Stellenbosch University primarius resigns amid student room vandalism scandal
Majuba men’s residence at Stellenbosch University, where the primarius has stepped down after a student’s room was allegedly vandalised earlier this week.
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The primarius of the Majuba men’s residence at Stellenbosch University has stepped down following an incident in which a student’s room was allegedly vandalised earlier this week.
In a letter to residents, the residence leadership confirmed that the primarius would relinquish his role with immediate effect while investigations are underway.
“The Primarius will step down from his role with immediate effect, at least until the completion of the investigations currently underway,” the letter states.
The vice-primarius will serve in an acting capacity while investigations continue.
The development follows an incident on Monday night when a student returned to his room at the Majuba residence to find it ransacked, with bedding, furniture and belongings removed.
In a separate letter circulated to residents, the Majuba house committee acknowledged the incident and apologised to the student.
“The leadership of the residence confirms the unfortunate incident on Monday night when Kylo’s bed, mattresses and couch were removed from his room,” the letter reads.
“We regretfully acknowledge that this has caused him emotional harm and infringed on his dignity. What has happened is against the values of Majuba and should not have happened.”
The leadership added: “We sincerely want to extend our apologies to Kylo. We regret not having communicated this apology earlier.”
Education activist Vanessa Le Roux, whose son occupies the room, previously said she was alerted to the incident after receiving a message from him late that evening.
Le Roux alleged that the residence leadership initially denied knowing who was responsible for the incident.
“To think of how humiliated my child must have felt when he walked into his room to find it trashed. It’s my child’s dignity, who gave them the right to go into his room?” she said.
Tensions surrounding the incident escalated on Wednesday night when Le Roux alleged that a confrontation took place at the residence while student leaders were attempting to arrange a meeting about the incident.
She claimed another student appeared ready to confront her son during the encounter.
“You are not going to lay your hands on my child in front of me. You must see me first,” she said.
Le Roux said she stepped between the two students and afterwards decided that her son would move out of the residence because she believed he was no longer safe there.
Stellenbosch University spokesperson Martin Viljoen confirmed that the incident is being investigated by the South African Police Service.
“Stellenbosch University confirms that an incident in the Majuba Men’s Residence on the Stellenbosch Campus is being investigated by the South African Police Service and is aware that a complaint of unlawful entry and damage to property was laid with SAPS,” Viljoen said.
Viljoen said the incident apparently stemmed from a disagreement at a soccer match between Majuba residence and an opposing team and was reported to the residence head in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
“The university has activated the necessary internal processes and is managing the situation in accordance with the university’s protocols, including an internal investigation and open engagements with the leadership and residents of Majuba,” he said.
Viljoen added that the university would prioritise student safety during the investigation.
“SU will ensure the dignity and safety of all its students are held paramount at all time during its internal investigation. Further to this and on request of Mr Le Roux, SU will henceforth accommodate him in a different residence.”
He said all engagements and discussions relating to the matter would form part of the investigation.
“While the university condemns any incident that infringes upon the rights of others, it must also urge respect for the university’s internal processes. SU is grateful that all parties involved actively cooperate in the internal processes.”
Investigations by both SAPS and the university are ongoing.