‘… no DA event will take place here’

THE following is a transcript extract from the conversation believed to be between University of Fort Hare Registrar Mike Somniso and corporate affairs director Zintle Filtane. Parts of the conversation in Xhosa have been translated:

Somniso: When we have an event like this, I will bring in buses for residents from outside … because they are going to be part of this thing of ours.

Filtane: How is this thing going to be done?

Somniso: I already have a plan, we have all planned it outside not here at the university. This plan doesn’t need the university …

Filtane: But what does Sasco say?

Somniso: You see those are dead. They have no leadership inside. They are not involved. We are going to invite those with potential or Sasco members to join the community initiative as residents … do you hear what I’m saying?

Filtane: No, tell us so that we don’t mess up.

Somniso: What I’m doing … we went out as the people of Alice and said we are going to address this from outside, understand? Because if we address it internally, it will compromise me, you understand?

Filtane: Yes.

Somniso: As university registrar, I can’t be seen taking sides. What is going to happen is that there is no DA event that will take place as normal  here. I thought I was going to say to the VC that we should remove Brian . He supports the DA there.

Filtane: No, really?

Somniso: Yes, are you crazy? We are being fooled here. Are you  a fool?

Filtane: Yes, I am.

Somniso: We are being fooled here. And if we are going to sabotage DA programmes, we will deal with them decisively.