Professor Roy’s comments labelled classist and racist

THE South African Sociological Association (Sasa) has expressed “deep concern’ over comments allegedly made by Professor Srilata Roy, the head of the sociology department at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), labelling the comments classist, racist, and xenophobic.

- XOLILE MTEMBU

A PROFESSOR has sparked outrage for allegedly referring to South Africans as lazy. | Facebook

The remarks, made on her personal X account on February 19, sparked outrage across the academic community and beyond. The controversy erupted after Roy, who is originally from India, responded to a discussion regarding foreign nationals in South African universities.

“South Africans have little ambition, are complacent and have a poor work ethic,” she reportedly posted.

Sasa insisted that her statements contradict both their constitutional bylaws and the principles of South African higher education.