Cape Town — Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Wilgenhof Residence has been shut down in its current form and will be replaced with a new “reimagined and rejuvenated” male residence.
Stellenbosch University said in a statement that a renewed residence would acknowledge the constructive aspects of Wilgenhof, which would break away from the unacceptable and secretive past of the residence, News24 reported.
Stellenbosch said that for the 2025 academic year, Wilgenhof would be closed for upgrading to comply with the department’s policy on the minimum norms and standards for student housing at public universities. The residence will reopen during 2026 as a male residence.
According to EWN, Stellenbosch’s Wilgenhof Alumni Association said the closing of the residence until 2026 is a step backwards. The Alumni intends to approach the High Court for a judicial review to set aside the council’s decision.
Alumni spokesperson Jaco Rabie said the association believes the closure of the residence serves no purpose and is completely disproportionate, and it’s not clear what the aim of the closure is.
“They have a transformed and inclusive space where the current residents, the alumni, the parents of current residents, black residents, black alumni, have all come out overwhelmingly in favour of the residence and the role that it plays in the persons living there,” Rabie said.
Stellenbosch University’s house of horrors – the #Wilgenhof male student residence, “will close in its current format” next year and be replaced with a “reimagined and rejuvenated male residence”, the SU council said this evening. pic.twitter.com/2bnly6q0Gz
— Getty Makhafola (@GetrudeM) September 16, 2024
In January this year, Wilgenhof was in the spotlight when it was revealed that two rooms at the university were unlocked by SU. It was reported that ritualistic activities were practised in the room in the past.
The first room, known as “Hool 88” was found with old Wilgenhof archives inside where the “Nagligte” – the residence’s internal disciplinary committee conducted their activities, The Citizen reported.
The other room in question was “Toe Argief” (English: closed archive or TA). The room was located in the ‘Bachelors’ wing of Wilgenhof, adjoining the Primarius’ suite.
The TA contained a trove of Wilgenhof records and memorabilia which included costumes, shoes and paraphernalia. The panel was instructed to investigate the historical and cultural background of the contents, as well as the functions of the rooms.
The panel were also asked to determine what practices took place at the res what the general culture of Wilgenhof was, contrary to the values of SU, and whether it infringed on human dignity.
The number “88” frequently appears on Nagligte costumes, in the naming of “Hool 88”, and elsewhere.
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Picture: Facebook/Wilgenhof’s Mens Residence
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
