Stellenbosch University (SU) management has condemned a racist TikTok account which used the institution’s name and logo to publish racially offensive posts.
In a communique released yesterday to its staff members and students, the university slammed the account under the name @stellenbosch.university which released two videos – one describing a black man as a “poor k****” and the other showing scenes of a burning building with the caption “The k****s tried to burn our school…”
“Stellenbosch University (SU) was made aware of a TikTok account last night (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,” read the statement.
“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,” read the statement.
The university said it has reported the account to TikTok and is in the process of laying criminal charges.
“The account has been banned by TikTok and the videos have been removed from TikTok,” said university spokesperson Martin Viljoen.
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