By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Stellenbosch University has appointed retired Constitutional Court judge Justice Sisi Khampepe to head up an independent commission of inquiry into allegations of racism at the university.
The university said Khampepe would make recommendations to the rector and vice-chancellor, Professor Wim de Villiers, to assist it in improving its culture of diversity, equity and inclusion with reference to racism that will safeguard and promote the dignity and self-worth of all students and staff.
The inquiry was sparked by an incident where a white student, Theuns du Toit, urinated on the study material of a black student, Babalo Ndwayana, while he was sleeping at his residence.
The incident led to renewed allegations of systematic racism at higher learning institutions.
The commission will probe the incident at Huis Marais as well as an alleged incident of racism at the Faculty of Law’s Law Dance.
“The Commission may at its own discretion receive any evidence that is relevant to its mandate from any person and in a manner determined by the commissioner,” the university said in a statement on Friday.
“This may include but is not limited to the witnesses whose evidence will be presented, the invitation of written submissions from the campus community, and any other actions deemed necessary by it.
“The commission will conduct the inquiry by means of closed proceedings to provide confidence in the inquiry and to enable candid participation on a broad basis. The identity, other personal information, and evidence of witnesses are to be kept confidential.”
The commission is expected to start the investigation in June.