SA Discusses After UCT Lecturers Accused of Giving White Students Better Grades Than Blacks
- The University of Cape Town is facing allegations of racial discrimination from a whistleblower
- The whistleblower, who is a former Head of Department, made this revelation in an affidavit written to the presidency
- He accused six individuals of being behind the alleged racial discrimination, and South Africans were not surprised
Tebogo Mokwena, a dedicated Briefly News current affairs journalist, contributed coverage of international and local social issues, including health, corruption, education, unemployment, labour, service delivery protests, and immigration in South Africa, during his seven years at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.
Source: Getty Images
CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE — The University of Cape Town (UCT) in the Western Cape is facing allegations that staff members are reportedly biased towards white students over black students. A whistleblower said that white students get better marks than black students.
According to Sunday World, the university's former Head of Department, Professor Ndangwa Noyoo, wrote an affidavit to the Presidency and revealed that six individuals have reportedly been awarding white students higher marks than black students. Noyoo reportedly uncovered the trend and confronted it when he became an HOD in 2018.
Noyoo discovered that lecturers violated the university's examination policies by opening stickers that contained the names of students. The policy was meant to ensure impartiality in marking exams. He reportedly found that one lecturer even awarded distinctions to her entire master's classes.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
What happened after the allegations?
However, despite supporting evidence, including an email thread in which the administrative officer admonished lecturers after a senior lecturer admitted to opening scripts after marking, no action was taken against the lecturers. Noyoo also accused lecturers of coaching master's students on how to answer exam questions.
What did the University say?
The University's spokesperson, Elijah Moholoa, stated that the university is aware of the allegations and has initiated a preliminary fact-finding process to investigate them. He added that the allegations predated the current administration and will launch a formal internal inquiry.
Source: Getty Images
Recent stories about universities
A student was shot and killed at the Walter Sisulu University protest in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, on 15 April 2025. The incident happened during a protest against the campus manager's alleged misconduct.
The campus was rocked by a second fatal shooting when a senior lecturer was found dead on 19 June 2025. He was found with multiple bullet wounds on his body.
What did South Africans say?
Netizens commenting on X were not surprised.
Zenzo said:
"Racism in that institution is why they removed Prof Phakeng."
Thendo said:
"Enough is enough. Is being black a curse?"
Mother Matry said:
"In 2014, a surveying lecturer from a different university was fired for the same thing."
BuzzLightyear said:
"Another top university in SA has similar tactics, not with awarding extra marks, but by providing white students with extra resources and pushing for multiple remarks when they fail."
SA appalled by WSU accommodation conditions
In a related article, Briefly News reported that South Africans reacted to the condition of Walter Sisulu University's student accommodation. A student shared a video of the accommodation.
The ceilings were torn, the desks were broken and burned, and the bathroom tiles were broken and dirty.
"People in the comments who say focus on school and not make a fuss about this are used to getting the bare minimum and inhumane treatment," a netizen said.
100 best universities in Africa that offer quality education
Briefly News previously reported on the 100 best universities in Africa.
Leading the top 100 best universities in Africa is the University of Cape Town (UCT). University of Stellenbosch, Cairo University, University of Pretoria, and University of South Africa are among the top 10 universities in Africa. Rhodes University, University of the Western Cape, and University of the Free State made the list of top 20 best universities in Africa.
The best university in Africa is not just one that provides a basic curriculum to scholars, but also a hub of excellence over the years. Today, you do not have to move to a different country to access quality education.
Most universities in Africa contribute significantly to research and innovation in various fields, publishing groundbreaking research papers and patents. They often have well-equipped laboratories, research centers, and partnerships with international institutions.
Source: Briefly News
