The episode related to a visiting pianist from Israel and there was a protest by a group of people who support the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement supporting Palestine and against Israel and who were against the pianist being allowed to give a performance at the University.
Now before getting launched on the rights and wrongs of the issue, it needs to be stated that from the onset of the apartheid years in 1948, Wits University students were prominent in anti-aparthied actions and demonstrations and in support of the university being able to allow people to study who came from any and every "race" group in South Africa.
There were appalling actions by authorities, police and apartheid spies on campus who tried to stop protests and who were instrumental in getting students expelled and/or removed from campus and/or suspended.
The present incident has occurred post the apartheid years but events linger in the memory and are not easily forgotten.
First the background story:
Statement from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal
15 March 2013
The University of the Witwatersrand,
Johannesburg, deeply regrets that a concert held on its campus last
night was disrupted by some members of the University community and
representatives of external organisations.In light of this incident, the University takes this opportunity to issue a public apology to all those who attended the concert. The disruption of this event points to intolerance on the part of some members of the University community and goes against the core values espoused by the University. The University is investigating this matter and will take the necessary action based on its policies, processes and procedures.
The University reiterates that the views and opinions expressed by the Students' Representative Council or any other student groups on campus do not represent the official views of the University, nor are they necessarily an accurate reflection of the views of the majority of students, staff and alumni.
Wits University is a leading institution on the African continent renowned for encouraging dialogue and debate on often diverse and conflicting views confronting society. It provides a platform for different constituencies to express their views and opinions through considered debate and intellectual engagement in the spirit of tolerance, respect and openness.
We value the diverse views of all our staff, students and alumni regardless of their race, religion, gender, culture, language, ideology or otherwise, provided that they do not exceed the limitations explicated in our Constitution.
The diversity of people, programmes and ideas at Wits leads to the richness and robustness of the institution. This is indeed one of the greatest qualities of excellent higher education institutions, and one which Wits cherishes.
Prof. Loyiso Nongxa
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
8 APRIL 2013: UPDATE ON ISSUES RELATING TO THE DISRUPTION OF A CONCERT ON THE WITS CAMPUS
On 12 March 2013 a University-sanctioned musical recital by pianist,
Mr Yossi Reshef, was disrupted by a group of students and members of the
public.Understandably, the University has received many letters from members of the University community expressing concern at this incident. At the same time, it is clear from many of these messages that there are a number of matters that need to be clarified.
The University would therefore like to reiterate the following:
1. The University views the disruption of the concert in an extremely serious light and is addressing this violation of its Code of Conduct through a thorough, formal investigation and disciplinary process. The University requests that all parties allow the law to take its course.
2. Wits issued a public apology within 24 hours of the incident occurring. (This apology is published above this letter.)
3. A personal letter of apology was sent from both the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and the Vice-Chancellor Designate, to Mr Yossi Reshef.
4. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal met with the South African Jewish Board of Deputies to discuss this matter.
5. The University reaffirms its unwavering commitment to academic freedom.
The University therefore believes that alarmist judgments and blame heaped upon Wits as an institution by some commentators and media reports is unwarranted and misguided. It is not fair or reasonable to seek to tarnish the hard-earned reputation of a venerable University because of the actions of a group of protesters.
Wits has a proud history and tradition of being a vibrant platform and space for diverse individuals and groups to engage with its multiplicity of stakeholders, in a convivial environment. It has always advocated for academic freedom and institutional autonomy and will continue to do so, as these are the foundation of knowledge and intellectual engagement in any great University.
We value the concerns and comments received on this matter and give the assurance that this matter will be dealt with appropriately. We reiterate that the University is ensuring that those responsible for perpetrating this act are held accountable and will be subject to its disciplinary procedures. This process is already underway and we will inform all stakeholders of the outcomes. We have also offered to host the concert again and to honour all the tickets that have previously been sold.
Please do not hesitate to contact me directly via Loyiso.Nongxa@wits.ac.za should you wish to engage further on this matter.
Professor Loyiso Nongxa
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
8 April 2013
16 APRIL 2013: UPDATE ON THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE YOSSI RESHEF CONCERT
The University of the Witwatersrand can confirm that it has
charged 11 members of the Wits community for a possible contravention of
the University’s codes of conduct relating to the disruption of a
concert that was hosted on the Wits campus on 12 March 2013.External Senior Counsel has been appointed in terms of the University’s Rules for Student Discipline to act in lieu of a Student Discipline Committee, to chair the hearing, and to carry out all of its functions and to exercise all its powers. As such, he or she will make a decision as to whether or not to publish details of the disciplinary proceedings.
Prof. Loyiso Nongxa
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
16 April 2013
_______________________________________________________________
Here are reports about the outcome of the demonstrations:
VERDICT REACHED IN CASE AGAINST STUDENTS WHO DISRUPTED CONCERT AT WITS
Wits University announced
on Friday, 17 January 2014 that a verdict had been reached in a case
which saw 11 students charged for the disruption of a concert by
musician Yossi Reshef on its campus last year.
Ten students have been
found guilty of misconduct for disrupting or inciting others to disrupt
the piano recital. They have been excluded from the University for a
period of one year. The sentence is suspended provided that the students
are not found guilty of any other form of misconduct for a period of
two years. These students will not be allowed to hold any office in any
student governance structure for a period of one year. In addition, they
will each have to perform 80 hours of community service, as determined
by the University.
________________________________________________________________________
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, today announced that a verdict has been reached in a case which saw 11 students charged for the disruption of a concert by musician Yossi Reshef on its campus last year.
Ten students have been found guilty of misconduct for disrupting or inciting others to disrupt the piano recital. They have been excluded from the University for a period of one year. The sentence is suspended provided that the students are not found guilty of any other form of misconduct for a period of two years. These students will not be allowed to hold any office in any student governance structure for a period of one year. In addition, they will each have to perform 80 hours of community service, as determined by the University.
