The Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), Prof Wim de Villiers, has confirmed having received the report of the independent Khampepe Commission of Inquiry into alleged racism at the institution.
This commission, led by retired Judge Sisi Khampepe, formally began its work on the report on 13 June 2022. The work of the commission was preceded by a case of racism involving Theunis Du Toit, who was expelled in July after a video emerged where he urinated on black student Babalo Ndwayana’s desk and study material in May this year.
According to the report, in May 2022, two incidents of alleged racism occurred at Stellenbosch University, including the Du Toit incident, as well as another involving a White and Indian student's altercation. Just last month, another Maties student was caught urinating in the room of fellow residence students at the Eendrag men’s residence in the early hours of 22 October 2022.
The sentiment shared is that black students feel unwelcome at the institution.
The university leadership said it requested this external, independent inquiry into alleged racism at the university in May this year as part of its commitment to rid the university of incidents of racism and discrimination.
According to Prof Wim de Villiers, this report is a tipping point for the university that has been bedevilled by a culture of racism and discrimination.
"The Report of the Khampepe Commission, with its findings and recommendations, is a tipping point for SU. In appointing the commission and requesting the inquiry, SU made itself vulnerable and exposed itself to possible criticism. However, with a view to the future, we regard this commission as an important investment in the wellness of our University," Prof De Villiers said in a statement on Tuesday.
He said the university is in the process of studying this report and would, in due time, implement some of its recommendations.
"We are in the process of studying the report, and we fully engage with the findings and recommendations. This is a top priority for the University."
"This is a sobering moment for the university. It is evident that black staff members and students do not feel welcome here, despite our deliberate transformation efforts to date. We must face the reality that there is a gap between our intentions with regards to various transformation initiatives and the implementation thereof. We have to work hard to align our institutional commitments with what is happening in practice and on ground level," he said.
He said as part of this inquiry, of which the brief also included past reported incidents, the University wished to review the entrenched culture of racism at the university.
The Star