Shocking allegations surrounding Stellenbosch University’s (SU) oldest men’s residence, Wilgenhof, have come to light after News24 published an exclusive story in which a student recounts the horrific abuse he encountered there.
Also read: Stellenbosch High School’s approach to bullying leaves parents divided
In an earlier article, News24 reported that a recent ‘surprise audit’ by SU management of spaces in the university’s 120-year-old residence uncovered concerning paraphernalia in two secret rooms within the residence, described as a ‘punishment room’ and ‘Hool (filthy space) 88’.
A day later, the publication revealed further details of what was found at Wilgenhof:
‘Crude drawings depicting what appears to be male sexual assault, black hoods and a toxic mixture of linseed oil and aloe crystals allegedly used to bring on acute diarrhoea. These were among the shocking items discovered in two rooms at Stellenbosch University’s oldest men’s residence,’ the publication reported.
‘Also among the items confiscated from the residence was an “indemnity form” signed in 2023 that gave a private company owned by former Wilgenhof students the authority to conduct “boot-camp style exercise programs” that may lead to injuries “and possible death”,’ the publication added.
A student told News24 that ‘the first room can be described as a ritualistic/ discipline room’ where ‘nagligte’ (the Wigenhof residents student’s ‘disciplinary committee’) conducted initiations and ‘nights of punishment’.
The student said the second room consisted of ‘very meticulously organised records of what went on in that room’
According to the publication, one of the rooms, the ‘strafkamer’, is covered in graffiti while the other room has the number 88, believed to possibly be associated with white supremacy, painted in black above the door frame.
Following publication, the story has sparked widespread reactions and commentary from South Africans on social media platforms, with past and present SU students commenting on their experiences regarding the residence and others expressing their views on the incidents:
My oldest brother was in Wilgenhof. Went in a reasonably nice guy, came out the most horrible man I’ve ever met. Tried to bully me with Wilgenhof tactics as an adult even… Haven’t spoken to him in 6 years. https://t.co/0MAwoyOIKH
— Jay.in.ZA 🇿🇦🇵🇸 (@theZAshowcase) January 25, 2024
Was in Wilgenhof for the first two years of my studies at Stellenbosch. Picked it because it was the residence closest to the law faculty. Afrikaner fascism masquerading as a celebration of free thought. A radicalising experience. https://t.co/bMe5ORVeA8
— Pierre de Vos ⚖️ (@pierredevos) January 25, 2024
When the News24 article about Wilgenhof came out it was actually so triggering. I honestly thought I was over all that shit that happened. Even went to therapy for it. But no that place can burn down for all that I care.
— AG7 IS COMING ☁️ (@Hamersma_JJ) January 26, 2024
When the News24 article about Wilgenhof came out it was actually so triggering. I honestly thought I was over all that shit that happened. Even went to therapy for it. But no that place can burn down for all that I care.
— AG7 IS COMING ☁️ (@Hamersma_JJ) January 26, 2024
I remember seeing boys walking around that campus with TRUMP merchandise and there were literal nazi posters put up around campus. There’s nothing being done about the blatant white supremacy at Stellenbosch University. And they will continue to do nothing. https://t.co/saLDORRRlj
— nihaad (@justnihaad) January 26, 2024
What happening there by Stellenbosch University 🤔 pic.twitter.com/T0d6ECanRg
— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) January 26, 2024
The Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, ex-Justice Edwin Cameron, being a former Wilgenhof prim is just so on the nose for that institution 🙃
— Erik’s Tenth Hag (@SlayTay_ZA) January 26, 2024
@matricsupport Replying to @Danica part 1| #greenscreen #fypシ #news24 #stellenbosch ♬ original sound – rene
@pakades.alchemy Stellenbosch dont be racist challenge: impossible 🧍🏾♀️#stellies #stellenboschuniversity #wilgenhof #afrikaans #university #southafrica ♬ original sound – 𝐈 𝐕 𝐈 𝐖 𝐄
The atrocities at Stellenbosch University will never, ever surprise me.
— it’s the depression for me (@Jodie_vS) January 26, 2024
This is not the first time that Stellenbosch University residences have come under fire for controversial incidents. The latest was a case that went viral in May 2022 when Theuns du Toit was filmed urinating on the desk and laptop of fellow student Babalo Ndwayana at the Huis Marais men’s residence.
Du Toit has since been expelled and lost his appeal against the expulsion.
Also read:
Stellenbosch urination incident: ‘It’s a white boy thing’ sparks controversy
Picture: screenshot from TikTok video