Stellenbosch University’s Council has decided that further consideration and consultation is required regarding the closure – or not – of the men’s residence Wilgenhof.

This after Rector and Vice-chancellor Prof. Wim de Villiers on Monday presented the recommendation of a panel, to close the residence, to the Council.

The recommendation of the panel came after items and photos of apparent ritualistic practices were found in two locked rooms of the residence earlier this year.

RELATED: Panel recommends closure of infamous Wilgenhof residence

After extensively debating the matter, including that the building should be retained as an upgraded residence, the Council decided to rather invite all interested parties to submit written submissions on the future of the residence.

In a statement, the University says it understands that the discovery of disturbing contents in the rooms at Wilgenhof has elicited strong and diverse reactions from students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders.

The Council recognised that opinions on the future of Wilgenhof are deeply divided. This involves several issues including the interpretation of tradition and the need for all university practices to enable an inclusive university where all stakeholders feel they belong. These issues must be thoroughly considered in the interest of fairness, transparency, and administrative justice, aligned with SU’s vision and values.

The Council is now inviting all interested and affected persons and stakeholders to submit written representations on:

• The issues that the closure or non-closure of Wilgenhof would raise and that would need to be considered.
• What the implications would be of the acceptance of the Rector’s recommendation regarding the redesign of Wilgenhof as a different and/or upgraded residence.
• Whether there are alternatives to the closure of Wilgenhof that are reasonably likely to address the concerns set out in the Panel’s report and what these are.
• What Council should set as indicators for the success of these alternative measures.

Submissions: 

• The period for the submission of written representations will start on Wednesday
  26 June 2024 at 09:00.
• All representations should be made in writing and submitted by 17:00 on Wednesday
  31 July 2024 to https://forms.office.com/r/ry1FJA6GqA
• This link will provide access to the online submission platform. Representations may only be made via this submission platform.
• Representations received after the closing date will not be accepted.
• All those making submissions should take note that they should not feel the need to file many versions of the same or essentially the same submission.
• Council will not weigh the submissions based on quantities received on a particular issue but rather on the merits of what is raised.
• Enquiries may be emailed to this address: wilgenhofrepresentations@sun.ac.za
• Once the SU Council has had an opportunity to consider the written representations, it will advise on the way forward.