South Africa, where all enjoy economic, political and social justice and freedom from all forms of discrimination based on religion, nationality, race and gender."
At the time, Wits also issued a statement on the controversy, and said it had "noted with deep concern the recent comments made by Roy on her personal X (Twitter), which have since been deleted."
Wits affirmed its handling of the issue.
"The university takes seriously allegations of prejudice, discrimination or racism, and alleged conduct that may undermine or compromise the university's values, policies and commitment to equality, dignity and non-discrimination."
Now, the academic, originally from India, has resigned from the prominent position.
Her own department has publicly rebuked her.
In a blistering statement dated February 26, the Department of Sociology said it "condemns in the strongest manner the offensive, racist and indefensible tweet made by the colleague, and the former head of department, Professor Roy"
The department acknowledged the depth of the backlash.
"The intensity of the responses to the tweet [X post] reflects the visceral pain it has caused, especially to Black South Africans."
Distancing itself firmly from her remarks, the department said her views "stand in direct contrast to the values of the sociology department," which it said are grounded in anti-racism, integrity and accountability.
It also confirmed swift action had been taken.
"We have asked Professor Roy to resign as head of department, which she has done.
"The department is committed to seeking justice, fairness, equity, and healing within our student community,” as the saga continues to reverberate through the higher education sector."
Before this dramatic turn, Roy had issued an apology on February 23. But, according to the department, the damage was already done.
"I would like to unequivocally and wholeheartedly apologise for my tweet," she said
"Given the painful history of racist stereotyping in South Africa, this tweet was simply wrong, and I take full responsibility for the pain it has caused."
"I want to emphasise that my tweet was not in any way intended to give expression to derogatory views about South Africans.
Roy conceded she had "acted with poor judgment in this matter"
The Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) also entered the fray, and its message was blunt.
"While we acknowledge the issuance of an apology, we find it inadequate in addressing the depth of concern raised by students, and members of the broader academic community."
The SRC warned that her comments "reproduce harmful and historically loaded stereotypes that have long been used to undermine the intellectual and professional contributions of Black Africans.
"Such remarks do not exist in a vacuum when made by a senior academic."
It further rejected the idea that mentorship alone disproves prejudice.
"The SRC wishes to state clearly that professional interaction with students cannot, in itself, serve as proof of the absence of bias."
The student body said the accountability must be swiftly taken in the matter.
"Academic freedom cannot be separated from academic accountability."