As you know by now, Stellenbosch University Council released the findings and recommendations of the Lewis Committee on its investigation into the Rector’s Discretionary Placements that featured widely in the media in recent weeks Click Here.
I’d like to sincerely acknowledge that our university has gone through a particularly challenging time due to the allegations against me. It has been a very tough and stressful period for all who have the best interest of the University at heart – and I’m fully aware of the enormous time, effort and energy expended.
Although I have been absolved of all the serious allegations against me, I assume full responsibility for the errors made. I want to express my sincere apologies to the entire body of our alumni for the adverse impact on our institution’s reputation.
I had certainly not sought to bring the university into disrepute or to cast any doubts on the integrity of our academic processes. I take this on board and am deeply committed to assist with the healing process. This will not happen again, at least not under my watch, as the applicable policies will either be abolished or revised with the appropriate checks and balances in place.
I am gratified that the Committee considered me a honest and credible witness. I can humbly say that these qualities served me well throughout my life and will remain my nuclear forces for the future. And to help me in this task, the Committee has recommended the strengthening of my support staff with a senior legal counsel (as is the norm in the vast majority of international universities) that will assist with the array of delicate and intricate governance and litigation decisions that regularly confront me and my executive team.
Thank you most sincerely for your continued interest in your alma mater and for the loyal support to our endeavours to grow our University into a formidable and sought-after academic and research partner globally.
Sincerely
Prof Wim de Villiers
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
