Stellenbosch University (SU) should reflect deeply on its identity and purpose.
This was according to Dr Choice Makhetha, the former director of student affairs at SU, who recently launched the book Owning the Scars and Stars of my Journey: Leading and Driving Transformation at Previously Afrikaans Universities from Free State – Stellenbosch at SU’s Victoria Hub.
The event was hosted by SU’s Student Representative Council (SRC) on 1 August. SMF News was in attendance.
Dr Choice Makhetha (right), the former director of student affairs at Stellenbosch University (SU), discussed her book Owning the Scars and Stars of my Journey: Leading and Driving Transformation at Previously Afrikaans Universities from Free State – Stellenbosch at SU’s Victoria Hub on 1 August. Dr Katlego Letlonkana (left) is the programme manager for diversity capacity development at SU’s human resources department and served as the conversation moderator at the event. PHOTO: Onthatile Mahlangu
SU often talks about its values, said Makhetha. However, she questioned whether the institution is truly living by them.
According to Makhetha, SU must first recognise what needs to change before it can take real steps toward transformation.
“[SU] needs to decide for itself what kind of university it wants to be,” said Makhetha. “From that question, there are a lot of changes that need to be in place.”
‘Difficult truths’
Meanwhile, SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen has responded by reiterating the university’s commitment to meaningful transformation that seeks to create a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of their community.
According to Viljoen, this endeavour has not been without its challenges.
“In recent times, we have been confronted with difficult truths about our institutional culture and practices that still alienate members of our university community. It called for decisive action,” said Viljoen, in correspondence with SMF News.
SU established the Committee for the Institutional Response to the Commission’s Recommendations (CIRCoRe) in April 2023, according to Viljoen.
The purpose of the CIRCoRe was to develop actionable proposals that address both the immediate and long-term challenges faced in transforming SU into a place where diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals, but lived realities, said Viljoen.
Guests gathered at Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Victoria Hub on 1 August for the launch of Dr Choice Makhetha’s book, Owning the Scars and Stars of my Journey: Leading and Driving Transformation at Previously Afrikaans Universities from Free State – Stellenbosch. Makhetha said that she left SU in October 2024 after achieving her goal of enhancing student growth and development. Staying in her comfort zone for too long was not beneficial, she said. PHOTO: Onthatile Mahlangu
Open conversations
Speaking to SMF News after the launch, Roceshia Februarie, the SRC chairperson, claimed that SU’s approach to transformation is too focused on coddling and protecting people’s feelings. Transformation efforts felt surface-level, avoiding confronting uncomfortable truths, she said.
“We can’t even say the word ‘racist’. We’re told to say something is ‘unwelcoming’ or ‘non-inclusive’. But if you can’t name racism, how do you confront it?” said Februarie. “Every aspect of the university needs to transform.”
Februarie said that without open conversations about race, gender, class, poverty, and homophobia, change would remain out of reach for the university.
“Transformation is not the responsibility of a single committee or a few individuals,” said Viljoen. “[It] is a collective endeavour.”
Dr Choice Makhetha, former director of student affairs at Stellenbosch University (SU) and author of the book titled Owning the Scars and Stars of my Journey: Leading and Driving Transformation at Previously Afrikaans Universities from Free State – Stellenbosch, told SMF News that her book offers a deeper understanding of the institutional culture at previously Afrikaans universities, and how this culture impacts student life in residences. Makhetha said that she is currently working at the Central University of Technology as executive director in the office of the vice chancellor. PHOTO: Onthatile Mahlangu