Joel Sangweni, a Zimbabwean national who falsely claimed to be a lecturer at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has sparked outrage after reportedly stating that he deliberately fails South African students while awarding distinctions to Zimbabwean students.
His comments, which circulated on social media, led to widespread backlash, with many users demanding action from UJ.
In a comment that has since sparked outrage, Sangweni wrote on Facebook: “We don’t make money here, mina (loosely translated as ‘me’) I’m a lecturer, I will make your kids suffer and fail, those from Zimbabwe will pass with distinctions.”
UJ Denies Sangweni’s Affiliation
Many users, outraged by the remarks, tagged the university in their posts and demanded immediate action. UJ has clarified that Sangweni is not a lecturer at the institution. It has refuted any association with the statements he made.
In an official statement, the university stated: “Mr. Sangweni is not employed by the university in any capacity. He briefly served as a tutor in 2024.”
Sangweni Claims Account Was Hacked
After the backlash, Sangweni claimed that hackers had accessed his Facebook account, according to IOL. Despite this assertion, UJ has launched an investigation into the matter.
“The university takes academic integrity seriously and will take strong steps, including legal action, against any person who, by omission or commission, undermines its commitment to academic integrity,” the statement read.
Debate on Employment Policies and Misinformation
The controversy has reignited debates on social media. Many users are calling for stricter employment policies that prioritize South African citizens over foreign nationals. The incident has raised concerns over misinformation. It has also highlighted the potential harm caused by individuals falsely associating themselves with reputable institutions.
In February this year, authorities arrested a 33-year-old Zimbabwean man, Kudakwashe Mpofu, for using a forged permanent residence permit to secure a senior position at the North West Development Corporation in South Africa. The Hawks Serious Corruption Investigation unit apprehended him on fraud charges. Mpofu, who faced a fraud charge, later appeared in the Mmabatho Magistrate Court in the North West, according to the National Prosecuting Authority.
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