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The NWU fully supports freedom of expression. In recent times however, various social media platforms in South Africa have been flooded with defamatory statements that, in some instances, have incited harm and led to violence. Many were also unlawful.

The acting executive director for institutional advancement, Louis Jacobs, recently reminded staff and students in an email that they are personally responsible for the use or misuse of their name, or any handles and usernames attached to their names, on social media.

Eish! spoke to Moira Muller, website specialist in the NWU’s web office, about responsible behaviour on social media platforms.

Q: There have been many articles in the media such as a recent article on News24* stating that employees can be fired for inappropriate, racist or insensitive posts and content on social media. A recent article in the Star newspaper** also emphasised that online posts deemed hate speech can lead to criminal prosecution. What is the NWU’s view on this?

A: Defamatory statements and statements which incite violence undermine the fundamental values which we as a university espouse. Disciplinary action may be instituted against staff and students if they publish such statements or allow their names to be associated with activities like tagging and retweeting posts that constitute hate speech.