The decision by the Education Department to investigate the extent of racism and other forms of discrimination in higher education was welcomed by the South African Students Congress (Sasco) yesterday.

The decision by the Education Department to investigate the extent of racism and other forms of discrimination in higher education was welcomed by the South African Students Congress (Sasco) yesterday.

"We will cooperate fully with the work of the committee on all campuses," Sasco said. "We believe it is constituted of highly esteemed members of our society. Its composition is diverse and suited to the kind of work they will do."

A ministerial committee, led by Crain Soudien of the University of Cape Town, is expected to look into discrimination based on gender, ethnicity and disability, with a particular focus on university residences, the department said earlier this week.

The probe follows the surfacing of a controversial video at the University of the Free State in February.

It depicts a mock initiation of five black staff members by white students, and refers openly to the university's integration policy for campus residences. - Sapa