Cape Town - Stellenbosch University has suspended a white student who was allegedly recorded urinating on a black student's belongings.
The incident happened yesterday and the victim told the Weekend Argus that he was still traumatised.
In a 17-second video, the white student is seen urinating while the first-year student known to the Weekend Argus records the incident and asks why is he peeing in his room. The white student first responds saying he is waiting for someone. He continues urinating, then zips up his trousers.
The incident was said to be racially motivated.
The university said its main priority was to provide an inclusive environment for all its students and to maintain a safe student community where social cohesion is promoted to provide quality tertiary education for all. It further said it values respect, compassion, equity, accountability and excellence in all its interactions and conduct.
“The university strongly condemns the destructive, hurtful and racist incident that was captured on a cellphone video in the Huis Marais residence on the Stellenbosch University campus in the early hours of Sunday morning. The alleged perpetrator was suspended from the university today,” it said.
“A further swift but detailed investigation will determine the final outcomes. Expulsion and/or criminal charges are not excluded from the possible available options, based on the investigation’s findings.”
The first-year student, who cannot be named as he fears further victimisation, told the Weekend Argus that the incident made him feel like a subhuman. “I feel traumatised and dehumanised and my rights for dignity are violated. I asked why he was peeing in my room he said it’s a white boys thing.”
The university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers said such destructive behaviour was totally unacceptable and undermined what SU stands for, as well as the many continuous focused efforts made towards building inclusive student communities at Stellenbosch University.
“We are appalled by this type of behaviour. Such conduct will not be tolerated at the university,” he said. “We acted swiftly and decisively to uphold our commitment to a culture (of) inclusivity. What happened at Huis Marais is not acceptable. No student has the right to diminish another student’s human dignity or rights in this way.”
The Huis Marais residence management was made aware of the incident on Sunday and immediately reported it to the relevant university structures for urgent investigation. The white student was removed and is no longer residing in Huis Marais.
“The student affected is clearly still in shock after his very upsetting and painful ordeal. He is still trying to process what happened and was offered counselling. He will be supported as and when required to ensure his academic progress is not affected by the incident,” said Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director: Student Affairs.
“The Huis Marais house committee is committed to transformation. Our quick and decisive response to the matter at hand should demonstrate our commitment to all people of this country. They also called a house meeting to ensure that the whole house understands the situation and what needs to continue to change to prevent a repeat of any similar action,” said Makhetha.
The incident was strongly condemned by student bodies, who are demanding nothing less than expulsion.
Weekend Argus