Wilgenhof residence student admits some changes must be effected if it stays open

CAPE TOWN - A student from the controversial Wilgenhof residence at Stellenbosch University has admitted that some changes must be effected if it stays open.

Wilgenhof residence made news headlines earlier in 2024 after disturbing items related to previous initiation ceremonies and alleged racism were found in its archives.

ALSO READ: Closing Stellenbosch University's Wilgenhof residence until 2026 a backward move, says alumni association

The university's council recently decided to close Wilgenhof and create a renewed, reimagined, and rejuvenated male residence.

The Association for the Advancement of Wilgenhof Residents has threatened court action if Stellenbosch University's leadership doesn't halt the closure of the residence.

Wilgenhof resident Jack Kroukamp said if the residence stays open changes should be made.

"First of all, there need to be open conversations had. There have been two instances this year where we personally have invited two transformation officers, and that was really eye-opening, and I really learnt a lot about the effects that the expose had on not just us but the broader community."

Kroukamp said Wilgenhof's secrets must also be exposed.

"We have an open archive... I think what we could do is have certain days when that is open to the public, when they can come over and see the history."