Group applies for interdict to halt Wilgenhof residence closure

A grouping of students and parents from Stellenbosch University (SU) are set to approach the High Court in Cape Town for an urgent interdict to stop the university from closing the controversial men’s residence, Wilgenhof.

The group called the Association for the Advancement of Wilgenhof Residents says the closure is an unnecessary and a harmful disruption of the current students’ accommodation, support structures and academic routine.

Association’s Spokesperson, Noelani King Conradie says the temporary closure will be a sanction imposed on current resident for acts perpetrated by individuals in the past.

The university decided to close the Wilgenhof residence for a year to revamp it into a renewed and re-imagined space.

The residence made headlines a few months ago after disturbing images and paraphernalia were found in locked rooms.- Reporting by Berenice Moss and Vanessa Poonah.

DOCUMENT: Stellenbosch University Panel’s report Wilgenhof residence: