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Racist TikTok account condemned
Author: Prof Hester C. Klopper: Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy and Internationalisation / Vise Rektor: Strategie en Internasionalisering
Published: 12/04/2021

​​​​​​Message to staff and students:

Stellenbosch University (SU) was made aware of a TikTok account on Sunday 11 April 2021 in which the University's name and logo was unlawfully used with the publishing of racially offensive posts. The University condemns this action in the strongest possible way. Neither the account nor the racist wording and sentiments are those of the University. (SU does not have an institutional account on this platform.) Not only are the particular posts repulsively racist, but it is also utterly demeaning and disrespectful towards our students, staff and other stakeholders.

SU condemns racism and the violation of human rights in the strongest possible terms. Racism is contrary to the values of the University and the culture of respect and human dignity that the institution strives for and is in breach of SU's Policy on Unfair Discrimination and Harassment.

The University immediately reported the account and the posts to TikTok (it has since been blocked by TikTok) and also laid criminal charges.

Stellenbosch University will continue to fight racism, while also promoting human rights, equality, human dignity and democracy in terms of its own policy documents as well as the Constitution of South Africa and the Bill of Rights.