One of these students has further been found guilty of not obeying a lawful instruction issued by a University employee, and will be required to perform an additional 50 hours of community service for this offence.
The verdict was handed to the University by an independent advocate today, Friday, 17 January 2014. The Senior Counsel was appointed in terms of the University’s Rules for Student Discipline to act in lieu of a Student Discipline Committee, to chair the disciplinary hearing, to carry out all of its functions and to exercise all its powers in line with the University’s policies, procedures and processes.
Wits is renowned for encouraging freedom of expression, dialogue and debate on often diverse and conflicting views confronting society, provided that it does not exceed the limitations explicated in our Constitution. The University provides a platform for different constituencies to express their views and opinions through considered debate and intellectual engagement in the spirit of tolerance, respect and openness.
The diversity of people, programmes and ideas at Wits leads to the richness and robustness of the institution. This is indeed one of the greatest qualities of excellent higher education institutions, and one which Wits cherishes.
Professor Adam Habib
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
____________________________________________________________________
The verdict against ten students guilty of misconduct during a
concert at Wits University represents a resounding reaffirmation by Wits
of the values of academic freedom, diversity and tolerance. In March
last year, a group of demonstrators lead by members of the then Student
Representative Council invaded the venue where Israeli-born pianist
Yossi Reshev was giving a recital and prevented the event from
continuing.
This behavior was immediately condemned by the University leadership and steps were duly implemented to investigate the incident and call to book those responsible. In addition to taking appropriate action against those who perpetrated the disruption of the Reshef recital, the University also hosted a follow-up concert by a group of internationally renowned Israeli jazz musicians headed by Daniel Zamir.
This resoundingly successful event took place on 28 August in the Wits Great Hall, which was packed to capacity for the occasion. All necessary measures were taken by the University to ensure that the concert went ahead without incident, thereby affirming the University’s commitment to creating safe spaces for all on the campus. The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) applauds Wits University for taking a firm and unambiguous stand against those who abuse their right to protest by flouting the principles of academic freedom and unlawfully seeking to silence alternative viewpoints.
The outcome of the above hearings sends out a clear message that Wits remains committed to providing a free, open environment in which the values freedom of expression and association are strenuously upheld and where any behavior aimed at preventing others from exercising those rights is not tolerated. The SAJBD is hopeful that the satisfactory outcome to the Reshef affair will usher in a new era of mutual respect, trust and openness on Wits campus, one that provides safe spaces for the expression of diverse opinions and where people of differing viewpoints can learn from rather than try to silence one another.”
Issued by Wendy Kahn, National Director, SA Jewish Board of Deputies 0824443675
________________________________________________________________________
Verdict reached in case against students who disrupted concert at Wits
17 January 2014
Statement from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the WitwatersrandThe University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, today announced that a verdict has been reached in a case which saw 11 students charged for the disruption of a concert by musician Yossi Reshef on its campus last year.
Ten students have been found guilty of misconduct for disrupting or inciting others to disrupt the piano recital. They have been excluded from the University for a period of one year. The sentence is suspended provided that the students are not found guilty of any other form of misconduct for a period of two years. These students will not be allowed to hold any office in any student governance structure for a period of one year. In addition, they will each have to perform 80 hours of community service, as determined by the University.
One of these students has further been found guilty of not obeying a lawful instruction issued by a University employee, and will be required to perform an additional 50 hours of community service for this offence.
The verdict was handed to the University by an independent advocate today, Friday, 17 January 2014. The Senior Counsel was appointed in terms of the University’s Rules for Student Discipline to act in lieu of a Student Discipline Committee, to chair the disciplinary hearing, to carry out all of its functions and to exercise all its powers in line with the University’s policies, procedures and processes.
Wits is renowned for encouraging freedom of expression, dialogue and debate on often diverse and conflicting views confronting society, provided that it does not exceed the limitations explicated in our Constitution. The University provides a platform for different constituencies to express their views and opinions through considered debate and intellectual engagement in the spirit of tolerance, respect and openness.
The diversity of people, programmes and ideas at Wits leads to the richness and robustness of the institution. This is indeed one of the greatest qualities of excellent higher education institutions, and one which Wits cherishes.
Professor Adam Habib
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
____________________________________________________________________
South African Jewish Board of Deputies
SAJBD : Outcome of Wits Disciplinary Process
This behavior was immediately condemned by the University leadership and steps were duly implemented to investigate the incident and call to book those responsible. In addition to taking appropriate action against those who perpetrated the disruption of the Reshef recital, the University also hosted a follow-up concert by a group of internationally renowned Israeli jazz musicians headed by Daniel Zamir.
This resoundingly successful event took place on 28 August in the Wits Great Hall, which was packed to capacity for the occasion. All necessary measures were taken by the University to ensure that the concert went ahead without incident, thereby affirming the University’s commitment to creating safe spaces for all on the campus. The SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) applauds Wits University for taking a firm and unambiguous stand against those who abuse their right to protest by flouting the principles of academic freedom and unlawfully seeking to silence alternative viewpoints.
The outcome of the above hearings sends out a clear message that Wits remains committed to providing a free, open environment in which the values freedom of expression and association are strenuously upheld and where any behavior aimed at preventing others from exercising those rights is not tolerated. The SAJBD is hopeful that the satisfactory outcome to the Reshef affair will usher in a new era of mutual respect, trust and openness on Wits campus, one that provides safe spaces for the expression of diverse opinions and where people of differing viewpoints can learn from rather than try to silence one another.”
Issued by Wendy Kahn, National Director, SA Jewish Board of Deputies 0824443675
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