Statement from the Science Faculty on the article on Black Students in Biological Sciences

The Science Faculty does not endorse the article on “Why are black South African students less likely to consider studying biological sciences?” that appeared in the South African Journal of Science, Vol 116, No 5/6 (2020). This article, published as a non-peer reviewed Commentary, does not represent the views of the Faculty and UCT. While the challenges of transformation and inclusivity across different levels of study in the Science Faculty are real, the article does not engage with the complexity of the issues in a scientifically rigorous manner. Critical reflection and rigorous research is needed in this discipline, and others, in terms of curriculum, pedagogy and professional practice. Moreover, the article makes disturbing assumptions about all black South African students, including those in the Department of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Science at UCT. We reaffirm our commitment to transformation, inclusivity and good scientific practice in the Science Faculty and regret that articles like this do not help us achieve these goals. 

Professor Maano Ramutsindela

Dean of Science

4 May 2020