Justice Khampepe to lead racism inquiry at Stellenbosch University
The University of Stellenbosch has appointed retired Constitutional Court justice Sisi Khampepe to lead an independent commission of inquiry into allegations of racism at the institution.
The inquiry was sparked by an incident where a white student, Theuns du Toit, urinated on the study material of a black student, Babalo Ndwayana, while he was sleeping at his residence.
The incident led to renewed allegations of systematic racism at higher learning institutions.
The commission will probe the incident at Huis Marais as well as an alleged incident of racism at the Faculty of Law’s Law Dance.
"The Commission may at its own discretion receive any evidence that is relevant to its mandate from any person and in a manner determined by the commissioner,” the university said in a statement on Friday.
“This may include but is not limited to the witnesses whose evidence will be presented, the invitation of written submissions from the campus community, and any other actions deemed necessary by it.
"The commission will conduct the inquiry by means of closed proceedings to provide confidence in the inquiry and to enable candid participation on a broad basis. The identity, other personal information, and evidence of witnesses are to be kept confidential."
The commission is expected to start the investigation in June.
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