Inside Stellenbosch University’s tug of war over beleaguered vice-chancellor

The turmoil at Stellenbosch University (SU) has divided its convocation, with one group seeking to remove its leader Advocate Jan Heunis, while he doubled down and accused others of protecting Vice-Chancellor Wim de Villiers.

Heunis angered some in the convocation when he tabled a motion of no confidence in De Villiers over alleged nepotism.

Those who want Heunis gone include his deputy, Dr Rudi Buys.

The group is adamant that Heunis never consulted the convocation before tabling the motion.

‘Apply the rules’

The Citizen is in possession of letters between Heunis and vocal convocation member Dr Louise van Rhyn, laying bare the growing tension in the structure.

This comes after several racism and language scandals that rocked the Western Cape institution.

Letters fired to the convocation leader make it clear that he will be removed along with his executive committee for the motion against De Villiers.

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In a reply to Van Rhyn, who had requested an extraordinary meeting, Heunis said the nepotism complaint was first forwarded to him by the alumni.

“I take issue with all your claims set out in your letter and emphasise that I am convinced that the executive committee acted in the best interests of the university to call for the vice-chancellor’s resignation.”

He added that the meeting will only be convened after council tables the outcome of the investigation.

‘Investigation outcome needed first’

Van Rhyn, who signed off as a representative of the 248-member convocation, replied on Monday, accusing Heunis of failing to listen to his constituents.

She reminded Heunis of a clause guiding convocation procedures that the president “must call an extra-ordinary meeting upon receiving such a request signed by at least 100 members”.

“This provision does not give you, as the president, any discretion to defer the calling of the meeting until the conclusion of a future and unrelated event.

“We, therefore, insist that you apply the rules and do whatever is necessary to call the meeting by no later than 10 May 2023.

“Should the above not be adhered to, we reserve our right to take further action as we deem necessary to enforce our right.”

ALSO READ: Stellenbosch University apologises to students over language policy

On Tuesday, Heunis wrote back, telling Van Rhyn that the aftermath of the investigation would become handy in lieu of the impending motion against him.

“Your opposition to this course of action suggests that you condone the vice-chancellor’s self-confessed nepotism, or attempt to protect him from the consequences thereof.”

He added that the requested meeting will be held in June, at which point the De Villiers investigative report would have been completed.

“In the meantime, be assured that I have already liaised with SU administration regarding possible dates and venues during the first weeks of June,” he said.

Probe against vice-chancellor

De Villiers’ woes surfaced after his wife’s nephew was admitted to study medicine at the institution.

It emerged later that a matriculant who had achieved better results was rejected for the same course.

When the matriculant started inquiring why the application was rejected, De Villiers said he used the Rector’s Discretionary Placements policy to get the nephew admitted.

According to Heunis, the nephew has since been deregistered after the nepotism scandal broke. 

It has since emerged that De Villiers also quietly placed another relative for admission, dragging SU registrar Dr Ronel Retief into the fray.

At a meeting in April, the SU council acknowledged receipt of the motion against De Villiers and announced an immediate investigation.

Council chairperson Dr Nicky Newton-King, a former CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), described the nepotism allegations as a “grave concern”.

The convocation consists of SU graduates, alumni, and current and retired academic staff of the university.

De Villiers enjoys support from prominent SU academics such as law professor Thuli Madonsela and education professor Jonathan Jansen.

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