Professor Aslam Fataar, the head of a committee at Stellenbosch University aimed at reforming the institutional culture of student residences, has resigned.
Wilgenhof cult scandal takes a turn after Prof Aslam Fataar resigns
His resignation, effective from Monday, 29 January 2024, coincidentally came days after the tertiary came under fire over the discovery of concerning items in the Wilgenhof men’s residence’s secret rooms.
The scandal at Wilgenhof, one of the university’s oldest men’s residences, emerged following an audit that revealed items linked to questionable practices.
The university, reacting to the backlash, launched an investigation into these findings, overseen by Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Learning and Teaching.
“A team of people will consider the items, and make recommendations to Executive Management regarding the appropriate next steps in dealing with this matter,” Prof Ramjugernath explained in an internal bulletin sent around campus at the time.
Who is Professor Aslam Fataar?
Prior to his resignation, Professor Fataar was significantly involved in the university’s initiatives to address and implement the recommendations of the Khampepe Report, released in November 2022, which looked into allegations of racism at Stellenbosch University.
Fataar’s responsibilities included coordinating a comprehensive response through various workstreams aimed at enhancing the university’s transformation efforts towards inclusivity.
With a focus on consultation and collaboration with stakeholders within and outside the university, Fataar played a pivotal role in the strategy to integrate the recommendations into the university’s policies and practices.
Yet, questions will remain unanswered about how an alleged culture of torture and harsh, bordering on inhumane, initiation practices prevailed on his watch.
Professor Fataar, born on 5 April 1966, has an extensive academic and professional background.
He completed his education at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), achieving qualifications up to a PhD. F
ataar has served in various roles, from a teacher at Lotus Senior Secondary School to a professor at Stellenbosch University since July 2009.
His work spans multiple aspects of education, including policy, democracy, and curriculum development.
Fataar has been deeply involved in transformation efforts within the educational sector, contributing significantly through teaching, faculty executive roles, and numerous publications.
His commitment to educational development is evidenced by his leadership in academic associations and recognition through awards like the Fulbright Research Scholar Fellowship.