An open letter that will remain closed: Francesca Albanese at Wits

To my dear alma mater, Wits University,

“Struggling to find words” is not an adequate expression nor is “wordless” the correct word to describe how simply… floored I am. For floored, quite literally, is what you have done to your Jewish students, alumni and faculty.

Francesca Albanese is coming to campus.

And you are delighted.

You are inviting one of today’s most recognisable figures, but not for the reasons you proclaim. For Albanese is notorious for her anti-Semitism, her dismissal and wilful denial of the most heinous sexual crimes, her commendation of the October 7th Massacre, need I continue? Your hosting her at the university is… immoral.

You too are now discarding Jews to the ash heap.

I have always had a somewhat smug attitude in believing that Wits, in comparison to other leading South African universities, has foresight and fortitude when it comes to endorsing certain political agendas and to handling violent student protests. The administration, so it seemed to me, “kept it together.”

Well that bubble has burst.

There should have been no discussion, not even a consideration of joining hands with the Nelson Mandela Foundation (whose namesake I wish eternal rest while hopefully wondering if he is “turning in his grave” at these events). This is not about Israel and Palestine. This is not political education or discourse, nor an enlightening speaker. Francesca Albanese celebrates human rights violations. As a South African university, and a university that remained open to Black students until forced into legalised racism by the Apartheid government, one would have expected something better.

I have never been a “Proud Witsie” because I simply don’t do fanclubs, but I have always been “Proud of Wits.” Now, I am torn.

For I see in my mind’s eye the beautiful campuses, the libraries, the magnificent Jacaranda trees that would take my breath away every year with their purple glory. I smile as I try imagine what those very buildings and the verdant lawns must have looked like to my brother, my mother, my uncle and my grandfather. Three generations have walked your corridors. Excelled in your courses, aimed for meaningful achievement, and graduated with a determination to make a difference – for all, no matter their race, gender, and religion.

How will you teach that now? How will you educate the students who pass through your doors to respect all ethnicities regardless of political disagreements? To stand guard over basic human dignity? Over humanity itself?

What pains me most is that nothing will make you withdraw that invitation. Statements by Jewish representatives are meaningless to you for you care not.

Indeed, words escape me.

Woefully yours,

An Alumna