The independent investigation by retired Judge Burton Fourie has been concluded and the Stellenbosch University (SU) Council this afternoon (2 December 2019) accepted his report (click here for the full report). Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers reacted as follows in a video message :
“I have been completely exonerated. The investigation found that I had not attempted to influence the Constitutional Court ruling in the Stellenbosch University Language Policy case when I approached Justice Edwin Cameron to be nominated for election as Chancellor. It was indeed my responsibility as head of the University to help find the best possible candidates for this senior position.
“So, I welcome this finding, as I welcomed the investigation. From the outset, I maintained that I had not interfered with the legal process and acted in good faith. An independent investigation has now confirmed this.
“I hope we can now close the book on this matter and move on as a University community.
“Both the High Court and the Constitutional Court have now confirmed that our Language Policy is constitutionally justified. And an independent investigation has found that we did nothing wrong. We remain committed to using English and Afrikaans as languages of tuition to promote inclusivity and multilingualism.
“The time has now come for everyone to accept this so that we can get on with what we're here to do in the first place – being the best possible university for everybody in our country.
“We are looking forward to our graduation ceremonies next week, where the hard work of thousands of students and staff members will be rewarded. We are proud of our University and its people.
“Thank you very much to everyone who supported me during this time. And thank you to everyone who has helped make the University the national asset it is.
“We're nearly at the end of the year. We all deserve a break. All of the best with the final stretch. I hope everyone gets a chance to recharge their batteries and return refreshed and ready for 2020."
