The Stellenbosch University management regards acts of racism, violence, verbal abuse or human rights violations against any of its students in a very serious light, irrespective of whether the incident occurred on campus property or elsewhere. This was the reaction of Prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, Acting Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, in response to reports of an alleged racist incident at a commercial fast food outlet in Stellenbosch in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Prof Van Huyssteen added that the University Management welcomes engagement with student organisations, and that they have an open invitation to discuss matters that are important to the campus community.
The particular incident was reported to the Campus Security office in Merriman Avenue, and the student was accompanied by Campus Security officers back to the scene of the incident (off campus) to identify the alleged assailants. Unfortunately no-one could be identified by the complainant; it is thought that they had left the scene. SAPS investigators were at the scene of the incident this afternoon (Tuesday) and the University will be assisting with the investigation.
At this time the identity of the attackers are unknown to the University and for now the primary focus will be to support the injured students. The University’s Crisis Service has been in contact with them to offer support and counselling.
“I would like to make the University’s stance very clear,” Prof Van Huyssteen said in a statement released to the media. “We have a zero tolerance approach to racism and discrimination. We will institute action against any student found guilty of any behaviour or utterances that contravene the Disciplinary Code for Students, or if convicted of any criminal offence. If you study at Stellenbosch University, it not only means that you are here to obtain a quality degree or diploma; it means that you also subscribe to our institutional values and objectives of inclusiveness.
“The assumptions and innuendo that any actions by Stellenbosch students that constitute racism, discrimination or criminal behaviour have institutional sanction or support are unfounded. It is also unreasonable to lump the institution into the ‘racist category’ as a result of the reprehensible actions of individuals.
“It also is important to clarify the role and mandate of the Campus Security division to avoid unrealistic expectations. Campus Security is not a law enforcement agency equal to the South African Police Services (SAPS). Although assistance will be rendered in emergencies such as the events reported on Saturday morning, Campus Security staff do not have any jurisdiction in public or commercial areas, and neither do they have the authority to investigate criminal offences. The Campus Security division does however have a close working relationship with the SAPS.”
If the alleged assailants in Saturday’s incident are confirmed to be Stellenbosch students, the internal disciplinary process will be activated.
