By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Stellenbosch University’s convocation has adopted a motion of no confidence in the university’s rector and vice-chancellor, Wim de Villiers, following allegations of nepotism.
The motion calls for De Villiers and the registrar to resign before the next council meeting next week.
The allegations stem from reports that De Villiers used his discretionary right to secure a place for a family member, the nephew of his wife, at the university.
This came forth when an applicant with better matric marks did not get accepted to the same course. Earlier this week, it was reported that another family member was placed at the university without De Villiers disclosing it to the council.
The university’s admission policy indicates that a rector may request students be allowed to study a ‘mainstream or extended degree programme’ after consultation with the deans.
While De Villiers maintains that he acted in good faith and was consistent with the guidelines, a statement by the university says that he acknowledges and regrets the turmoil that the publicised incident has caused.
The university added that the unpacking of De Villiers’ discretionary placements would be guided by the acting chairperson and the executive committee of council and ‘properly ventilated and discussed’ to find a way forward.
‘SU follows world-class governance practices for universities that include a clearly defined admissions policy and residence placement policy – available on the university’s website,’ the university said.
‘Council, the applicable forum for this discussion, is handling the matter at hand.’
The nepotism allegations against him come hot on the heels of a scathing report from the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), which found students at the university were being prevented from communicating in Afrikaans in some residences during the welcoming week.
The SAHRC found the university had violated the rights of Afrikaans-speaking students. This was after the DA and FF Plus filed a complaint with the commission in March 2021.