I would like to come out in defence of Professor Jonathan Jansen. Not only because I feel that the onslaught he has suffered in the media and at the hands of various political parties has been unwarranted, but also because I believe the discussion needs to be tempered by reason.

Let me state, categorically, at the beginning of this piece that I believe that the behaviour of the Reitz Four was despicable. Criminal, in fact. And that they should be judged accordingly in a court of law. That being said, I wholly endorse Professor Jansen's decision to drop the university's charges.

I doubt very much that those protesting vehemently against his decision have actually taken the time to read his speech in full. If they had, they would realise, not only what a remarkable man and leader he must be, but also the context of his decision.

Professor Jansen, rightly, regards the university as being complicit in the behaviour of the students. Complicit because it allowed such racism to foster; because it allowed an environment where such disgusting acts were not deemed to be outside the realm of acceptable behaviour; and because there were other similarly-motivated 'projects' which did not receive the same media attention.

It takes a brave man to admit the complicity of the institution he now heads up. It takes a courageous man to shoulder the responsibility of those who came before him. And it takes an extraordinary leader to choose the path of reconciliation when all around him are baying for blood and revenge.

Surely, as South Africans, this is something we should understand. Surely, we should embrace a man who dares to follow in the honourable footsteps of this nation's greatest leader?

Since when has there been a moratorium on the value of reconciliation and transformation? Whilst the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a means to bring about peaceful social change, it was not the end of the process; it was the beginning.

South Africans have a long way to go before we can claim real reconciliation or transformation. It seems somewhat self-defeating to shoot down a leader who comes, not only with the capacity for forgiveness and an understanding of accountability, but also with a viable roadmap for the future.

Professor Jansen's decision to drop the charges is not a cowardly act, which once again makes black South Africans bear the brunt of reconciliation. It is part of an integrated and carefully-thought-out plan for the transformation of the university. Without reconciliation, there can be no hope for real transformation.

The Reitz Four should face criminal charges, because we are all accountable before the law for our actions. However, it is the university's prerogative to decide how it will move forward from the racism of the past. And, much as Professor Jansen has done with this decision, the university will have to bear the long-term responsibility for the outcome of its choices.

If the model of truth, reconciliation and transformation was good enough for our country, why do we lambaste a man who chooses to follow these ideals? Perhaps it is not that we have passed the required period of reconciliation, but rather that we are still not ready for it.

Then again, perhaps it is simply because very few of us take the time to become fully informed before lashing out in knee-jerk anger.

Do you agree or disagree with Rebekah? Have you bothered to read the speech?

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