Independent commissioner to investigate Heemstede incident

18/02/2016

Stellenbosch University is to appoint an independent commissioner to investigate the institution’s handling of events at the Heemstede residence after an alleged blackface incident two weeks ago. (Read the previous media release here.)

My Management and I have taken note of the trauma that the incident had caused to especially the two students involved and their parents, but also to other students and staff. We have expressed our regret in this regard.

We have also taken note of the related public outcry on social media, in the media and from a large number of people writing to the University in connection with allegations over the manner in which the matter was addressed.

As University we are consistently committed to acting fairly, efficiently, transparently and in alignment with our values of excellence, innovation, shared accountability, empathy and service leadership. Self-evaluation and critical analysis form part of the academic ethos and, accordingly, the University will continue to seek the most constructive process to deal with situations such as the one at Heemstede.

It is against this background that the Management of Stellenbosch University has decided to appoint an independent commissioner to investigate the various facets of the incident and the University’s subsequent handling of the events at Heemstede. The commissioner is expected to convey his or her findings with recommendations to Management.

Further information will be released once the commissioner has accepted the appointment.

Statement issued by Prof Wim de Villiers, Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor, 18 February 2016