Written submissions on the future of the Wilgenhof residence have closed, and the decision on whether to shut it down now rests with the Stellenbosch University Council.
Also read: Police on the prowl after two teenage brothers killed in Cape Flats
A public poll conducted by the Executive Committee of the Convocation saw more than 3 000 participants, with 97.8% voting against the rectorate’s recommendation to close Wilgenhof.
Following the closure of submissions on 31 July, some alumni are considering legal action if Stellenbosch University decides to close the residence.
Last month, alumni launched the ‘Save Wilgenhof’ petition on Change.org, which has garnered over 6 000 signatures.
Earlier, the rectorate received the final report from a review panel and decided unanimously to close Wilgenhof by the end of 2024. This decision followed media reports of the initiation rituals at the 120-year-old male residence, which included shocking images and disturbing accounts of hazing.
In response to Weekend Argus, Stellenbosch University stated, ‘The University Council has received numerous written representations regarding the future of Wilgenhof. The Council will determine the way forward after reviewing all submissions.’
The Stellenbosch University Convocation Executive Committee criticised the rectorate’s recommendation as potentially one of the worst decisions in SU’s history, arguing it was based on a flawed report.
‘This decision could severely damage SU’s reputation and is based on an incomplete and biased report,’ the committee said. ‘The report’s public release has already hurt the university’s image and research integrity.’
The Convocation added that the criticism of the report from various sectors, including media and alumni, indicates a broad disapproval of the recommendation to close Wilgenhof.
Alumni are preparing for possible legal challenges if the university proceeds with the closure. They argue that the residence has a rich history and has housed notable figures like Beyers Naudé, Frederick Van Zyl Slabbert, and Edwin Cameron. The Wilgenhof Alumni Association highlighted that the residence was the first to open its doors to all races in 1983 and has invested significantly in bursaries.
Despite the allegations, Jaco Rabie, spokesperson for the Wilgenhof Alumni Association, stated that no evidence of racism or abuse was found during the investigation. He added that the closure would disrupt current students and potentially damage the relationship between SU and its alumni network.
Some former students, such as Stellenbosch Masters in Philosophy student Paul Joubert, support the closure, citing the need for change.
Also read:
Incoming water supply disruptions to these Cape Town areas this week
Picture: @itsTyronePrins / X