Stellenbosch University’s Huis Marais sorry after male students’ streaking incident

Huis Marais, the men-only official residence of Stellenbosch University, has apologised to the public after a streaking incident upset the local community.

HUIS MARAIS SORRY FOR STREAKING INCIDENT

On its social media platforms, Huis Marais issued a statement apologising to the public.

This is related to an incident last week where a group of nine male students and residents stripped off their clothes and ran around the residence and the Huis Visser building.

According to the statement, the incident resulted from a lost bet among the quad cricket-playing pals.

“Huis Marais does not condone this behaviour. We understand the impact this has on the residence, the Validus Cluster, and the Stellenbosch University community. 

“We acknowledge the role that incidents like this play in the perpetuation of GBV culture, particularly in the current climate of the country”

Huis Marais apologised to those who had witnessed the streaking as well as the repercussions the incident had on its reputation.

It revealed that an internal disciplinary meeting resulted in sanctions being imposed and a deduction from the honoraria of the house committee members. 

The statement continued: “We feel it is important to state that all the residents turned themselves in immediately after the incident was reported. They too, acknowledge the recklessness of their actions and the negative impact they have had on the people affected by the incident. 

“However, we want to make it clear to those affected that the initial intent behind their actions was not to harm, harass or offend anybody. This is not who we are and does not align with our values.

CONTROVERSIAL INCIDENTS OVER THE YEARS

Huis Marais, a men’s residence at Stellenbosch University, has faced several controversies over the years, including allegations of initiation abuse, debates over gender transformation, and the 2022 incident in which a student urinated on a fellow student’s belongings. 

Student Theuns Do Toit made deadlines when he was filmed entering the room of black student Babalo Ndwayana,  whilst intoxicated, and urinating on his belongings, including his laptop and textbooks. A video of the incident went viral, triggering widespread outrage and allegations of racism.

Not long after, Du Toit was expelled by Stellenbosch University following a disciplinary hearing. The committee also criticised Huis Marais’s leadership, particularly its excessive drinking amongst students.

A criminal case against Du Toit was heard at the Stellenbosch Magistrates’ Court last year; however, he was found not guilty of crimen injuria and malicious damage to property.