The week of 14–21 March 2016 has been declared Anti-Racism Week in South Africa. The week appropriately coincides with Human Rights Day on 21 March 2016, which is also the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. In his State of the Nation Address, the President exhorted all organisations and institutions to support this campaign. As a transforming institution, the University of Pretoria (UP) wishes to play its part in this regard.

The University has begun to tackle racism and other forms of discrimination through its Re-a-bua programme, intended to build a solid foundation on which to increase inclusivity and social cohesion within the institution. This campaign, which is endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor of UP, gives us an opportunity to reflect on our own beliefs, perspectives and behaviours.

The objectives of the campaign:

• to highlight the need to confront racism
• to emphasise the positives of increasing inclusivity
• to encourage a dialogue around the issues of social cohesion, anti-racism and inclusivity 
• to bring together staff and students in a coordinated effort

UP will run an online campaign to sensitise all our staff, students, stakeholders and anyone who has dealings with the University, and to encourage them to make a commitment to act against racism in all its forms.

Please send your inputs, comments, suggestions and signed copies of the pledge below to [email protected]

 Anti-racism pledge

I commit to making the University of Pretoria a great place to work and study, I will not tolerate any form of discrimination on the bases of race, gender sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language and birth.  I espouse the values of Ubuntu, uphold the Constitution and respect the communities in which the University operates. In support of this, I pledge to undertake the following:

• I commit to treating people as equal, not superior or inferior, without prejudice, stereotyping, or discrimination.
• I commit to being aware of the impact the words I use will have on others.
• I commit to being tolerant and understanding of cultural differences.
• I commit to confronting myself and those around me if and when racism occurs.
• I commit to acknowledging that people are humans first, irrespective of race.
• I commit to not using violence to advocate my ideals.
• I commit to taking into consideration that everyone, irrespective of creed or colour, has a story to tell.
• I commit to listening with an open heart and open mind to those who have different heritages, cultures, and experiences from my own, and to learning from them what actions, practices, or structures they experience as racist.

With this pledge, I commit to honouring and embracing diversity, inclusion and to taking a stand against racism wherever it appears.

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Name and signature