Press "Enter" to skip to content

Committee condemns racism and discrimination at the University, and calls for transformation

Parliament Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation strongly condemn the act of a white student who urinated on a black student’s belongings at Stellenbosch University as an act of racism and discrimination.

The perpetrator, a white male student was captured on a video camera urinating on a black male student’s belonging.

The committee says is deeply disturbed by the video, which portrays the male student as a perpetrator of racist acts, and the male student as a victim..

The Committee’s Chairperson, Nompumelelo Mkhatshwa described the incident at the University’s Huis Marais Residence as appalling and repulsive.

“Due to the trauma the students experienced, we strongly urge the university to offer them the mental health care they require and to seek justice for the victim,” Mkhatshwa noted.

The committee calls on the University to ensure that this incident is clearly and thoroughly investigated and disciplinary action is taken against the perpetrator.

The committee condemns such instances of racism and discrimination in the strongest terms.

The committee calls on the administration of the University of Stellenbosch, the Student Representative Council, and the student community to forge alliances to develop a non-racial and inclusive institution

Mkhatshwa said it was apparent during the Committees’ visit on February 16, 2022, to receive a briefing from the University after this incident, this institution qualifies as a concern regarding transformation.

“The University has a responsibility to provide a safe environment for all students, which includes ensuring that all students feel safe and respected in their school and on the campus,” said Mkhwatshwa.

Be First to Comment

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.