Closing Stellenbosch University's Wilgenhof residence until 2026 a backward move, says alumni association

CAPE TOWN - Stellenbosch University's Wilgenhof Alumni Association says the university council's decision to close the controversial residence until 2026 is a punitive step backwards.

Wilgenhof residence made headlines earlier in 2024 after disturbing items related to previous initiation ceremonies and alleged racism were found in its archives.

Following the announcement to shut down the residence on Monday, the Wilgenhof Alumni Association is approaching the High Court for a judicial review and to set aside the council's decision.

Alumni spokesperson Jaco Rabie said the association believes the closure of the residence serves no purpose.

"It's completely disproportionate, and it's not clear what the university aims to achieve by closing Wilgenhof."

Rabie said the residence in its current State is already inclusive.

"They have a transformed and inclusive space where the current residents, the alumni, the parents of current residents, black residents, black alumni, have all come out overwhelmingly in favour of the residence and the role that it plays in the persons living there."

The university said the residence would be closed for upgrading to comply with government policy on student housing and to create a renewed, reimagined and rejuvenated male residence for the student community.

An association representing students living at the residence and their parents is now also approaching the court to intercede. 

Spokesperson for the association, Noelani King-Conradie, said the closure would disrupt the student residents' support structures and academic routines.

"We are preparing a very urgent court action for an interdict to stop the Stellenbosch University from implementing in any way the decision to close Wilgenhof for a year."