In a viral TikTok video that has sparked significant debate, Darryl Roberts, a former maths and science teacher in South Africa, has vehemently criticized the country’s transformation laws, arguing that they are inherently racist and counterproductive.
Roberts, who taught at a predominantly black school in Richards Bay, shared his personal experience with affirmative action policies, which he believes exemplify the flaws in South Africa’s Black Economic Empowerment (BEE).
Roberts recounted how, despite being qualified and already performing the role of acting head of the maths and science department, he was repeatedly denied a permanent position by the Department of Education. Over three years, he applied for the job with the support of his headmaster, a card-carrying member of the African National Congress (ANC). Each application was meticulously prepared to meet the department’s stringent requirements, yet Roberts was consistently overlooked.
The reason, according to Roberts, was the department’s insistence on hiring “ghost teachers”, black teachers who are employed but do not have assigned posts, receiving full salaries and benefits while not working. He described how the department aimed to place one of these ghost teachers into the vacant position he sought, despite their lack of interest in actually teaching.
Ultimately, after three years of rejection, the department hired a black teacher from Congo, whose thick French accent made him incomprehensible to the predominantly Zulu-speaking students.
Roberts labeled this teacher as ineffective but noted that his race was the deciding factor in his hiring.
“This is affirmative action. This is how racist it is. This is how counterproductive it is,” Roberts stated in the video. He argued that the policy favors individuals purely based on skin color, disregarding merit and qualifications. “It is a hundred percent a race-based law. How can it not be a race-based law when it favors people purely on skin color and nothing else?” he questioned, expressing frustration that supporters of such policies might not understand their implications.
Roberts’ critique aligns with broader concerns about South Africa’s transformation laws, which include affirmative action and BEE initiatives. Critics argue these laws can lead to reverse discrimination and inefficiency, as seen in Roberts’ case.
The video has resonated with some who share Roberts’ views, particularly those who believe that merit should be the primary criterion for employment.
Roberts’ experience is not isolated. Similar criticisms have been voiced by other individuals and organizations, pointing to instances where transformation laws have been perceived as prioritizing race over competence.
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