He nods to the committee members. Two of them he knows: Farodia Rassool and Desmond Swarts, Dean of Engineering. The third, according to the papers in front of him, teaches in the Business School.
`The body here gathered, Professor Lurie,' says Mathabane, opening proceedings, 'has no powers. All it can do is to make recommendations. Furthermore, you have the right to challenge its makeup. So let me ask: is there any member of the committee whose participation you feel might be prejudicial to you?'
‘I have no challenge in a legal sense,' he replies. 'I have reservations of a philosophical kind, but I suppose they are out of bounds.'
A general shifting and shuffling. 'I think we had better restrict ourself to the legal sense,' says Mathabane.
'You have no challenge to the makeup of the committee. Have you any objection to the presence of a student observer from the Coalition Against Discrimination?'
‘I have no fear of the committee. I have no fear of the observer.'
`Very well. To the matter at hand. The first complainant is Ms Melanie Isaacs, a student in the drama programme, who has made a statement of which you all have copies. Do I need to summarize that statement? Professor Lurie?'
`Do I understand, Mr Chairman, that Ms Isaacs will not be appearing in person?'
`Ms Isaacs appeared before the committee yesterday. Let me remind you again, this is not a trial but an inquiry. Our rules of procedure are not those of a law court. Is that a problem for you?'
`No.'
‘A second and related charge', Mathabane continues, 'comes from the Registrar, through the Office of Student Records, and concerns the validity of Ms Isaacs's record. The charge is that Ms Isaacs did not attend all the classes or submit all the written work or sit all the examinations for which you have given her credit.'
`That is the sum of it? Those are the charges?'
`They are.'
He takes a deep breath. 'I am sure the members of this committee have better things to do with their time than rehash a story over which there will be no dispute. I plead guilty to both charges. Pass sentence, and let us get on with our lives.'
Hakim leans across to Mathabane. Murmured words pass between them.
`Professor Lurie,' says Hakim, 'I must repeat, this is a committee of inquiry. Its role is to hear both sides of the case and make a recommendation. It has no power to take decisions. Again I ask, would it not be better if you were represented by someone familiar with our procedures?'
‘I don't need representation. I can represent myself perfectly well. Do I understand that, despite the plea I have entered, we must continue with the hearing?'
`We want to give you an opportunity to state your position.'
‘I have stated my position. I am guilty.'
`Guilty of what?'
‘Of all that I am charged with.'
`You are taking us in circles, Professor Lurie.'
‘Of everything Ms Isaacs avers, and of keeping false records.'
Now Farodia Rassool intervenes. 'You say you accept Ms Isaacs's statement, Professor Lurie, but have you actually read it?'
I do riot wish to read Ms Isaacs's statement. I accept it. I know of no reason why Ms Isaacs should lie.'
`But would it not be prudent to actually read the statement before accepting it?'
`No. There are more important things in life than being prudent.'
Farodia Rassool sits back in her seat. 'This is all very quixotic, Professor Lurie, but can you afford it? It seems to me we may have a duty to protect you from yourself ' She gives Hakim a wintry smile.
`You say you have not sought legal advice. Have you consulted anyone - a priest, for instance, or a counsellor? Would you be prepared to undergo counselling?'
The question comes from the young woman from the Business School. He can feel himself bristling. 'No, I have not sought counselling nor do I intend to seek it. I am a grown man. I am not receptive to being counselled. I am beyond the reach of counselling.' He turns to Mathabane. 'I have made my plea. Is there any reason why this debate should go on?'
There is a whispered consultation between Mathabane and Hakim.
‘It has been proposed', says Mathabane, 'that the committee recess to discuss Professor Lurie's plea.'
A round of nods.
`Professor Lurie, could I ask you to step outside for a few minutes, you and Ms van Wyk, while we deliberate?'
He and the student observer retire to Hakim's office. No word passes between them; clearly the girl feels awkward. 'YOUR DAYS ARE OVER, CASANOVA.' What does she think of Casanova now that she meets him face to face?
They are called back in. The atmosphere in the room is not good: sour, it seems to him.
`So,' says Mathabane, `to resume: Professor Lurie, you say you accept the truth of the charges brought against you?'
