Students recently convened at the Stellenbosch University (SU) Law Faculty to air their concerns and find answers, regarding the rectorate’s announcement regarding SU’s intention to increase residence placements for female students to 60%. This is according to Martin Viljoen, media manager at SU.
SU’s Student Parliament sitting happened on 16 March and was attended by over 50 SU students.
“This adjustment in the university’s gender ratio for residence placement underlines Stellenbosch University’s (SU) commitment to ensuring a transformative student experience at an institution that reflects the full diversity of its student body,” stated Martin Viljoen, media manager at SU. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
Collaborative efforts
“We are challenging students to come forward,” expressed Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of student affairs at SU, during her address at the sitting of Student Parliament.
Makhetha has been tasked with spearheading a working group established by the university to “formulate proposals for the phased-in implementation of a 60/40 residence placement policy”, stated Viljoen via email correspondence with MatieMedia.
“When we say that more female students need accommodation, the aim is to make sure that we think together on how we resolve that,” said Makheta.
Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of student affairs at Stellenbosch University, during the sitting of Student Parliament on 16 March. “It is an opportunity for students to care about one another,” Makhetha stated. Makhetha is pictured next to William Villet, deputy accountability chair of Student Parliament. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
Co-ed distress
Meanwhile, some students have expressed their reservations following claims in recent media reports that certain SU male residences would be transitioning to co-ed as a means to achieve the 60/40 policy.
“There is definitely a bit of disparity between what we heard now and the statement that we received previously, so a fear of mine now is what is the truth,” claimed a resident of the male residence, Dagbreek, who requested anonymity.
“We are very stressed and fearful, because it is a place you value a lot and changing your space into a co-ed would change every aspect of that,” explained the student.
A recent sitting of Stellenbosch University’s Student Parliament was intended to “clarify that there are no proposals on the table [regarding the 60/40 decision] but we are challenging students to come forward”, stated Dr Choice Makhetha, senior director of student affairs at SU and the appointed spearhead of the working group. PHOTO: Emma Solomon
However, the working group’s “consultative process is still underway, no decision has been made on how this phased-in 60/40 placement will be achieved, nor have any residences been identified for reconfiguration”, stated Viljoen.
“It is very complex and culture, transformation, equality and security, including gender-based violence, needs to be considered,” stated a student currently residing in a female residence at SU. The student, who has requested anonymity, stated that “we should work together to curb any negative impact this decision might have”.