Wilgenhof Alumni submission highlights consequences of closure
1 August 2024
Closing the Wilgenhof residence at Stellenbosch University (SU) would be counter to the university’s own stated values and could have serious negative repercussions. The Wilgenhof Alumni Association is therefore hopeful about the SU Council’s extended consultation on the future of the residence, and yesterday made its submission, laying out its own views on a constructive way ahead for Wilgenhof.
In its submission, the Wilgenhof Alumni Association rejects the closure of Wilgenhof as an option and highlights the severe ramifications that this would have.
Apart from a disruption to current students, the closure could lead to a rupture between the SU and its loyal alumni network. It is clear from an internal alumni survey by the Convocation and a well-supported online petition that the general sentiment among Stellenbosch alumni is firmly against the closure. Protracted and expensive legal proceedings could also follow the closure.
Significantly, closure would run contrary to the values of SU's Vision 2040: nurturing close relationships with stakeholders through engagement, collaboration and mutually beneficial partnerships, as well as building a community of shared values.
"The values of reconciliation and reformation should guide the process, rather than that of simple cancellation," said Jaco Rabie, spokesperson for the Wilgenhof Alumni Association.
In its submission the Association apologised for the distress and embarrassment the contents of the two rooms caused. In its contributions to the Investigative Panel earlier this year, the Wilgenhof Alumni Association also apologised for any pain that may have been caused by past practices at the residence.
The Association acknowledges in its submission that more can be done to ensure an ever-improving integration - both in the sense of welcoming and integrating new residents into the residence, and in the sense of further integration of the residence into the wider SU community as a part of campus.
However, the media and the Investigative Report has made defamatory accusations of racism and oppression. Misrepresented and decontextualised, the two rooms resulted in damage to the good name of the residence and the university. Wilgenhof is not a racist or oppressive space.
It should be kept in mind that, despite receiving written submissions from 288 persons, conducting 59 interviews and extending its deadline, the Investigative Panel did not find any specific evidence of racism, abuse, Nazism, torture or any of the other sensational claims.
A group of current and former residents who are black South Africans, as well as a group of current parents of Wilgenhof residents, shared with the Wilgenhof Alumni Association the submissions they have made to the Council. In both submissions, just as in the Association's submission, accusations of racism are rejected, and diverse voices from varied backgrounds have expressed their experience of Wilgenhof as welcoming, inclusive and supportive.
Samora Menze, a former Wilgenhof resident, facilitated a process through which residents of colour's voices could be heard in a submission. In his personal capacity he also recently stated: "I want to send my two sons to Wilgenhof one day and would like for them to have a similar experience as me, perhaps even a better experience."
Current students' parents Bukelwa Mbalane, Dr Razina Patel and Noelani King Conradie also wrote recently: "As concerned parents, we know that a strategic plan to ensure Wilgenhof remains a diverse residence is the best course to follow. We know from parent testimonies and from our sons that Wilgenhof is a place of excellence, integrity, dignity and respect. The SU should keep that in mind when they exercise their duty of care towards our sons."
The Wilgenhof Alumni Association hopes to work with the SU community to use the recent events surrounding the two rooms as an opportunity for reflection and the continued improvement of the 121-year-old residence.
Issued by Jaco Rabie, Spokesperson, Wilgenhof Alumni Association, 1 Augustus 2024
