The University confirms that a case of arson and damage to property was opened at the SAPS following a fire that was started in an office in the basement of the Administration Building B at Stellenbosch University at about 22:00 yesterday night (10 March).
The fire alarm was activated and security staff together with emergency services who arrived on the scene, managed to extinguish the fire. The office was gutted, but no one was hurt in the incident.
A car belonging to a student that was parked in front of the building was also set alight but security staff and staff of the Woordfees currently taking place on the campus managed to put out the fire that damaged parts of the car.
Classes have not been cancelled but staff and students should remain vigilant at all times.
Unconfirmed reports are that the perpetrators are former workers of companies contracted to the university that protested on campus yesterday.
The Management of the University views the incident in a very serious light.
"This is not protest; this is criminality – and as such it is utterly unacceptable. We have a duty to protect the University and its people, and will not hesitate to do so. We will also take disciplinary steps against university employees or students involved in this sort of behaviour," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers said.
"The police is investigating, and we have increased security at the University. The safety of our staff and students is paramount, and it is important to stabilise the situation so that the academic project can continue unhindered. Earlier this week, the Old Main Building and the GCW Schumann Building were occupied by former workers of companies contracted to the university and by students, and there were disruptions in the Neelsie and at the SU Woordfees. University staff and contract workers have also been intimidated, all of which is deplorable."
Prof De Villiers added: "We remain committed to transformation and to an open conversation with all interest groups. In this we have the support of the vast majority of staff, students and other stakeholders. We cannot allow a small minority of individuals and groupings with an agenda of violence, destruction and disruption to stand in the way of going forward as a University."
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Early indications are that damages to the office and a glass door at the entrance to the building amount to R300 000.
Intimidation
Stellenbosch University is aware of the plight of external service providers who continue to be intimidated by small groups of protesters. In the event of intimidated contract workers being prevented from carrying out their duties, the University makes contact with the management of external service providers to request them to come to the Stellenbosch Campus and ensure the safety of their respective workers.
“External service providers are carrying on with their duties in very difficult circumstances. We are aware that they continue to be intimidated by former contract workers. In some instances external service providers have sent their workers home and put alternative arrangements in place until the situation is stable,” says Prof Tobie de Coning, Chief Director: Strategic Initiatives and Human Resources. “Once we are alerted to any of the workers being intimidated, we speak to their management to explain the difficulty of the current circumstances and request them to intervene.”
Staff members who witness an incident of intimidation against an external service provider or contract workers who are intimidated should contact the Facilities Management Helpline on 021 808 411 to report the incident. Once reported, the university will facilitate contact with the management of their contracted employer.
Updates to follow.