The Stellenbosch University (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) has called for the suspension of a student and security guard – believed to have been employed by contracted security – due to alleged racist actions on several occasions.
This is according to Roceshia Februarie, the interim president of the SRC.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) offices situated on the second floor of the Neelsie Student Center. PHOTO: Ishmael Mabena
The SRC submitted concerns to the Rectorate on 28 March, following numerous alleged racist incidents on campus since the beginning of the first semester, according to Februarie, in an SRC statement posted on Instagram.
“We have aimed to keep in contact with [the victims] and recommend CSCD [Center for Student Counselling and Development] services,” said Februarie, in correspondence with SMF News. “In the meantime, we have escalated the matter to ensure urgent resolution.”
The first incident allegedly occurred on 31 January, and involved individuals from the Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute at the Neelsie Student Center, according to Februarie in her statement. “[The] individuals, as a collective, took to the [Neelsie] stage wearing black face paint and making use of whips around the area,” claimed Februarie.
An incident of racism allegedly occurred at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Neelsie Student Centre earlier this year. This is according to concerns submitted to the SU rectorate by the SU Student Representative Council on 28 March. PHOTO: Ishmael Mabena
A second incident allegedly took place during protests calling for financial inclusion by SU students on 19 February, according to Februarie in her statement. It is alleged that a student leader was called the k-word by a fellow student.
“The case was filed the very next day after the incident happened,” said Februarie. “The incident took place on Thursday [19 February] and it was reported Friday [20 February].”
The most recent incident allegedly took place on 24 March during a Varsity Cup match, when an “SRC colleague, in doing his duty as sports manager, faced the same racial slur being hurled at him”, read Februarie’s statement.
Danie Craven Stadium at Coetzenburg, where the Varsity Cup match between Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Maties and the University of Pretoria’s Tuks was held on 24 March. It is alleged that this is where a third incident of racism took place, according to Rochesia Februarie, the interim president of the Student Representative Council, in a statement shared on Instagram on 28 March. PHOTO: Ishmael Mabena
The SRC called for the immediate suspension of a security guard who is believed to have been a member of contracted security during the event, according to Februarie.
“No repercussions have been taken that we are aware of,” said Februarie.
Update on submission to Rectorate
Martin Viljoen, the SU spokesperson, told SMF News, via correspondence, that the incidents are currently being followed-up with the relevant parties.
“In order for the case to be escalated to the CDC [Central Disciplinary Committee] for the student to face disciplinary or other consequences, the investigation must be completed by the Equality Unit,” said Februarie.
“[It hurts] to watch it happen, but at the same time it shows that we are far from progress,” said a member of campus security who was nearby at the time of the incident on 24 March. “Why are they protecting the one who said it?”
The campus security member chose to remain anonymous for professional and safety reasons.
Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute could not provide comment by the time of publication.