Justice Sisi Khampepe leads commission of inquiry into allegations of racism at SU
Justice Sisi Khampepe has been appointed by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU),Prof Wim de Villiersssioner to conduct the independent inquiry into allegations of racism at SU.
Justice Khampepe will make recommendations to the Rector to assist SU in improving its culture of diversity, equity and inclusion with reference to racism that will safeguard and promote the dignity and self-worth o all students and staff.
The Commission will consider the following:
• Incidents of racism at the University, with reference to the recent occurrences at Huis Marais and the Faculty of Law’s Law Dance;
• The current state of diversity, equity and inclusion within the University campus culture, with specific reference to racism;
• Given the University’s stance of zero-tolerance towards racism, whether the current structures of the University and its material university policies, rules and processes are sufficient and most effective to address the lived experience of students and staff with regard to racism in all its guises; and
• Related issues and concerns that may arise in the course of the inquiry, including the need for further investigation or consideration of related issues.
De Villiers said Khampepe has an outstanding professional reputation, invaluable experience and is a person of impeccable integrity.
“We are thankful that a person of the calibre of Justice Khampepe availed herself to assist SU with this important commission.
“SU takes a zero-tolerance approach to racism, discrimination, prejudice and violence on campus. As communicated before, we want to strengthen existing and implementing new comprehensive measures to combat such violations and continues to improve those measures on an ongoing basis. The SU leadership is sensitive to the well-being of the entire student and staff community and the impact of such incidents on our SU community.”
The Commission may in its own discretion receive any evidence that is relevant to its mandate from any person and in a manner determined by the Commissioner. This may include but is not limited to the witnesses whose evidence will be presented, the invitation of written submissions from the campus community, and any other actions deemed necessary by it.
The Commission will conduct the inquiry by means of closed proceedings to provide confidence in the inquiry and to enable candid participation on a broad basis. The identity, other personal information and evidence of witnesses are to be kept confidential.
It is expected that the Commission will commence in the middle of June.
The report with its findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Rector and Vice-Chancellor by a date to be agreed upon between the University and the commission.