STATEMENT 

Council decision: Wilgenhof 

1 November 2024 

The Stellenbosch University (SU) Council decided to refer the matter of the Wilgenhof Panel's report for further investigation at its extraordinary meeting today, Friday, 1 November 2024.

Council convened this meeting to consider the recent developments following the release to the media of the Chancellor's affidavit alleging improper interference in the findings of the independent panel that was tasked to investigate the contents found during an audit of the spaces and amenities of the Residence and to report to the Rectorate on its findings and recommendations. (Click here to read the panel's terms of reference.)  

The Chair of Council and the Rector recused themselves from the meeting to allow for an impartial discussion and decision-making process. Based on the Chancellor's affidavit, the responding affidavit submitted by the Chair of the Panel together with submissions to Council from the Vice-Chancellor and Chair of Council, Council has elected to refer the matter for further investigation.

Council tasked the Social and Business Ethics Committee ("SBE") and the Audit and Risk Committee ("ARC") of the Council to appoint and co-ordinate appropriate independent expert(s) ("The Panel") to investigate:

(1) the circumstances in which the Wilgenhof Panel report was changed,

(2) whether the Executive Committee of Council decided at its 4 June meeting that Wilgenhof should be closed, and

(3) whether the Chair of Council should have disclosed the Chancellor's concern around the changing of the final paragraph of the Wilgenhof report to Council at its 24 June 2024 meeting.

The Panel will present its findings to Council in time for its meeting scheduled for 2 December 2024, for Council to decide on appropriate action. 

At its meeting on 16 September 2024, the Council decided to close the Wilgenhof men's residence in its current format and to replace it with a reimagined and renewed male residence student community. A renewed residence intends to acknowledge the constructive aspects of Wilgenhof while making a decisive break with unacceptable and secretive practices, as we move forward in fostering an environment where all students can thrive, in a community that upholds the SU values.  

With a settlement between the University and the Association for the Advancement of Wilgenhof Residents (AWIR), an agreement was reached to accommodate Wilgenhof residents by shortening the period of closure to one semester and by allowing those students who wish to do so, to stay in the larger of the two new north campus residences.  (Read the previous communication in this regard.)

It is important to note that the settlement does not compromise on the crux of the Council decision, i.e. to close the residence in its current form and embark on a facilitated process towards a reimagined, renewed, and rejuvenated student community. 

The University reiterates that it will remain on course in its endeavours to effect decisive change.

Statement issued by Stellenbosch University, 1 November 2024