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Cape Town - Any action that could possibly offend is “strongly” disapproved of by Stellenbosch University, the institution said in a statement after images showing two white students in "blackface" went viral.
“Stellenbosch University strongly disapproves of any action that could possibly offend any of its students, staff and members of the public, and which is contradictory to the Constitution and the welcoming campus culture that SU wants to promote,” university spokesperson Martin Viljoen said.
This comes after the university found itself at the centre of another ‘blackface’ incident On Tuesday, after a photo showing two students covered in a black paint-type substance went viral on social media.
The university confirmed that the students concerned are at Stellenbosch University.
The university’s Prof Leopoldt van Huyssteen, acting Rector and Vice-chancellor, requested that the matter be investigated as the pictures on Twitter were the institution’s only source of information.
He had also requested all resident and visiting heads of residences, private student organisations and clusters to discuss the sensitivity of such actions with their student leaders and students.
The university said: “Based on the buzz on social media, including references to ‘blackface’, it is clear that there are various views and opinions. It would be premature to jump to conclusions or to anticipate the actions to be taken.
“The SU management will consider appropriate steps pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The incident has ignited debate on campus and we trust that this will lead to greater mutual understanding in our student community.”
