The Council of Stellenbosch University (SU) has adopted three motions on language implementation, along with a motion on the recent incident of alleged ‘blackfacing’ at the Heemstede women’s residence. This was the outcome of an extraordinary Council meeting held on Saturday, 20 February 2016.

The meeting was originally convened to discuss language implementation at the University after it came to the Council’s attention that certain faculties have this year been applying language specifications that are contrary to the approved Language Policy and Language Plan of 2014, as well as the Council motion of 30 November 2015. Mr George Steyn, Council Chairperson, added a further agenda item as a result of the alleged ‘blackface’ incident and the outcry it provoked among SU stakeholders.

After a comprehensive discussion on language implementation at the University, Council decided to appoint a Council subcommittee that will be responsible for matters concerning the Language Policy and Language Plan. The subcommittee will determine its own mandate with regard to bringing matters to finalisation and to make a reccommendation to Council in this regard that will have to be approved by Council. l. It will also have the authority to co-opt additional members and will report back at every Council meeting.

In a second motion, Council requested its Executive Committee to appoint an independent person to investigate the recent language implementation process, to make a finding on how deviations originated and to recommend ways of addressing similar situations in future.

With due recognition of the extraordinary circumstances prevailing in higher education, and following on its motion of 30 November 2015, Council adopted a third language motion. This motion makes provision for the introduction of an interim measure to allow flexibility in the application of language specifications for academic modules, based on the following principles: that language should be used in such a manner that no student is excluded from a lecture, and that the use of Afrikaans in lectures is ensured, promoted and encouraged. This interim measure will apply until Council formally approves a new Language Policy and Language Plan.

After a discussion about the alleged ‘blackface’ incident and subsequent events, as well as the strong public reaction and debate on the matter, Council was unanimous in accepting a motion offering an unconditional apology to every student and staff member who experienced trauma or was negatively affected by the Heemstede incident. Council also welcomed the decision by the Rector’s Management Team to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate the incident. Council authorised its Executive Committee to take the necessary steps, which include determining the mandate of the commission.