The Wilgenhof mens residence at the University of Stellenbosch was the centre of the 'house of horrors' scandal early in 2024 when the abusive practices discovered at the residence were reported in the media.
An audit by the university management in January this year found two locked rooms at the residence building that were not normally entered by anyone except members of the Wilgenhof residence 'House Committee'. One of the rooms housed images and documentation recording abuse in the form of 'discipline' metered out by the disciplinary committee members (known at Wilgenhof as the Nagligte) on younger residents. Members of this group were kitted out in robes reminiscent of those worn by members of the US white supremacist group the KKK.
On discovery by university management in January of 2024 the secret rooms at the residence were cleaned and sanitised after photographs were taken. The evidence from the rooms was removed and stored safely by the university management. An independent investigation was commissioned to conduct a full investigation and to make recommendations to the university on the appropriate action to be taken. Initially tasked to report back in one month, because of the flood of submissions the investigators needed an extension to make a comprehensive report.
The Stellenbosch University Rectorate (the management team comprising the senior officer bearers) has now received the report, and has accepted their primary recommendation that the residence be closed. This proposal now needs to be approved by the University's Council, which will meet on the 24th June.
Stellenbosch Rector Prof Wim De Villiers says, "this recommendation, on the recommendation of the Panel, if accepted by Council, will result in the closure of Wilgenhof at the end of the 2024 academic year. Alternative uses of the space will be discussed with a view to be effected during 2025.”
The report was critical of the University management for their actions in response to the scandal. It found that they should not have cleared and sanitised the rooms - and the initial, bland, statement that they released on the matter was found to cause more damage.
The legal report expands on how the racist nature of the symbolism and practices were so damaging to well-being of students. They also stand firmly in the way of a university that is attempting to transform and become an inclusive institution.
The report explains, "there are striking parallels between Nagligte costumes, symbols, practices, and late-nights raids of the KKK."
"One cannot reasonably conceive the Nagligte in their costumes without evoking the well-established notions of absolute power wielded by white men without consequence."
"The clear connection between such a ritual of discipline and enforcement, on the one hand, and the activities of the (white) apartheid police and security forces in the history of our own country, on the other, must be acknowledged as being real and painful to black South Africans."
"Black newcomers to Wilgenhof, presented with the Nagligte ritual, can reasonably be expected to feel visceral fear intimidation and pressure to conform."
The full legal report is available to view online.
This is a developing story.
