The official installation of Justice Edwin Cameron as the Stellenbosch University (SU) chancellor offered a moment to reflect on institutional issues that SU needs to address.
This was according to Cameron, who spoke at the event on 18 May, which was held at the Stellenbosch Kruiskerk. The ceremony was postponed for 2 years, owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Cameron.
“It feels like a sombre day, because of what has been happening on campus. It’s a moment to reflect on what’s gone wrong, but it’s also a moment to reflect on what we can do better,” said Cameron when speaking to MatieMedia.
Edwin Cameron previously served as justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa. He has been serving as chancellor of Stellenbosch for two years but his official instalment as chancellor was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the circulated invitation. PHOTO: Joel Ontong
Cameron emphasised that his position as chancellor of SU carries immense responsibility, especially in light of the recent unrest on campus. “It’s a ceremonial job, but it’s a job with a voice and a job with a presence. And I hope to use my voice and my presence to create safety, inclusivity and diversity.”
In absence of the SRC
SU’s Student Representative Council (SRC) made the decision to stand in solidarity with the victim of the racist incident that occurred at Huis Marais residence on 15 May by not attending the chancellor’s installation.
This was according to Cameron during his speech.
Cameron stated that he was “heartsore” due to the SRC’s absence. However, he added, “what their decision means is a humbling reminder to us of what we all [have] got to do, including me”.
Prof Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), officially inducted Justice Edwin Cameron as chancellor of SU. PHOTO: Joel Ontong
“I fully respect their decision. It’s a pity that they couldn’t make it, because I think that the chancellor is a truly transformative icon,” Prof Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-chancellor of SU, told MatieMedia.
“I respect their decision. I would have loved to have them here. Their decision is a principled one and it’s one that they told me they reached with regret. And I appreciate that,” said Cameron.
Brave space
Meanwhile, the SU SRC held a so-called ‘brave space’ event at the Neelsie Student Centre, also on 18 May. This event was held for students to share their lived experiences and called for students to bring forth solutions that would be taken to SRC gatherings. This is according to an SRC Instagram post on 18 May.
“A brave space is the creation of a challenging environment that encourages maximum participation across representative identities,” read the post.
The space was intended to give a voice to black people and people of colour to raise their concerns and share their lived experiences. It also encouraged white people to show support and assist in the active call to end racism, Fadeelah Williams, SRC manager of leadership and development, told MatieMedia.
Students in attendance raised their concerns, and called for more support from white people and action to end racism at SU.
“I hope to use my voice and my presence to create safety, inclusivity, and diversity,” said Justice Edwin Cameron, chancellor of Stellenbosch University, on his role as chancellor going forward. PHOTO: Joel Ontong
“This is a racism issue. It needs people on the ground and not just emails and Instagram posts,” said a student at the event.
Viwe Kobokana, chairperson of the SRC, encouraged the various student leaders to take ownership of the change they want to see at the institution. Kobokana stated that she was referring to private student organisations and Prim committees.
The SRC was not available for comment by the time of this article’s publication.
By Joel Ontong, Jessica Hillier and Asive Mabula