The University of Pretoria (UP) is peeved at the public relations stunt, seemingly by AfriForum Youth, and has vowed to institute immediate disciplinary action against the culprits.

This as the youth group placarded stickers labelled ‘Blacks only’ and ‘No whites allowed’ at the UP Hatfield campus yesterday.

The stickers could be seen in bright yellow at entrance gates and buildings.

AfriForum maintains that UP’s ‘lighting-quick’ reaction is ‘suspicious’ and that the threatened disciplinary action against its members is also ‘dodgy’.

According to AfriForum, the stickers were meant to provoke heated debate and highlight alleged racial exclusion and double standards by the top Pretoria university.

AfriForum campaign officer Louis Boshoff says the youth group used the stunt to expose the alleged double standards.

“This protest action follows after EFF members prevented white students from gaining access to the campus on September 27. On that day, EFF members shouted, among other things: ‘Only black students’.”

In hierdie video hoor en sien die kykers duidelik hoe EFFSC UP-lede vir studente toegang tot kampus weier deur te sê, “only black students”. https://t.co/gOD1AwSzmu

— AfriForum Jeug (@afriforumjeug) October 9, 2023

Boshoff says AfriForum Youth had sent several letters to the university demanding the deregistration of EFF student command (SC) as a student society.

“The university simply refused to respond.”

He adds that since the non-responsiveness by UP, frustrated AfriForum Youth took a new approach to get a reaction, namely the stickers campaign.

“The university management reacted quickly, condemning the protest action and threatening disciplinary action against individuals responsible for putting up the stickers,” explains Boshoff.

“It is shocking that the university reacts so quickly and heated to a protest against racial exclusion on their campus, while those who are guilty of actual racial exclusion bear no consequences for their actions.”

Boshoff says their PR stunt spoke volumes to that of the EFF.

UP sat on its hands as easily identifiable EFF thugs prevented white students from attending class.@afriforum ran a publicity campaign exposing this.

The university is now taking action against @Afriforum for “defacing property” and “racism”.

This is how #schoolcapture works. https://t.co/88mWKJN4pk

— Richard Wilkinson (@wilkinsoncape) October 9, 2023

“AfriForum Youth will continue to apply pressure for the deregistration of the SC, and demand that the perpetrators of that incident be held accountable, as the university has now proven itself capable of responding quickly,” adds Boshoff.

He claims that students are being intimidated by SC on the UP Hatfield campus and excluded based on their race.

♦️Today♦️

We joined the picket at the University of Pretoria to protest against the disqualification of EFFSC after winning SRC Elections. Standing up against institutional racism and demanding accountability!#EFFTurns10 pic.twitter.com/cXqhWv3CZg

— EFF Tshwane Region (@TshwaneEff) September 26, 2023

University responds

UP in a statement said it is working to redress historical injustices and is committed to fostering a unified institution.

“We strongly condemn and are deeply disappointed by the public relations stunt carried out by mischievous individuals, involving the placement of ‘no whites allowed’ stickers on certain entrances of the Hatfield campus. The university is firmly committed to upholding the principles of non-discrimination and diversity.”

It said immediate disciplinary action would come against those responsible for defacing university property and advocating for racism in an institution.

“South Africa’s history is marked by a complex legacy of systemic discrimination, and as a society, we are actively working to redress these historical injustices.

“Our university plays an integral role in this endeavour, striving to create an inclusive and equitable environment for everyone.

“We encourage constructive dialogue and engagement to address concerns related to racial issues, and we remain committed to fostering an atmosphere of respect and understanding within our institution.”