The submission deadline for information regarding Stellenbosch University’s (SU) men’s residence Wilgenhof is now closed after it was extended to 8 March. This is according to an email that the SU sent to students and staff on 29 February.
The three-person panel in charge of the investigation into items found at Stellenbosch University’s men’s residence Wilgenhof earlier this year is headed by advocate Nick de Jager. PHOTO: Sherie Vollenhoven
The deadline was extended in order to “provide the university community with sufficient time to make submissions”, stated the email.
“It is unfortunate that the submissions deadline had to be extended, however, the extension is justified in order to offer everyone the opportunity to feel heard,” said SU Student Representative Council (SRC) chairperson Phiwokuhle Qabaka.
The delayed investigation report
The report on the investigation of contents found in Wilgenhof was meant to be submitted by the end of February according to a terms of reference document sent to students and staff on 12 February 2024. The 3-person panel’s “findings and recommendations, if any, will be submitted to the rectorate by no later than the end of February”, the document stated. The only communication received by the end of February on the report was the email detailing the submission’s deadline extension.
It is unknown how the information deadline’s extension will influence the investigation report’s release, and by 8 March, SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen was unable to provide an updated date for the report’s release.
“We will be patient and keep asking the questions and hope this matter will be resolved as soon as possible,” said Qabaka in response to the terms of the reference document’s discussion of the investigation findings submission.
Submissions for information on Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Wilgenhof residence from the SU community deadline closed on 8 March 2024. PHOTO: Sherie Vollenhoven
‘Only the rectorate’ can choose to publish the report
It is not clear whether or not the document will be released to the public. “Only the rectorate will be able to determine whether the report should be published to staff and students,” stated the reference document released on 12 February.
“The only way to know what truly went on in there is if students come forward to share their experiences there,” said Qabaka when asked whether she felt that the report should be made public.
A group of students protested in front of Stellenbosch University’s Wilgenhof residence on 23 February. The protest was organised by Beatrix Borchers. PHOTO: Sherie Vollenhoven
Beatrix Borchers, a recent SU BA (Humanities) graduate who organised a protest in front of Wilgenhof on 23 February, told SMF News that she hopes that the report of the investigation is released, “to ensure the student body is well-informed about the experiences of their fellow students”.