Stellenbosch University staff newsletter (6 April 2023):

Last Friday (31 March 2023) we communicated to you regarding the Rector exercising his discretion under Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Admissions Policy. The Rector has also drawn the attention of members of the Executive Committee of Council to the fact that he used his discretion under the same policy and Discretionary Placement Guidelines to place another relative in a programme at SU.
 
The University follows a clearly defined Admissions Policy and has since 2018 implemented guidelines to direct the Rector’s Discretionary Placements. The approach to Discretionary Placements is currently being reviewed to address any possible shortcomings.
 
The Rector maintains that though he acted in good faith and consistent with the current guidelines, he acknowledges and regrets the turmoil that the publicised incident has caused.

This matter will be on the agenda of the upcoming Council meeting scheduled for Monday, 17 April 2023. The unpacking of the Rector’s Discretionary Placements will be robustly guided by the Executive Committee of Council and will be properly ventilated and discussed at Council so that an appropriate way forward is agreed to by Council.
 
As a world-class institution for higher learning, SU is a national asset with global reach, and SU's students and staff represent the best on offer in and to South Africa. The academic integrity of our institution, the quality of our qualifications and research, and practical and proper administrative governance are of the utmost importance to Stellenbosch University. We welcome the opportunity for scrutiny and reflection towards maintaining the high standards that we are known for and addressing areas for possible improvement.​