Revised Admission Policy at Wits misleading

AfriForum Youth welcomes the deletion of the biographical questionnaire from the selection process for admission to medical studies at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) for 2015. The university revised its admission policy for all medical fields of study. 

“While this is a small step in the right direction, it does cause some concern that it may resurface as from 2016,” said Eduan Dupper, Spokesperson for AfriForum Youth.

The questionnaires are inter alia used to select students on the basis of race, not only for research. The revision determines further that matric results make up 50% of a mark calculated for selection. The National Benchmark Test (NBT) makes up the other 50%.

“This is misleading as merit still does not ensure a place for applicants. 60% of admissions are based on where you are from, in which school you were and what race you belong to,” Dupper said.

AfriForum Youth will continue to exert pressure on tertiary institutions to move away from admission requirements based on race.