​​​​Stellenbosch University (SU) takes a zero-tolerance approach to racism on campus. The U​niversity has implemented comprehensive measures to combat racism and continues to improve those measures on an ongoing basis. As a result, SU was able to respond to the Huis Marais matter swiftly and decisively in line with the applicable laws and compliant with internal regulations. These firm actions will allow the full extent of the law and internal disciplinary measures to take its course.

Also rest assured of our compassion towards the victims. The University is committed to support the victims of the incidents with counselling and otherwise to ensure their academic progress and sense of belonging on campus are not affected.

We will continue to keep our community and stakeholders informed of all developments in this regard and reiterate our steadfast commitment to stamp out racism and discrimination.

As part of this commitment against discrimination, we are swiftly moving forward to set up an external Independent Commission of Enquiry into the incidences of racism and harassment at the University, headed by a respected judge. As part of this enquiry, we envisage a review of the campus culture in its entirety, coupled with a review and audit of our policies, operating procedures and responses. In addition, SU is creating a reporting hotline for students and staff to report acts of discrimination or violation of rights such as any incidents of racism, Gender Based Violence and harassment. Details about the commission and telephonic hotline will be announced once it is finalised. 

SU recognises that the university environment is a microcosm of the broader South African landscape. It is not immune to issues that plague the broader society and communities and operates in that wider context.

In an unprecedented move, in light of the past week's traumatising events and impact that it has had on the mental health and emotional state of our students, the Rectorate, in consultation with the leadership of Faculties and student leadership, have decided to postpone the first semester examination period with one week. This means that examinations will not start this coming Monday, 23 May. Examinations for the first semester now start on Monday, 30 May. The deadline for assessments, which had deadlines for this week, will also be extended by one week. The arrangements for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, for which concessions in this regard have also been approved will be communicated by the Faculty shortly.

The entire schedule for the exams will get shifted by one week, and recess will start on 4 July.  This, however, will not impact the start of the second semester, which still begins on 18 July.

During discussions with Faculty Deans, Vice-Deans for Learning and Teaching, and student leaders, proposals to make adjustments to the examination schedule were put on the table, and Management has come to the final decision that postponing the exam period by one week gives students and staff time to adjust to the unfortunate events of the past week.

Our student leaders and leadership of Faculties are united in their request for this delay, and the Rectorate believes this gives all our students the best possible opportunity to achieve success during their exams and assessments.

We're aware that this decision is unprecedented, and it has not been taken lightly. We also know that it will have a logistical impact on students and staff.

More detailed communication on the exam schedule will follow as soon as possible from the Registrar's office.

The University deeply values respect, compassion, equity, accountability and excellence in all interactions and conduct. Stellenbosch University remains committed to creating an environment of learning free from those issues such as racism, discrimination and that is safe. We need to vigilantly protect the reputation and standing of our institution as a world-class centre of academic excellence where we welcome the best of the best from all our communities in South Africa and further afield.​​