The 2018 Stellenbosch University Protest; A Catalyst for Decolonization and Critical Dialogue on South African Campuses

Stellenbosch University, nestled in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, has long been considered a bastion of academic excellence and tradition. However, beneath this veneer of prestige lay simmering tensions surrounding issues of race, language, and representation. In 2018, these tensions erupted into a full-blown protest that sent shockwaves through the nation and ignited a conversation about the need for decolonization on South African campuses.

The immediate trigger for the protests was the removal of Afrikaans as an official language of instruction at Stellenbosch University. This decision, intended to promote inclusivity by creating a more English-speaking environment, was met with fierce resistance from students who argued that it undermined Afrikaans culture and heritage.

But the issue ran far deeper than just language. The 2018 protests were symptomatic of a broader discontent among black students at Stellenbosch University who felt marginalized and excluded within the institution’s predominantly white academic and social landscape. They pointed to a lack of diversity among faculty and staff, a curriculum that often failed to reflect African perspectives, and a culture that perpetuated subtle forms of racism and microaggressions.

The protests themselves were characterized by a mix of peaceful demonstrations, boycotts, and impassioned speeches. Students demanded greater representation in decision-making bodies, the decolonization of the curriculum, and an acknowledgement of past injustices. Images of black students confronting university officials, their voices amplified by social media, captured the attention of the nation and sparked nationwide debates about race relations and educational equity in post-apartheid South Africa.

The Stellenbosch University protest was not an isolated incident. It emerged alongside a wave of student activism sweeping across South African campuses, fueled by similar concerns about racial inequality and institutional bias. Universities like the University of Cape Town and Rhodes University also experienced student-led protests demanding transformation and decolonization.

Causes: A Legacy of Inequity

To understand the roots of the Stellenbosch protest, it’s crucial to acknowledge the enduring legacy of apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid, a system of racial segregation and discrimination enforced from 1948 to 1994, deeply scarred the nation’s social fabric and left behind profound inequalities that continue to affect education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.

While South Africa has made significant progress in dismantling apartheid structures and promoting democratic values since 1994, its higher education system continues to grapple with the consequences of this discriminatory past. Historically black universities often faced severe underfunding and resource constraints compared to historically white institutions like Stellenbosch University. This disparity contributed to a lack of diversity among faculty and staff at predominantly white universities and perpetuated a culture that often felt alienating for black students.

The 2018 protest exposed the limitations of merely dismantling formal apartheid structures. It highlighted the need to actively address the deeply ingrained cultural biases and unconscious prejudices that continue to shape educational experiences in South Africa.

Consequences: Towards Decolonization

The Stellenbosch University protests sparked a wave of introspection within the institution and across South African higher education. University leaders responded by establishing task forces and committees to investigate student grievances and propose solutions.

Here are some key consequences:

• Curriculum Reform: Stellenbosch University launched initiatives to decolonize its curriculum, incorporating more diverse perspectives and addressing issues of race, colonialism, and social justice.

• Increased Diversity: The university implemented measures to recruit more black faculty and staff, aiming to create a more inclusive and representative academic community.
• Language Policy Review: Stellenbosch University revisited its language policy, striking a balance between preserving Afrikaans heritage and ensuring accessibility for students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

The Stellenbosch protest also ignited broader conversations about decolonization within South African society, prompting reflection on the legacies of colonialism and the need to dismantle systemic inequalities. It served as a catalyst for:

• Student Activism: Inspiring student movements across universities demanding transformation and greater representation.
• Public Discourse: Fueling national debates on race, inequality, and the role of education in addressing historical injustices.
• Institutional Change: Encouraging other universities to critically examine their own practices and implement reforms aimed at creating more equitable learning environments.

While the road toward a truly decolonized South African higher education system is still long and complex, the 2018 Stellenbosch University protest marked a significant turning point. It exposed deep-seated issues and galvanized collective action towards building a more just and inclusive future for all students.

The legacy of the protest continues to resonate within Stellenbosch University and beyond, reminding us that true transformation requires ongoing critical engagement, a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths, and unwavering commitment to creating educational spaces where all voices can be heard and valued.