(FXI/IFEX) – The Peninsula Technikon took an extraordinary decision on 17 November 1998 to expel student journalist Max Hamata following his article published a few months ago. Hamata was expelled from the institution by an internal disciplinary committee, even though he was not present at the hearing. Although he had his own legal representative, Hamata […]
(FXI/IFEX) – The Peninsula Technikon took an extraordinary decision on 17
November 1998 to expel student journalist Max Hamata following his article
published a few months ago. Hamata was expelled from the institution by an
internal disciplinary committee, even though he was not present at the
hearing. Although he had his own legal representative, Hamata was told that
he could not be represented by an outsider as this was a violation of
technikon rules. He refused to attend the hearing without his legal
representative and waited outside as the proceedings continued. He was found
guilty and
expelled. The hearing, chaired by Pentech’s registrar for student affairs,
Tobie Titus, dismissed Hamata on the grounds that he brought the technikon’s
name into disrepute.
**Updates IFEX alert of 22 September 1998**
Background Information
Hamata, who wrote an article published in the “Mail & Guardian”‘s 18 to 24
September edition entitled “Sex for sale on campus”, received threatening
phone calls from anonymous callers. His article on prostitution at Peninsula
Technikon alleged that sex services were available from certain female
students for men both on and off campus.
One of the female students told Hamata that she had been in the sex trade
for two years and that her two best friends were also involved in the trade.
The article says that sex workers at Pentech invite potential clients by
placing advertisements at strategic points on campus, such as ATMs at the
student centre, the male residence and cafeteria. “Customers will be treated
confidentially and will receive preferential treatment,” read one ad.
In reaction to his article, journalism student Hamata was called into the
office of the deputy vice-chancellor VL Tanga where he was questioned and
accused of being disloyal to the institution. Tanga interrogated him in the
company of six other management staff members. Hamata was also questioned by
campus security who attempted to force him to reveal the names of his
sources. Hamata refused, saying that this would be a breach of
confidentiality. Although his article did not suggest that “all” female
students on campus were involved in prostitution, a circular issued by the
vice-chancellor implied that this is what was alleged. Consequently, those
students, particularly women, who had not read the article but had read the
circular, targetted Hamata. Furthermore, the sources Hamata did name were
forced to retract their statements. They claimed that their technikon
careers would be over if they did not.
