Fighting Social Injustice and Racism a Colourful Affair for the School of Law

BY: .

The School of Law in Pietermaritzburg recently heeded a call to commitment to non-racism. Under the slogan “The only thing that should be separated by colour is laundry”, students and staff gathered at the Pietermaritzburg campus to partake in a fun activity that saw them splash each other with powdered paint, symbolising the School’s staff and students commitment and re-affirmation to non-racism.

The colourful demonstration which made front page of The Witness newspaper was motivated by the recent racial violence and racial tensions at institutions of higher learning across the country.

Event organiser and Law academic, Ms Suhayfa Bhamjee said: ‘I’m really proud of our staff and student cohort who signed the ‘Declaration for the commitment to the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.’ It was the perfect opportunity to bring together staff and students from all backgrounds and economic and social spheres. There were no barriers, and no inhibitions. We’ve managed to send a strong message on a serious issue in fun way. Certainly a day to remember.’

Students for Law and Social Justice (SLSJ) branch Chairperson, Mr Siyabonga Ngcamu said that as UKZN’s social justice activists and students it is their obligation to ‘ensure the effective realisation of the right to dignity and equality without racial discrimination’.

‘As SLSJ we appreciate this campaign by the School and thank all the participants for their presence. Although we expected a very large crowd, the participants that were present made the campaign valuable. We understand that there is large student apathy in fighting social injustices in our Institution unless there is a political agenda - that is what we need to curb. Students, lecturers and their families had an amazing time together,’ he said.

Thandiwe Jumo