Xenophobia update

Posted by Vicki Scholtz | 26 May, 2008

A working group has been established to coordinate the University's response. Communications will be part of the mandate. For now, please note the following:

  • Donations needed: Warm clothing, baby goods (nappies, nappy cream, infant feeding formula), toiletries (soap, sanitary towels), non-perishable food (not just baked beans! but bearing in mind limited cooking facilities), blankets and mattresses  - these can be dropped off at SHAWCO (5th floor Steve Biko Buildling, Upper Campus, or the Medical School office, or at any residence. Off Campus, through the Treatment Action Campaign, or Rondebosch United Church (Belmont Road).
  • Contact numbers:
    • transport assistance:  John Critien, 082-828-4972
    • student and staff needing assistance: Moonira Khan, 082-887-3926
    • SHAWCO contact: Jonathan Hoffenberg,  084-626-1270

There are a number of other initiatives underway, such as establishing a register of staff who can provide emergency accommodation for staff and students who may be displaced by the violence, the issuing of statements beyond simple expressions of outrage, the harnessing of analytic, intellectual and professional skills residing in the University community and the mobilisation of networks to bring political pressure to bear. In addition, students and staff are asked to raise issues of xenophobia among peers and in other contexts where challenges to attitude and practice can be effected.  

 

Fuller information, and updates, will be provided shortly.

 

Edit: There will be a mass meeting at the Mowbray Town Hall, Main Road, Mowbray, at 13h00 on Monday 26 May 2008 on the issue.  

 

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