On Sunday, Stellenbosch University confirmed the suspension of an unnamed student who allegedly released urine in the dormitories of his res mates.
Stellenbosch University rocked by second urine scandal
In a statement quoted by News24, the tertiary institution linked to racism rows revealed the student in question was booted after reports surfaced on Saturday (22 October 2022) morning that he allegedly ‘relieved’ himself inside the room of a Eendrag House resident.
The university, in response, immediately suspended the unnamed scholar to allow for an investigation.
In a statement, Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers said:
“We will continue to use all 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.”
Saturday’s incident is the second time a Maties student has faced suspension for urinating in the room of a res mate. In September 2022, the tertiary was forced to take action against a scholar who peed on the chair of a fellow Helshoogte res mate.
Stellenbosch University students who’ve spoken out about the toxic ‘initiation’ culture recognised the efforts of those brave enough to speak out but indicated that, disappointingly, this has been an ongoing issue at the tertiary.
“It’s insane that all of it is coming to light. I was speaking to a friend earlier and I don’t believe that this is all happening this year. For some reason, I feel that students feel comfortable enough to speak out now. It’s disappointing, but it’s also the norm, I guess, because this is Stellenbosch,” one student told EWN.
Theuns du Toit: Maties urinator faces criminal charges
Stellenbosch University’s pestilential urine tradition first came to the spotlight in May 2022, when a black student Babalo Ndwanwa, was violated by his fellow res mate, Theuns du Toit, who was caught on camera peeing on his study desk.
The incident sparked a nationwide race row culminating in Du Toit’s expulsion. Last week, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed its office is pursuing crimen injuria and destruction of property charges against Du Toit, who, as reported by News24, has every intention of defending himself.
“I can confirm that the NPA has decided that it will prosecute the accused in this matter on malicious damage to property and Crimen injuria. But has instructed the investigator office to finalise the matter before it is placed on the roll,” the NPA noted in a statement.