Two members of the Stellenbosch University management this afternoon (Thursday 3 March) accepted a memorandum from the EFF Student Command. The memorandum relates to allegations of the victimisation and criminalisation of black students at the University.

The memorandum was handed to the University on conclusion of a protest march. The organisers obtained prior approval for the march from the Stellenbosch Municipality in conjunction with the South African Police Service and Stellenbosch University’s Campus Security.

A group of students voicing  their disassociation from Afriforum gathered around the JS  Marais statue on the Rooiplein (the main square on campus) before the arrival of the protesters.

Rumours of the SAPS trying to bar those taking part in the protest march from entering the campus are unfounded.

A tense situation developed on the Rooiplein (the main square on campus) where protesters tried to prevent members of AfriForum from washing the JS Marais statue. Apart from emotions running high, both groups showed restraint throughout spirited discussions before dispersing with no serious incidents being reported.

According to information at the University’s disposal a significant number of those involved in activities on the Rooiplein were not Stellenbosch University students.

The University is not able to respond to allegations of racial slurs on social media as no complaints or incidents had been reported by late afternoon. Students and staff may submit complaints, anonymously should they so prefer, at the University’s Equality Unit at [email protected] or call the independent ethics hotline to report incidents:  0800 204 549. The email address is [email protected]. The number for the University’s Crisis Service is 082 5570 880 – available to all staff and students for support and counselling.

The University acknowledges the right of staff and students to participate in peaceful protest, provided that the administrative and academic activities are not disrupted; that actions do not lead to any risks to the safety of staff and students, or university property; and that the rights of students to study or attend classes are not infringed upon.