The Stellenbosch University is set to meet on Friday following explosive allegations that a report into the controversial Wilgenhof Residence was allegedly altered. Picture Cindy Waxa
The Stellenbosch University (SU) is set to meet following explosive allegations that a report into the controversial Wilgenhof Residence was allegedly altered.
IOL previously reported that SU Chancellor, Justice Edwin Cameron, claimed that University Rector and Vice Chancellor, Professor Wim de Villiers, and chairperson of council, Doctor Nicky Newton-King, conspired to change the contents of an independent investigation into alleged misdeeds at the residence.
In a statement, SU said the meeting on Friday would be held by council to consider the matter.
“The University finds these developments around its efforts regarding Wilgenhof residence deeply regrettable, particularly also in view of the settlement arrived at between the University and the Association for the Advancement of Wilgenhof Residents (AWIR),” the statement read.
“The settlement with the AWIR should be regarded as a positive step in finding resolution and commitment in breaking with unacceptable practices at Wilgenhof and the University’s transformation journey of SU and its residences.”
SU explained that the AWIR's application was made up of two parts.
The first part was an urgent interdict to prevent the implementation of the Council's decision to close the Wilgenhof residence in its current format and replace it with a re-imagined and rejuvenated male residence, and the second part was an application to review and set aside, amongst others, the council decision.
SU explained that the implications of a successful interdict might have prevented the implementation of the decision of Council and this would have all been stalled until such time as the review of the decision had been completed.
“This process could have taken several years as we know, given time lines of procedure, the availability of hearing dates and the various appeal processes to the disposal of the parties to pursue up to the Constitutional Court,” SU said.
“With the settlement, council agreed to accommodate Wilgenhof residents by shortening the period of closure to one semester and by allowing those students who wish to do so, to stay in the larger of the two new north Campus residences.”
It said it is important to note that the settlement does not compromise on the crux of the recommendation.
Furthermore, Council was legally opposing the Wilgenhof Alumni Association (or Wilgenhof Bond) review application which seeks to set aside the report of the panel appointed to investigate the content found in two rooms at Wilgenhof.
“The university trusts that through the council and legal processes it will remain on course in its endeavours to effect decisive change,” SU said.
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