The University of Cape Town Student Representative Council (SRC) wants to have the Smuts Hall men’s residence renamed to a more ‘suitable name.’
A submission by the UCT SRC has already been forwarded to the university council for approval.
Racist, colonial figures have no place in our institution.
Rhodes fell.
Jameson fell.
Smuts is falling. https://t.co/eJsPcGn1J1— Declan Dyer (@declandyer_) June 3, 2021
“As part of the SRC’s mission ‘to disrupt’ and the Res Council’s commitment to being active on the ground to make UCT a more inclusive and transformative space for all members, we submit that the name of the Upper Male Bodied Residence, currently known as Smuts Hall, be changed and a more suitable name be found.”
“As part of an attempt to transform, albeit forced in 2015 by #RhodesMustFall, the university has begun steps towards transforming campus – part of that transformation is addressing the colonial, imperialist and racist legacy of Jan Smuts that remains unchallenged to this day,” reads part of the submission.
Other buildings that have been recently renamed include the JP Duminy residence, renamed to Philip Kgosana residence; and the Health Sciences Library to Bongani Mayosi Health Sciences Library.