The Association for the Advancement of Wilgenhof Residents (AAWR) has turned to the Western Cape High Court in efforts to prevent the closure of the controversial Stellenbosch University (SU) Wilgenhof Residence.
The Association for the Advancement of Wilgenhof Residents (AAWR) has turned to the Western Cape High Court in efforts to prevent the closure of the controversial Stellenbosch University (SU) Wilgenhof Residence.
AAWR on Thursday announced it had approached the court for an urgent interdict to restrain the institution from implementing the decision to shut the men’s residence in its current format for the entire 2025 academic year.
This follows a Council resolution on September 16.
Council, the highest decision-making body at the university, wants Wilgenhof to be replaced with a “reimagined and rejuvenated” residence, and said that the well-being of students housed at the residence was one of the biggest concerns.
The decision came after a report was released in June recommending the residence be permanently closed over initiation-like allegations in light of two secret rooms that were found at Wilgenhof with “disturbing items” during an audit of its spaces and amenities.
Council opted to open a public participation process inviting interested parties to submit written representations on the closure or non-closure of Wilgenhof for consideration.
This process led to the decision to close the residence for upgrading.
It will be reopened in 2026 as a male residence.
The association wants the court to set aside Council’s decision as well as certain findings concerning current students made in the investigative report.
AAWR believes the university was rushing the immediate implementation of what it described as a “highly controversial decision”, saying it would only be sensible and fair to delay the implementation so that a court is given the opportunity to consider all matters reasonably.
The association’s spokesperson, Noelani King Conradie, said their sons were being made to suffer and were being punished for events in the past.
“In no way is the university’s decision fair, proportional or rational.
“This controversy was caused by university staff supplying sensational pictures to the press, yet the university failed to protect the current students as well as first years joining the residence at the start of the academic year just after these revelations were made,” said Conradie.
Professor Nicola Theron, a member of the association, said they had a burden of care towards their sons.
“Because of the university’s actions, the students have been ostracised, portrayed as racists and even rapists.
“This all without a single shred of evidence. It is difficult to imagine that they will be accepted in other residences,” said Theron.
AAWR highlighted that the loss of accommodation space will also have implications for the wider Stellenbosch community.
SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen said the university will respond once it has had an opportunity to thoroughly consider the application.
“A renewed residence intends to acknowledge the constructive aspects of Wilgenhof while making a decisive break with the unacceptable and secretive practices of the past, as we move forward in fostering an environment where all students can thrive, in a community that upholds the values of inclusivity, respect, and excellence,” said Viljoen.
Cape Times
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