Maties has caused an unwanted stir with a faculty job advertisement for two junior internships that’s gone viral. The ad in question was posted by the university’s Faculty of AgriSciences last month (November 2025) and didn’t hold back on the colourful language.
The Maties job advertisement (screen-grabbed below) explicitly states: “Only black, brown, Indian or Chinese South Africans,” may apply for the internship position. The colourful language drew particularly sharp criticism from Freedom Front Plus (FF Plus) members. And has since been withdrawn by the university, reports NovaNews.
MATIES DISCRIMINATORY AD WITHDRAWN
Dr Wynand Boshoff FF Plus MP said in a statement. “Only black, brown, Indian or Chinese South Africans, means any South African citizen as long as they are not white. Therefore, the job ad speaks to direct discrimination,” argued Boshoff.
Quite why the Maties recruiter for the Department of AgriSciences engaged in such explicit racial terms, instead of the well-meaning, “preference given to previously disadvantaged candidates,” or something similar, remains unanswered. A screenshot of the job advertisement (below) was widely circulated and eventually sent to the FF Plus for investigation.
AD WILL BE REISSUED IN 2026
Unfortunately, for the Faculty of AgriSciences, the internship positions remain unfilled. And Maties spokesperson Martin Viljoen confirmed they will be reissuing the ad in January 2026. Moreover, he explained that the positions form part of a broader government program aimed at expanding the agricultural sciences.
“The external funder indicated a preference for candidates from designated groups. And Maties internal processes require such preferences be stated in a manner that aligns with university policy. Unfortunately, this was not done in this case and the advertisement was therefore withdrawn,” Viljoen added.
MATIES DOES NOT SUPPORT UNFAIR DISCRIMINATION
Furthermore, Maties insists its recruitment and internship opportunities comply with the Employment Equity Act and constitution. “The university does not support unfair discrimination of any kind. And it remains committed to promoting an inclusive environment for all. One in which opportunities are broadened rather than limited, and where every prospective applicant is treated fairly,” concluded Viljoen.
But what do you think? Is the Maties job advertisement really so bad? Is it actually not refreshing and honest to hear an employment equity requirement explained so openly? Be sure to let us know in the comments below …
