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UJ Denies Links to Man Who Claimed to Fail SA Students
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has distanced itself from Joel Sangweni, a man who falsely claimed to be a lecturer at the institution after a controversial social media post.
Sangweni ignited widespread backlash after stating on Facebook that he deliberately fails South African students while ensuring Zimbabwean students pass with distinctions. His comment read: “We don’t make money here. Mina, I’m a lecturer. I will make your kids suffer and fail. Those from Zimbabwe will pass with distinctions.”
Many social media users condemned the post, viewing it as an attack on South African students. Calls for UJ to take action quickly gained momentum, with the university being repeatedly tagged in online discussions.
In response, UJ denied that Sangweni is employed as a lecturer, clarifying that he only served as a tutor in 2024.
“Mr. Sangweni is not employed by the university in any capacity. He briefly served as a tutor in 2024,” UJ said in a statement.
UJ is now considering legal action against Sangweni for his inflammatory remarks. While he later claimed his Facebook account was hacked, the university is investigating the matter.
“The university takes academic integrity seriously and will take strong steps, including legal action, against any person who, by omission or commission, undermines its commitment to academic integrity,” the statement continued.
UJ reaffirmed its stance against his remarks, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining its values.
“The University remains committed to academic integrity and does not tolerate conduct that undermines its values.”
Meanwhile, Sangweni’s comments have reignited debates about the employment of foreign nationals, with many users demanding stricter measures.
A user on X (formerly Twitter), @Ms_MoloGady, wrote:
“Guys, this is the kind of person the University of Johannesburg hires. @go2uj @mediauj, your lecturer Joel Sangweni is threatening the future of our kids, and we are expected to be quiet because we will be called xenophobic? We will not tolerate this. Abahambee! 
#Abahambe #PutSAFirst”
Guys this are the kind of people University of Johannesburg hires @go2uj @mediauj your lecturer Joel Sangweni is threatening the future of our kids & we are expected to be quiet because we will be called xenophobic? we will not tolerate such, Abahambee
— Khomotso MoloGadi (@Ms_MoloGady) March 30, 2025
Another user, @sdu_mpembe, added:
“We have a problem. How was he hired? Apparently, this Joel Sangweni, a Zimbabwean lecturer, fails South African students and gives his citizens distinctions.”
The debate continues to trend online as UJ moves forward with its investigation.
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Sourced:IOL
