The Stellenbosch University (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC) Manager was arrested on 30 April, following a report of a “deeply troubling case of Gender-BasedViolence (GBV),” as reported in a statement released by the SRC on 3 May. The SRC“ [recognised] the confusion and concern that emerged in the wake of the recent GBVincident,” and swiftly referred the matter to the SU Equality Unit for further review.
In a follow-up statement on 6 May, the SRC terminated the membership of the SRC’s now-former manager and he remains under investigation by the South African PoliceService (SAPS). The SRC has also temporarily suspended the Secretary General from his duties and submitted the case to Student Imbizo for review. The details regarding his involvement remain unclear.
Mzwakhe Bolotina, the SRC Communications Officer and now acting Secretary General, explained that the SRC acted in accordance with the Student Constitution Chapter 4.4 of 2021, where it stipulates the process of termination from the SRC. Although they terminated his membership, it “was not to pre-empt the outcome of the investigation of SAPS and the Equality Unit, but to make sure that [the SRC] send a strong message that [they] do not stand for GBV in any form.”
Bolotina also confirmed that SAPS arrested the victim due to countercharges by the alleged perpetrator and the victim was subsequently released 5 May. Any additional details remain confidential at this stage. He also confirmed the incident had taken place at Goldfields Residence.
Reneilwe Matshediso, Vice Primarius of Goldfields was able to confirm “that the victim is a current resident of Goldfields Residence and that the perpetrator is a former Goldfields resident.” He states that “[the Goldfields House Committee] took the situationvery seriously” and “have since been following the correct procedures and processes to ensure a just outcome.”
SU has released limited, yet clear information regarding the situation in a mass mailer. Tertia Kruger, Director of Communication of SU states that “SU reaffirms its commitment to justice, fairness, and the safety and dignity of all members of its community.” Due to the complexity and sensitivity of the issue, SU requests that the details and persons involved in the case remain confidential at this stage.
The SU Equality Unit is dedicated to helping survivors of GBV through trained professionals and careful links to other support platforms. Jaco Brink, the head of the Equality Unit, highlights that “women under the age of 24 at university, so that could include staff and students, are listed as a vulnerable population in the Sexual Offences Amendment Act” and if one is made aware of an incident of GBV that includes sexual assault, they are obligated to report it to authorities.
The recent addition of the Thuthuzela care centre in Idas Valley provides excellent support to victims of GBV. Melanie Petersen, Residence head of Minerva Ladies Residence, states that “recognising the far-reaching consequences of GBV, the facility houses a diverse team of experts under one roof, including counsellors, social workers,and medical professionals.” Brink advises a survivor of GBV to go there first as they canprovide legal, medical and psychosocial support, especially in time sensitive circumstances, as the well-being of the survivor remains priority.
This is a developing story and readers can expect a follow-up. This may include considerations regarding the responses of SU, the SRC and updates in the cases of theSRC Manager and Secretary General.
By Emma Giles
