Arthur Greene
Theuns du Toit, the white Stellenbosch University student who urinated on the belongings of a fellow black student, has been expelled after he was found guilty of racism and other offences.
The university announced on Thursday evening that its central disciplinary committee “found there is no alternative but to expel Mr Du Toit with immediate effect from the University”.
In May, Du Toit broke into the room of first-year student Babalo Ndwayana and then was filmed relieving himself onto Ndwayana’s desk, laptop and books.
Among the offences he was found guilty of were: racist abuse, vandalising the property of a fellow student and trespassing.
“Good governance and processes are the backbone of a responsible, orderly and just society where no form of prejudice, discrimination, mob rule or unjustified reaction should be tolerated,” said the university.
Commenting on the outcome, Stellenbosch University’s deputy vice-chancellor Professor Deresh Ramjugernath added: “The university viewed this case in a very serious light. This was evident in, amongst others, the original temporary suspension of Mr du Toit from the university while also appointing Justice Sisi Khampepe to lead an independent commission of enquiry into alleged racism at SU.”
The incident drew national attention after it came to light in May and sparked protests across the campus at the alleged lack of response from university management at rampant racism within the institute.
Ndwayana wasn’t present at the hearing on Thursday. He walked out of the proceedings in June saying he wasn’t satisfied with the panel.
