Such traditions that are culturally embedded in the white, male, Afrikaans culture and history, which are the basis of the Nagligte traditions, do not foster inclusion of other groups that must now form the new majority of the SU student body. Wilgenhoffers do not seem to appreciate the negative impact of their culture and rituals on the personal rights of certain individuals. This is because they elevate belonging to the Wilgenhof group above the rights of the individual.
It is ironic that the dismissal of leave to appeal comes on the back of the suspension of Mr Paul Ngobeni, the legal advisor of the Minister of Defence who no doubt had a hand in the ill fated strategy of the now unlawful dismissal notices. In SANDU’s view the same Ngobeni should not have been appointed in the first place given his dubious background. This point of view was simply compounded by the obnoxious and out of turn letter to Minister Manuel. Today’s finding should sound the final bell for Ngobeni. Ironically the Minister seems to be destined to follow the same flawed process in the possible termination of his services as the one Ngobeni had a hand in meeting out to soldiers. – Pikkie Greef, National Secretary of the SA National Defence Union
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