Minister Nzimande sets up independent investigation on events around student drowning at North West University

1 Feb 2012

Minister for Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, has instructed his department to conduct an independent investigation into the events that led to the drowning of a student during an orientation event at the University of the North West.

The scope of the investigation will also look into the organisation and implementation of orientation programmes at the university.

Thabang Godwin Makhoana drowned in the swimming pool of the Potchefstroom campus of the university on Saturday, 21 January during what has been referred to by the university as a fruit festival which formed part of the student orientation programme.

"While we cannot harbour pre-conceived ideas about what could have happened during this event, which would lead to the tragic and untimely death of this young, brilliant person, we are nonetheless concerned that incidents which sound remarkably similar to what used to be the ‘initiation ceremonies' at some of these institutions are taking place in 2012," said the Minister.

Minister Nzimande said that although he had read the University's statement and explanation of what occurred during the "fruit festival", he was however deeply concerned at the description of the organised event.

"The description of the event and what had actually taken place is remarkably similar to former ‘initiation ceremonies' which were often undignified, inhumane and discriminatory. While I support our institutions of higher learning holding orientation programmes for their new students to assist them with settling into the university environment, I am extremely shocked and disheartened at the tragic death of a student during an organised social event.

I would expect our universities to ensure that all orientation programmes and social events organised on their campuses are humane, culturally sensitive and conducted with due regard to individual students participating.

The "initiation" practice at institutions of higher learning had long been condemned by the Department with the department even going as far as proposing that it should be abolished."

Minister Nzimande said he trusted that the University management would provide all the necessary support to the Department in conducting the investigation.

Statement issued by the Department of Higher Education and Training, February 1 2012

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