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flag A South African professor was suspended for a tweet criticizing national work ethic, sparking debate over academic freedom and racial bias.

flag Prof Srila Roy, a Wits University sociology professor, faced backlash and was suspended after a February 2026 tweet criticizing South Africans for lacking ambition and work ethic. flag She apologized, calling it “wrong,” but critics, including political figures and student groups, demanded her firing, labeling the comment racist. flag However, experts argue the response was disproportionate, noting similar critiques by prominent leaders like Gwede Mantashe went unpunished. flag The tweet targeted South Africans broadly, not specific races, and a public survey showed most opposed her dismissal, especially if she were foreign—a sign of potential bias. flag The incident has sparked debate over academic freedom, with concerns that overreaction risks undermining free expression in universities.

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