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Stellenbosch nepotism probe: Staff called to make submissions
Stellenbosch University appointed a retired judge to head the investigation.
Bird’s eye view of a section of the Stellenbosch University campus. Photo: Supplied/Facebook
The committee probing nepotism allegations against Stellenbosch University (SU) Vice-Chancellor Wim de Villiers is urging academics and other staffers to submit information.
SU council appointed retired Judge Carole Lewis to head the three-member committee that includes Ziyanda Stuurman and Helena Conradie.
Gathering information
In a letter sent out on Thursday, law firm VanderSpuy said anyone with “relevant and useful information” can make submissions by 18 May.
ALSO READ: Inside Stellenbosch University’s tug of war over beleaguered vice-chancellor
The lawyers are administering the information-gathering process.
“If any member of staff or the convocation has such information, he or she is invited to address a request and submit it, either written or orally to the committee.
“Any request must set out briefly the reason for tendering the information. Statements may be made anonymously, but only on good cause shown, and directed to the chairperson for approval.”
University divided
The damning allegations against De Villiers have divided the university community, as some call for his head while others rally behind him.
De Villiers’s woes started when his wife’s nephew was admitted to study medicine at the institution.
It turned out later that someone who did better in school was not accepted for the same course.
The matriculant asked why the application was rejected. De Villiers said he used Rector’s discretionary placement policy to get the nephew admitted.
The nephew was subsequently deregistered, said Advocate Jan Heunis, the convocation president.
De Villiers reportedly enrolled another relative, dragging SU Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief into the fray.
Tug of war
Meanwhile, convocation members want Heunis removed as president for tabling the no-motion confidence against De Villiers.
Those who want Heunis gone include his deputy, Dr Rudi Buys.
The group is adamant that Heunis never consulted the convocation before tabling the motion.
An extraordinary meeting to unseat him and his executive committee is set to take place in June after the De Villiers probe.
The vice-chancellor enjoys support from prominent SU academics such as law professor Thuli Madonsela and education professor Jonathan Jansen.
NOW READ: Stellenbosch University council to probe ‘grave’ nepotism claims against embattled VC
