Council statement on Kriegler Panel report
The Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) Council today considered the Kriegler Panel report. The independent panel, chaired by Justice Johann Kriegler, investigated specific allegations regarding the amendment and related disclosure of the De Jager Panel report on the Wilgenhof residence.
Council noted and considered the Kriegler Panel's findings, as well as written submissions from attorneys on behalf of the De Jager Panel, additional documentation and input supplied by the Vice-Chancellor and input by the Chair of Council.
After a robust discussion, Council adopted a motion through majority vote which acknowledged that the Vice-Chancellor and Chair of Council had erred in not informing Council about amendments to the De Jager Panel report. The minority dissenting votes against the motion were recorded as requested.
Council accepted that neither had acted “maliciously, or in bad faith, or with any intention of influencing the decisions made by Council related to Wilgenhof residence, and only did what they believed to be in the best interests of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票".
The motion was critical of the Vice-Chancellor sharing the De Jager Panel report with Chancellor Edwin Cameron. In Council's view, this represented a “governance lapse" which should not be repeated.
Similarly, Council noted the Chair's apology for an error of judgment related to the non-disclosure to Council of the amendments that had been made to the De Jager Panel report. Council was critical of this lapse of judgment and urged the Chair to avoid a recurrence.
Council agreed to reconsider its governance processes related to communications between the rectorate, the Chair of Council and with Council.
Finally, Council reaffirmed its decisions regarding the residence's closure and reopening as a reimagined male residence. That decision was “aligned with a more inclusive, participatory (consultative) approach that Council conducted".
Council also passed two motions expressing its “disappointment and dismay" at media leaks of the Kriegler Panel report as such conduct is contrary to Council's Code of Conduct, undermines the work of Council and resulted in prejudice to affected individuals.
The decisions taken today reflect Council's commitment to rigorous governance, procedural fairness, accountability and respect.
These deliberations flow from Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's core values of excellence, compassion, equity, accountability and respect, which are articulated in our Vision 2040. The Wilgenhof matter arises from the discovery in January this year of the disturbing contents of two rooms in the residence and further evidence of behaviour and rituals which are inconsistent with these values.
For a detailed timeline and supporting documents please click here.
Council acknowledges that this is a challenging moment for our 中国体育彩票 community. We are confident that Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 will emerge stronger, with a renewed focus on building an institution with accountability and respect for all at its heart.
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