Stellenbosch University primarius resigns amid student room vandalism scandal

Majuba men’s residence at Stellenbosch University, where the primarius has stepped down after a student’s room was allegedly vandalised earlier this week. The primarius of the Majuba men’s residence at Stellenbosch University has stepped down following an incident in which a student’s room was allegedly vandalised earlier this week. In a letter to residents, the residence leadership confirmed that the primarius would relinquish his role with immediate effect while investigations are underway.

“The Primarius will step down from his role with immediate effect, at least until the completion of the investigations currently underway,” the letter states. The vice-primarius will serve in an acting capacity while investigations continue. The development follows an incident on Monday night when a student returned to his room at the Majuba residence to find itransacked, with bedding, furniture and belongings removed.

In a separate letter circulated to residents, the Majuba house committee acknowledged the incident and apologised to the student. “The leadership of the residence confirms the unfortunate incident on Monday night when Kylo’s bed, mattresses and couch were removed from his room,” the letter reads. “We regretfully acknowledge that this has caused him emotional harm and infringed on his dignity.

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What has happened is against the values of Majuba and should not have happened.” The leadership added: “We sincerely want to extend our apologies to Kylo. We regret not having communicated this apology earlier.” Education activist Vanessa Le Roux, whose son occupies the room, previously said she was alerted to the incident after receiving a message from him late that evening. Le Roux alleged that the residence leadership initially denied knowing who was responsible for the incident.

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