Stellenbosch University observes Youth Day with memorable Social Justice Walk

The elements came together for a memorable Social Justice Walk on Youth Day as a group of more than 60 enthusiasts braced the cold for a good cause. After a week of relentless rain in Stellenbosch, a break in the weather on Friday granted respite to the diverse group of hikers that included esteemed academics, students and community members.

The fourth annual Social Justice Walk was organised by Stellenbosch University (SU) and Visit Stellenbosch to aid #Action4Inclusion and Bridge the Gap, crowdfunding initiatives geared towards ending student debt. The route started in the centre of town and took hikers through Idas Valley to Helshoogte, ending at the Banhoek Conservancy in Kylemore. Along the way the group stopped at historical sites to reflect on Stellenbosch’ s divisive past and the legacy of slavery and forced removals.

SU’s top leadership was represented by Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers, Chair of SU Council Dr Nicky Newton-King and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Prof Sibusiso Moyo. Geraldine Mettler, Manager of the Stellenbosch Municipality, and Jeanneret Momberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch who helped organise the hike, represented the local community. Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng, the former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town, joined the Social Justice Walk for the first time and was full of praise for the initiative.

At the start of the walk at The Braak, SRC Chair Masilo Silokazi gave an inspirational message that set the tone for the joyous atmosphere of the rest of the walk. The Social Justice Walk symbolised the collective determination to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding, empathy, and compassion, Silokazi noted.

“It challenges us to call out stereotypes, dismantle prejudices and promote a culture of respect and acceptance. At the core of this walk is the question of how we can make social justice a reality in Stellenbosch and in South Africa. Simply by being here and joining the walk, we allow ourselves the opportunity to learn, to foster understanding and community, which has a greater impact than we might realise,” Silokazi concluded.

Prof Thuli Madonsela, director of the Centre for Social Justice at SU, explained the constitutional principles that inform the right to education for all at the University’s Ou Hoofgebou (Old Main Building) where an installation at the Faculty of Law entrance depicts the Constitution’s preamble. “It’s not an accident of nature that we have inequalities in our country. While nobody taking part in today’s event manufactured these injustices, we have a shared responsibility to disrupt inequality so that the potential of every person is realised,” Madonsela said.

She praised SU’s initiatives aimed at plugging the gap regarding tertiary academic financial support, particularly targeting the so-called “missing middle” students with a view to ensuring no deserving student is left behind. “Action for Inclusion and Bridge the Gap are not only ways to ensure that students graduate; these initiatives also contribute to making sure that they have food. It really pains me to see students who have to go to class hungry. By supporting these initiatives, those of us who have privilege contribute to building bridges,” Madonsela said.

Prof Wim de Villiers addressed the lingering impact of apartheid-era forced removals against the backdrop of Lückhoff High School which was officially relocated to Idas Valley in 1969. “What happened here was an injustice that still influences our University and town. We must remember this and it must stay in our collective consciousness so we can create a better future.”

De Villiers reminded the participants of SU’s Restitution Statement that was adopted in 2018 and he reaffirmed SU’s continual transformation journey. “It’s incomplete and imperfect, but we’re resolute. It’s a process of refocusing our institution that will allow an excellent university to become a truly great university, a national asset in service of society that belongs to all the people who walk through our halls. If we’re going to achieve this, the only way forward is together.”

A descendant of one of the families that were forcefully removed from the centre of Stellenbosch during apartheid, Eon Hendrikse, spoke about the need for strategic restitution for his community. “I’m the next generation of Idas Valley. We need to inform people how history has shaped us. Today is a stark reminder of how much resources are focused on the centre of town and how much poverty and suffering still exist in the surrounding areas. We need to get the University’s experts and students involved to do social needs analyses and to help create a sustainable community with social cohesion. My message to you is to take action, after all, that’s what today is about: Action for Inclusion.”
The Social Justice Walk ended on a festive note as the hikers were escorted by a local brass band to the final stop at Bethlehem Farm in Kylemore where they received refreshments and a medal from De Villiers.

One of the marshals of the event, social justice ambassador Thembalethu Seyisi, described this year’s Social Justice Walk as a huge success. “We’re proud to have gathered a wonderfully diverse group of people who represent the best of the Stellenbosch community. The Social Justice Walk is a superb way to enjoy the scenic beauty of our town, but also an impactful reminder of our shared past. After the hike, people commented that it was a significant and transformative event. Many new connections and friendships were formed along the route.”