Protest erupts over SU ‘racism’
White student urinates on black student’s laptop at Huis Marais residence
HUNDREDS of Stellenbosch University students protested after a video of a white student urinating on the belongings of a black student at the Huis Marais student residence went viral over the weekend.
Cellphone footage taken by the victim was widely shared on social media, sparking immediate outrage and condemnation.
It showed a white student urinating at the desk of a black first-year student. The white student’s identity is known to the Cape Argus.
Yesterday’s protest commenced at Huis Marais and thereafter moved to the University Management building.
Deresh Ramjugernath, SU deputy vice-chancellor: learning and teaching, addressed the students and said he was appalled by the horrendous incident, which was brought to the university’s attention yesterday morning.
The perpetrator has been suspended pending a formal disciplinary hearing.
The black student, Babalo Ndwayana, said he would not comment immediately as he was still “going through a lot”.
About an apology he received, he said: “It was a mere apology.”
His father, Mkhuseli Kaduka, said the perpetrator’s words while inside the room were: “It’s what white boys do.”
“This is so disappointing because I thought we had moved on as a nation and this behaviour needs to be condemned at all costs,” Kaduka said.
He said his son’s phone had been switched off for now as the situation was too overwhelming.
The university condemned what it referred to as the “destructive”, “hurtful” and “racist” incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
“A further swift but detailed investigation will determine the final outcomes, with expulsion and/or criminal charges not excluded,” a statement by the institution read.
Vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers said the university was appalled by “this type of behaviour”, saying “such conduct would not be tolerated.
“We acted swiftly and decisively to uphold our commitment to a culture of inclusivity. What happened at Huis Marais was not acceptable. No student has the right to diminish another student’s human dignity or rights in this way.”
Huis Marais residence management was made aware of the incident on Sunday, after which it was reported for urgent investigation.
The perpetrator was removed and was no longer residing at Huis Marais residence.
Student Affairs senior director Dr Choice Makhetha said: “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.”
During an urgent house meeting on Sunday, the perpetrator apologised for the incident.
“I just want to apologise to him and in general for my behaviour. I know what happened was wrong and I just want to apologise again. Sorry guys.”
In a statement the South African Student Congress (Sasco) said Ndwayana was asleep when he heard a noise in his room at 4am. He woke up to find the white student urinating on his study desk, books and laptop.
Sasco said anything short of expulsion and potentially criminal charges would be regarded or seen as injustice.
During the protest, Sasco Tsietsi Mashinini branch chairperson Queen Majikijela said a suspension was not enough and that the perpetrator should be expelled.
“We as the students are very unhappy about what’s going on. Racism within the SU is something that has been going on constantly. We are fed up, we are tired. This is us taking a stance. Him being merely suspended does not make a difference. Him being a student at this university will allow him to do more injustice to people of colour.”
Social Justice Agency managing director, Edwin Cleophas said the residence was not new to controversy, with another issue related to racism involving the house taking place early in the year.
“These discriminatory acts are very common at our universities. More often than not, students are afraid to speak out because of victimisation and the lopsided power imbalances due to economic power that exists between black and white students.
“The university has zero tolerance for racism, and yet when these incidents occur, we find that politics and economics ultimately decides the outcome. Important to note is that that alumni and their support to the university comes with some significant power.”