Allegations of exclusion from the official welcoming event at the North-West University
15 February 2023
On Saturday, 11 February 2023, allegations surfaced that first-year students from the town residences were excluded from the official welcoming event in the Amphitheatre on the Potchefstroom Campus of the North-West University (NWU). According to the allegations, the decision was due to the lack of diversity within these residences.
The NWU Potchefstroom Management has investigated the allegations. The investigation involved discussions with the Student Campus Council (SCC) as well as the Residence Parents and the relevant House Committees. The investigation revealed that the allegations of exclusion based on race or identity are unfounded. We could not find any evidence that support the allegations. Should any evidence be brought to the attention of the management, the necessary process will unfold.
The capacity of the available venues for the university events, including the first-year welcoming event, play a key role in determining the number of allocated seats. This is done in accordance with various pieces of legislation and rules including the Occupational Health and Safety standards.
The university always ensures that venues are available to livestream the activities at the main venue, such as the Amphitheatre, where the Potchefstroom campus welcoming event took place. Some of the town residences and off campus students were allocated seats at the venues where the first-year welcoming event was livestreamed.
It is unfortunate and regrettable that those residences felt excluded from the main event. Management acknowledges concerns and the disappointment from all stakeholders. We will establish an inclusive process which will ensure that all students on and off campus participate fully and feel included in all events and activities of the university.
We reiterate our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness and will not tolerate any action that is contrary to these fundamental principles.
Issued by Louis Jacobs, NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing, 15 February 2023
