University of Stellenbosch – Khampepe report based on Wokeness and undefined transformation
13 November 2022
The Afrikanerbond has taken note of the report on the findings of former judge Sisi Khampepe's commission of inquiry into allegations of racism at the University of Stellenbosch.
It disappoints that the report fails to engage on a factual basis with the allegations, with findings being made accordingly. Instead, it becomes a protest against Afrikaans, white people and Afrikaners. All of this takes place within the framework of a curiously conceived of transformation agenda –– while, as a former judge in the constitutional court, former judge Khampepe would know that transformation is not mentioned even once, nor is it defined, in the South African constitution. This newly conceived of ideological device has at best become a tool that lends itself to each and every hidden agenda.
In the judge's introduction to the report, three definitions of transformation are employed, each of which is crafted to support the university's ultimate objective. These are the 'transformation agenda', which refers to the university's aim to promote transformation and eradicate racism and discrimination; the 'transformation apparatus', which refers to university documentation and also staff and offices being expected to promote this agenda; and the 'transformation journey', which refers to the university's ultimate goal, namely to become an inclusive, diverse and transformed SA university.
On closer inspection, however, it becomes apparent that the latter objective contains no mention of any attempt to accommodate diverse groups in the 'transformed university'. Instead, diversity becomes a scapegoat that is sacrificed in the pursuance of one-sided so-called ‘inclusivity’ and ‘transformation’. Under this approach, Afrikaans is regarded as being exclusive, and transformation becomes nothing more than the replacement of white with black and Afrikaans with English
Since the judge herself does not define the concept of transformation, yet sees fit to refer to it 494 times in her report, one cannot help but view the entire report with scepticism. Indeed, it becomes 184 pages of woke theory at its best — factually scant, with a heavy reliance on the lived experience of 'victims'. This in itself casts serious doubt on the ‘findings’.
On page 56, Stellenbosch becomes a town of "many conservative, typically White, Afrikaners who bear racist and other bigoted beliefs and attitudes". No attempt is made to substantiate the allegations with facts. These are generalised statements that are unfair and indeed pejorative to both the town and its community.
The question must be asked: Does this report make any real contribution to unity in diversity, from a position of respect for the diverse people and cultures of South Africa? The report supports the Rector's opinion from a few years ago that the "University of Stellenbosch should not bear the responsibility of protecting the survival of Afrikaans". Thus, through ‘transformation’, the University of Stellenbosch becomes just another English South African university.
Judge Khampepe's final finding, which will probably have the greatest impact in the longer term, is the weight she assigns to the Transformation Office, which is set eventually to supersede the Rectorate. Afrikaans and diversity will fall victim to transformation, which is the University Management's ultimate objective. The Transformation Office will, in the style of a Soviet-type Political Commissariat, have the power to determine the ideological basis from which the university is managed. Inevitably, it will end up using its power to replace the vice-chancellor and management personnel with more pliant ideological followers.
Issued by Jan Bosman, Chief Secretary, Afrikanderbond, 13 November 2022
