Thuli Madonsela Stands Firmly by Comments on Adam Habib's Reinstatement
- Former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has backed her words up with regards to Adam Habib and his use of the N-word
- Madonsela firmly believes that Habib should be reinstated as the Director of the University of London's SOAS
- The news follows a letter by Madonsela and others calling for Habib's reinstatement due to the context of the usage of the racial slur
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Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has stood firmly behind her calls for Adam Habib to be reinstated as director of the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), as soon as possible.
In a recent interview, Madonsela stated that the reactions towards Habib's use of the N-word were "excessive". Madonsela named former US president Barack Obama, who also used the word, as a sort of defence for Habib's usage. She stated that Habib was explaining the framework of the word, as Obama did.
Madonsela made note of the "extreme reaction" by the students present in the webinar, stating that it was understandable. However, she believes that there should be a discussion with Habib about what words can or cannot be used in academics for clarification of context.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, Madonsela stated that Habib's usage of the racial slur should be taken as an opportunity to understand why the word is as emotive as it is. Madonsela went so far as to say that some of the people who reacted to Habib's usage of the word "don't care about racism".
She added that those people want the former Wits vice-chancellor to leave. In the letter signed by Madonsela, Justice Malala, Palesa Morudu and Barney Pityana calling for Habib's reinstatement, they cited that"wokeness" filtered out reasoning and context for Habib's use of the N-word, reports TimesLIVE.
Previously, Briefly News reported that Madonsela and others had called for Habib's reinstatement. The seasoned advocate says Habib is not a racist as she joins the likes of Justice Malala, Palesa Morudu and Barney Pityana.
Madonsela’s sentiments come after the former Wits University vice-chancellor was suspended three weeks ago from his new job as SOAS director after he used the N-word during a video meeting with students.
According to a report carried by IOL, the chairman of the board of trustees, Marie Staunton, said Habib has agreed to excuse himself as the matter is still under investigation by the varsity.
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Source: Briefly News
