RE: SASA Statement on Recent Remark by Professor Srila Roy

21st February 2026

The South African Sociological Association (SASA) notes with deep concern the problematic, classist, racist and xenophobic remarks made by Sociology Professor Srila Roy, the Head of Department of Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Professor Roy’s utterances contravene critical SASA constitutional by laws, principles, objectives and ethos, which clearly state that SASA is “committed to a democratic South Africa, where all enjoy economic, political and social justice and freedom from all forms of discrimination based on religion, nationality, race and gender”. Those remarks violate ARTICLE 2: “To promote cooperation at the local, national, regional and international levels among persons engaged in the study of society” and have brought the discipline, academia and the country into disrepute. SASA further notes Wits’ commitment to anti-racism, transformation and responsible use of social media policies concerning how Professor Roy’s posts relate to these.

In response to concerns raised by the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education regarding the presence of 7.7% foreign nationals in South African universities, Professor Roy stated on her personal X (formerly Twitter) account that “South Africans have little ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic”. While SASA recognises individual freedom and acknowledges that these comments were made in her personal capacity, the association is deeply troubled by the severity of the remark. As an organisation committed to equality, inclusivity and respectful intellectual engagement, SASA distances itself from this remark.; it speaks to the lived and racialised reality of the majority of the staff and student population, and we should not shy away from that as an association.

Professor Roy’s remark shows disdain for the ethos of the South African higher education sector and the country as a whole. This philosophical and ideological statement raises concern about the fairness, equality, dignity and experiences of the students and colleagues who have come into her corridors, lectures, office, supervision and person. The prospect of her engaging with the academic community in South Africa, inclusive of staff and students, deeply concerns SASA as there is a clear dehumanising and alienating view of South Africans in her remark.

We have noted her retraction without genuine apology on X and see it as lacking rigour, emotion and cause, and as an attempt at face-saving which has rightfully been seen with contempt by the South African academic community and beyond. We demand that Professor Roy recuse herself from the Wits Local Organising Committee (LOC) and all conference-related responsibilities to safeguard the integrity of the conference among our local and international community. Further, her membership be suspended and tabled for deliberation at the AGM.

In the spirit of accountability and broader South African values, SASA further calls on Wits University to bring a resolution to the matter institutionally and protect the intellectual, psychological, physical, and ontological safety of students and staff. An outcome is required which leads to a clear realisation by Professor Roy and like-minded individuals within and outside the South African academia and society that all forms of discrimination (racism and classism) will not be tolerated, that freedom of speech encapsulates responsibility and that contravening constitutional and humanitarian ethics and principles entail accountability and recourse.

SASA Council & Executive, 2025-2026:

Bianca Tame (President), Nomzamo Ntombela (Vice-president), Lerato Kgosiemang (Secretary), Thabang Sefalafala (Treasurer), Anele Dloto, Percyval Bayane, Karabo Mohapenele, Mojalefa Mankgero, Gregory Thabang Koole, Nontombi Velelo, Motsatsi Patience, John Mhandu, Anne Wiltshire (Ex-Officio) Nicole van Standen (Memberships).