Stellenbosch University (SU) has worked in various capacities to reform aspects of residence life following the urination incidents of last year, stated Pieter Kloppers, director of the Centre for Student Communities, in an interview with MatieMedia in March.
Implemented measures include both preventative and disciplinary measures, explained Kloppers.
Ex-SU student, Theuns du Toit, was expelled in July of 2022 after urinating on the belongings of a fellow resident of Huis Marais, according to a document released by the SU Central Disciplinary Committee (CDC). MatieMedia previously reported on the incident in May of 2022.
Huis Marais men’s residence has been in the news since an incident in 2022 when a student urinated on a co-student’s belongings. The residence’s new prim, Heinrich Potgieter, recently corresponded with MatieMedia about what is being done to combat such incidents from happening again. PHOTO: Joseph Bracken
Du Toit recently appealed to reverse his expulsion from SU at the Western Cape High Court. The court documents were lodged by his legal team in March, according to News24.
The way forward for Huis Marais
Meanwhile, newcomers to Huis Marais have been briefed to bring issues to the attention of the house committee (HC), mentors or monitors, should anything arise that affects students. This was according to Heinrich Potgieter, current prim of Huis Marais men’s residence.
The residence also informed students of where they can lodge complaints if they feel the HC is not doing enough, Potgieter said via email correspondence with MatieMedia.
“We had our values-driven conversation with our newcomers during welcoming… we explained that we want to be known as gentlemen in and around campus,” stated Potgieter.
Huis Marais has aimed to set up various support structures, stated Potgieter. This included a big brother event and a dodgeball competition that aimed to help newcomers bond with their seniors in the residence, he added.
Pieter Kloppers, director of the Centre for Student Communities, explaining the process of student leader training in Stellenbosch University residences. AUDIO: Joseph Bracken
‘Intentional shift’ needed
When incidents happen in SU’s residence communities, the preferred option is that the community see to what extent they can resolve their relationships in their own environment, stated Kloppers. If it cannot be resolved within the community, then it should be escalated to university officials through the proper channels, said Kloppers.
The Centre for Student Communities for Stellenbosch University is located on Bosman Street. Students may visit this location to raise queries if they need to, said Pieter Kloppers, director of the Centre for Student Communities. PHOTO: Joseph Bracken
“It is crucial to note that while incidences of prejudice and urination cannot entirely be avoided, it is possible to make it clear through an intentional shift in culture and a focus on core values that such behaviour is unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action,” stated Masilo Silokazi, chairperson of the SU Students’ Representative Council.