‘Respected judge’ to probe Stellenbosch race row
Stellenbosch University will appoint a respected Judge to investigate the university’s campus culture, the rector of the university announced yesterday.
According to a report in Die Burger, Professor Wim de Villiers said the judge would be tasked with a review and audit of the university’s ‘policies, operational procedures and responses’.
The judge is expected to lead an independent commission of inquiry into incidents of racism and harassment.
The university has finalised its investigation reports into suspended student Theuns du Toit – captured on video urinating on fellow black student Babalo Ndwayana's study material – and the matter will now be referred to a disciplinary hearing.
A Cape Times report notes the university suspended Du Toit this month, charging that expulsion and/or criminal charges were not excluded from the possible available options based on the investigation's findings.
He is also facing criminal charges of housebreaking, malicious damage to property and crimen injuria.
A petition calling for the expulsion of Du Toit had reached over 100 000 signatures yesterday.
University's spokesperson Martin Viljoen said the institution's Equality Unit had finalised its report in the matter.
‘The Equality Unit has expedited its investigation. It has finalised its report into the matter and the report with recommendations has been referred to the Office of Student Discipline. All cases are confidential, and the confidentiality of the complainant and respondent should be respected. The Cape Times report notes that a decision on whether the findings will be made public will be communicated in due course.’
He added: ‘The Student Discipline Code requires this hearing to take place within five working days after receipt of the temporary suspension letter by the implicated student. The purpose of this hearing is for the CDC (Central Disciplinary Committee) to decide whether they confirm, amend or set aside the Rector's decision to suspend the student pending the finalisation of the disciplinary proceedings. The temporary suspension pending finalisation of the disciplinary proceedings has been confirmed by the CDC’.
Viljoen added that the Office of Student Discipline has also finalised its investigation.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
