Maties denies institutional racism amid mounting claims of discrimination
Stellenbosch University has denied claims of institutional racism in the wake of a polarising incident on its grounds.
The university was brought into disrepute earlier in the week after a video surfaced where a white male student is seen urinating on books and a laptop belonging to a fellow black student.
Theuns du Toit is believed to have broken into Babalo Ndwayana’s dorm room at Huis Marais in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Du Toit has since been suspended by the university pending investigations, while Ndwanyana has laid a case of housebreaking, malicious damage to property and crimen injuria.
But the video, which has now gone viral, is not the only one that sparked a racial storm at Maties.
Another investigation is also underway into an alleged incident that occurred at the Law Dance last week Thursday when racist remarks were allegedly made towards a female student.
Despite mounting claims, ties management doesn’t believe institutional racism is at play.
“Stellenbosch University strongly condemns any form of racism or intolerant behaviour based on racial or any other prejudice. Human dignity is non-negotiable at Stellenbosch University and must be respected, upheld and restored when affected,” said Wim de Villiers, vice-chancellor at the university.
“Sadly, individuals acting on their own individual and personal prejudice undermines the university’s overall efforts towards creating a welcoming atmosphere for all at this excellent institution of higher learning.”
The university hasn’t ruled out expulsion for the perpetrators.
“In line with the law and governance of the university further investigation is currently underway towards a swift and final outcome in the matter.
“Permanent expulsion and/or criminal charges are definitely not excluded from the possible available outcomes based on the investigation’s findings,” De Villiers added.
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