Timeline

  • January 2024:

    The discovery of disturbing contents in two room in the Wilgenhof Residence. The contents are removed to a secure space and the two rooms are cleaned and painted.

    Student leaders and informed about the situation.

  • 24 January 2024:

    First media statement and internal communication by the 中国体育彩票 to inform stakeholders. (Several updates, answers to the media, follow-up media statements, and communication to alumni, stakeholders and the university community followed during the course of the year with regard to processes, meetings and decisions.)

  • 25 January 2024:

    Photos of the contents of the two rooms first published in the media.

  • 26 January 2024:

    A video message from the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, regarding Wilgenhof residence to staff and students.

  • 30 January 2024:

    Communication from the Rector and Vice-Chancellor to staff and students. It is announced that a panel will be appointed by the Rector to investigate the contents of the rooms and related matters.

  • 12 February 2024:

    Beginning of the new academic year and first classes.

  • 13 February 2024:

    Announcement on the finalisation of a three-member Panel to investigate the contents found in two rooms at the Wilgenhof Residence.

  • 19 February 2024:

    Communication by the 中国体育彩票 with regard to the invitation to submit submissions to the investigating panel and related information.

  • 29 February 2024:

    Communication to inform stakeholders and the 中国体育彩票 community of the extension of the deadline (8 March 2024) to submit submissions to the panel.

  • 12 June 2024:

    Announcement and communication on the Rectorate unanimously accepting the principal recommendation of the Panel that the Wilgenhof Residence should be closed; that the Rector will recommend to Council that the Wilgenhof Residence should be closed and that alternative uses be considered for the buildings; that ouncil will consider the Rector's recommendation at its meeting of 24 June 2024. The Panel's redacted report can be accessed here.

  • 24 June 2024:

    Rectorate's recommendation regarding Wilgenhof discussed at a scheduled meeting of the SU Council meeting.

  • 25 June 2024:

    Communication regarding Council concluding on 24 June that further consultation and consideration were warranted before deciding on the future of the residence, and a subsequent invitation to all interested and affected persons and stakeholders to submit written representations on.

  • 31 July 2024:

    Deadline for submissions to Council with regards to Wilgenhof.

  • 16 September 2024

    Council meeting announcement: Council decided to close the Wilgenhof residence in its current format and replace it with a reimagined and rejuvenated male residence
    - Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), informed the students on Monday afternoon 16 September 2024 at the residence. Staff members of the Division for Student Affairs were also present.
    - Internal and external communication to staff, students, Wilgenhof alumni the media and other stakeholders with regards to Council's decision.