Stellenbosch University says an investigation is underway into a panel report on Wilgenhof men’s residence, following allegations of improper interference.

This decision came during a council meeting on Friday, 1 November, to address claims that the independent report on the university’s residence had been altered. The meeting is said to have been held in the absence of SU’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wim de Villiers, and the university’s Council Chair, Dr Nicky Newton-King.

The controversy stems from an affidavit filed by SU Chancellor, Justice Edwin Cameron, who alleges that a paragraph in the final report, given to the university’s council in June, was removed before it was delivered. The section removed is said to contain a recommendation for campus dialogue, but it’s believed this was removed to advance an agenda for the residence to be closed. Cameron alleges that de Villiers and Newton-King had made these changes.

The Council says the independent panel will look into the report’s alterations, review the Council’s discussions and evaluate whether Cameron’s concerns about the alterations should have been addressed. SU says the Council will take “appropriate action” based on the panel’s findings. These findings are expected by 2 December.

“The University reiterates that it will remain on course in its endeavours to effect decisive change.”

The Council decided to close the residence (based on a panel recommendation) in September, to replace it with a “reimagined and renewed male residence student community”.

READ MORE: Panel recommends closure of infamous Wilgenhof residence

Following the tampering allegations, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded that de Villiers and Newton-King face immediate suspension. The DA’s national spokesperson, Willie Aucamp, says the the severity of these allegations compromises university governance.

“These allegations, made under oath by a former member of the highest judicial body in the country, constitute a grave breach of trust and a serious compromise of university governance… we urge the university council… to establish an independent inquiry into Justice Cameron’s claims.”