Outrage Erupts As Wits Professor Slams South Africans’ Poor Work Ethic

Professor Srila Roy, head of sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), is facing mounting backlash after a now-deleted X post in which she criticised South Africans’ work ethic.

In the controversial post, Roy wrote: “…South Africans have little ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic. Take that for your xenophobia that us foreigners are meant to suffer in silence, as we nurture successive generations at university.”

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The post was made amid renewed debate about the presence of foreign nationals in South African universities.

Foreign Nationals in SA Universities

Roy’s remarks came after the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training raised concerns last week about the presence of 7.7% foreign nationals in local universities.

In response to another X user who argued that international staff significantly contribute to research output and global rankings, Roy agreed — before posting the now-controversial comment.

Roy, who has previously indicated in interviews that she grew up in India, later apologised.

‘I Acted With Poor Judgement’ — Roy Apologises

On Monday, Roy issued an apology via her now-private X account.

“Given the painful history of racist stereotyping in South Africa, this tweet was simply wrong, and I take full responsibility for the pain it has caused.”

She said her post was intended as a “hasty pushback” against xenophobic attitudes targeting international academics, not an endorsement of derogatory views about South Africans.

“I want to emphasise that my tweet was not in any way intended to give expression to derogatory views about South Africans. I do not hold such views…”

She added that her academic work and mentorship record should reflect her actual values.

Still, critics argue the damage has already been done.

Parliamentary Chairperson ‘Deeply Disappointed’

Chairperson of the Higher Education Committee, Tebogo Letsie, strongly condemned the remarks.

“These remarks… are deeply offensive, insulting and unacceptable.”

Letsie emphasised that, as head of sociology, Roy’s role centres on issues of inequality, development and social justice.

“It is therefore deeply disappointing that someone in such a position could hold and express views that undermine the dignity and potential of the very people our universities exist to serve.”

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He called on Wits senior management to urgently investigate and take action, stressing that discriminatory attitudes have no place in post-school education.

The South African Sociological Association (SASA) labelled the remarks “problematic, classist, racist and xenophobic.”

The association has demanded Roy’s withdrawal and suspension from the Wits Local Organising Committee (LOC), and urged the university to resolve the matter institutionally.

Wits HR Launches Investigation

Wits has confirmed that an internal investigation is underway.

University spokesperson Shirona Patel said human resources processes have commenced and clarified that expressing views in a personal capacity does not exempt staff from the institution’s anti-discrimination policies.

“Wits is addressing this matter directly with Prof. Roy, in accordance with the University’s rules, policies and procedures.”

As tensions around immigration, employment and transformation continue to simmer nationally, the fallout from Roy’s comments is likely to intensify discussions about xenophobia, academic freedom and accountability in higher education.