Cape Town - Yet another urination incident at Stellenbosch University (SU) will be investigated by the University’s Office of Student Discipline.
The third incident happened on Saturday, October 22, at the Eendrag Residence.
The incident follows the announcement that the National Prosecuting Authority will be prosecuting Theuns du Toit, who urinated on a student's desk in May; and another incident in September during which a student urinated on the chair of another student, also at one of the university's residences.
SU said it was “deeply concerned” regarding the irresponsible use of alcohol on and around its campuses.
“The university must again emphasise that human dignity is non-negotiable at SU and must be respected and upheld. When such dignity is affected, it must be restored following due process as provided for within the University’s disciplinary framework.
“As a well governed institution, SU feels strongly that the just course of the law and due process must always be followed to protect the rights of both affected and implicated students. It provides for defensible and sustainable outcomes.
“The management of the Eendrag Residence was made aware of an incident involving a severely intoxicated student urinating in the room of fellow residence students in the early hours of Saturday morning (22 October).
“They reported the incident to the relevant University structures for urgent escalation to SU executive management and immediate investigation.
“The implicated student was suspended from the residence on October 22, 2022 pending the outcome of an investigation.
The SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, will consider further action and decide on suspension from the University after consideration of the facts of the case,” SU said.
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching said: “We will continue to use all the resources at our disposal to combat the scourge of irresponsible alcohol consumption by some of our students.
“Notwithstanding extensive interventions and the latest revised residence rules that strictly regulate alcohol use in residences, it is evident that more drastic action and regulations have become necessary.
“There needs to be engagement with the municipality and business community as to how we can work together to curtail irresponsible alcohol consumption. We can leave no stone unturned in addressing this devastating behaviour.”
The case will be investigated by the University’s Office of Student Discipline in accordance with the latest version of the Student Disciplinary Code, he said. (see https://bit.ly/3ObwUuy).
“What is very important now is that all students be afforded the opportunity to prepare for the exams starting this week.
“It was also the clear wishes of the two affected students that their identities as well as that of the implicated student remains confidential.
“The University will, as and when appropriate, communicate further on the outcome of the investigations and processes that are under way as a matter of priority.”
Cape Times