Stellenbosch University must change faster

2 September 2015

It is a disgrace that the University of Stellenbosch’s council has prevented transformation on a huge scale since normalisation a quarter of a century ago.

The university is at present entrapped in another controversy about racism, discrimination, inequality and exclusion of some students.

ANC Western Cape leader Marius Fransman (also leader of the opposition in the Western Cape legislature) says: “These allegations come up cyclical, where the university management admits there are race and other problems, but nothing happens. The council of that university refuses to transform.

“The pressure on the former rector Prof Russel Botman until his death to prevent transformation is ironic. The council has stifled the momentum Botman brought to Stellenbosch University to ensure a true non-racial institution that reflects the demographics of the province and country. But the politics of deception continues as too little transformation is allowed and mostly elitist interests are served.

“The ANC is not happy with the inadequate indications of transformation. The targets to have the institution move away from monolingualism and to have more than 35% students of colour by 2015 are clearly not on track anymore. The undertakings given with a previous visit in October 2009 are not kept. One after the other vice-chancellor is blocked to move Stellenbosch ahead.

“It is a disgrace that too little changed. Stellenbosch cannot get rid of the monkey on its back: The legacy of the Broederbond, the fact that it is still seen as a vestige of apartheid 152 years after it opened its doors. No tangible effort is made to rid it of the ghosts of the past! It abuses the concept of ‘academic autonomy’ as an excuse to continue working against the developmental state South Africa is. At the present rate the council of Stellenbosch University is going to cause that institution to fade into obscurity.”

The ANC will visit the university soon to assess the situation better and to ensure that transformation and redress pick up speed. ”

Statement issued by Cobus Grobler, ANC Western Cape, September 2 2015