Law Maties / Maties Regsgeleerdheid

[PRESS STATEMENT] 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘅𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮, 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮

The Research Unit for Legal and Constitutional Interpretation and Theory (RULCI), of The University of the Western Cape and Stellenbosch University; the Research Chair Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking of the University of the Western Cape; and the Free State Centre for Human Rights (FSCHR) of the University of the Free State join other research units and centres around the country to express their grave concern over recent reports of xenophobic violence, intimidation, harassment, and vigilante conduct targeting foreign nationals in South Africa.
We are particularly concerned by the spread of anti-immigrant vigilantism to the Western Cape, where groups of foreign nationals, including children and women, have reportedly been forced out of their homes and schools with no option but to flee by bus; and to the Free State, where protest concerning undocumented foreign nationals turned into looting of foreign-owned shops in Bloemfontein and Botshabelo.
No person should be forced to flee their home, seek refuge out of fear or face vandalism, looting and destruction of property because of their nationality, language, or perceived immigration status. South Africa’s constitutional democracy is founded on the values of human dignity, equality, freedom, and the rule of law. Acts of violence, threats, intimidation, and harassment directed at individuals on the basis of nationality, language, appearance, or perceived immigration status are a direct assault on these values.
Violence, vigilantism, collective punishment, or the unlawful targeting of foreign nationals cannot be justified by the claims or actual fact that the targeted foreign national are “illegal foreigners”. The Immigration Act of 2002 contains stringent provisions for the identification of illegal foreigners, the regularisation of their stay, or alternatively their deportation. The enforcement of immigration laws remains the sole responsibility of the state, acting within the bounds of the Constitution and the law. Under the Bill of Rights and international human rights law, the process of migration enforcement must be subject to strict judicial oversight and control. No individual or group may assume these powers through intimidation, violence, or mob action.
We call on the government to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further vigilante violence, harassment, and intimidation against foreign nationals and to hold those responsible for instigating or perpetrating such conduct criminally accountable.
While it is essential that the government reclaim exclusive control over the enforcement of its immigration laws, a commitment to stricter law enforcement alone is unlikely to address the reality of irregular or undocumented migration to South Africa or the persistent threat of xenophobic vigilantism.
RULCI, the Research Chair Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking, and the FSCHR urge the government to revisit its migration laws and policies in line with regional and continental instruments, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063. Government must, as a matter of urgency, recognise that human migration is a transnational phenomenon that requires trans-national or regional responses. Government must explore ways to increase regular migration pathways to South Africa, in line with the commitment to the free movement of people as the foundation of a prosperous Africa of the future.
We further call on political leaders, community formations, civil society organisations, faith leaders, and the public to (i) reject xenophobia and reaffirm the values of solidarity, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence; and (ii) to strengthen public education and community-based initiatives aimed at combating xenophobia, misinformation, and hate-based violence.
Joint statement issued by the Research Unit for Legal and Constitutional Interpretation and Theory (RULCI) (at the UWC and SU), the Research Chair in Gender, Transformation and Worldmaking (UWC), and the Free State Centre for Human Rights (FSCHR) (UFS).

Stellenbosch University recently hosted its annual "Celebrating Excellence in Teaching-Learning-Assessment" event at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS). The occasion served to honour lecturers, researchers, and teaching fellows for their transformative contributions to higher education across multiple disciplines.

The following Law Faculty members were recognised:
• Dr Coline Bruintjies, Dr Anisa Mahmoudi, Ms Zinhle Novazi, and Ms Christine Strauss (Professional Educational Development for Academics (PREDAC) Short Course 2025)
• Prof Bradley Slade (Scholarship of Educational Leadership (SoEL) Short Course 2025)
• Prof Geo Quinot (SU Teaching Fellows and Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) Fellowship Programme)
• Prof Jacqueline Yeats (Teaching Advancement at Universities (TAU) Fellowship Programme)

The SU Faculty of Law’s Transformation Committee invites all students and staff to a lunchtime panel discussion commemorating Youth Day 2026.

Date: Friday, 12 June 2026
Time: 12:00–13:30
Panellists: Drs Johndré Barnes, Marna Lourens, Bryony Fox and Danel Adams
Registration: Register before Monday, 8 June 2026 (https://forms.office.com/r/suP42YdF9k)

On 22 May 2026, Prof Sandra Liebenberg participated in a Parliament and UNISA-hosted Constitutional Colloquium addressing the achievements and faultlines of South Africa’s democratic project. Speaking on the panel "The Constitution and the South African Promise 30 Years On – Quo Vadis?", she highlighted the critical gap between constitutional rights and the lived realities of many South Africans. Her address emphasised Parliament's vital role in closing this gap through more robust law-making, executive accountability, and meaningful public participation in key areas like housing, land reform, and the right to food.

We believe in you, do your best!

𝗧𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗱-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: 𝗮 𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗥𝗮𝗺𝗷𝘂𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗵.

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿:
As you prepare for the mid-year assessments, I want to wish you every success in the weeks ahead. You have worked hard throughout the semester and shown great resilience - well done!
At Stellenbosch University, we are deeply committed to your success and want to encourage you to make full use of the student support and wellness services. Stay focused and take care of yourselves.
All the best, Maties

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀𝗸𝗮𝗽 𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗸𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗸𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗿:
Terwyl julle voorberei vir die halfjaar-assesserings, wil ek julle alle sterkte toewens vir die komende weke. Julle het regdeur die semester hard gewerk en groot veerkragtigheid getoon – welgedaan!
By die Universiteit Stellenbosch is ons ten diepste verbind tot julle sukses en wil ons julle aanmoedig om ten volle gebruik te maak van die studenteondersteunings- en welstandsdienste. Bly gefokus en kyk mooi na julleself.
Alles van die beste, Maties.

𝗨𝗺𝘆𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘇𝗼 𝗼𝘀𝘂𝗸𝗮 𝗸𝘄𝗶𝗡𝗾𝘂𝗻𝘂𝗻𝘂 𝗻𝗼𝗦𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗹𝗮-𝗡𝗴𝗾𝗼𝗻𝘆𝗲𝗹𝗮:
Nanjengoko nilungiselela iimvavanyo zaphakathi enyakeni, ndifuna ukuninqwenelela yonke impumelelo kwezi veki zizayo. Niye nasebenza nzima ebudeni besimesta kwaye nabonakalisa ukomelela kakhulu - nisebenzile!
KwiYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch sizibophelele ngamandla kwimpumelelo yenu kwaye sifuna ukunikhuthaza ukuba nizisebenzise kangangoko iinkonzo zenkxaso nentlalontle yabafundi. Hlalani nigxile kumsebenzi wenu kwaye nizikhathalele.
Ndininqwenelela konke okuhle, ziMatie.

It was a moment of barking success for South Africa's justice system when therapy dog Toffee Beanz made history by stepping into the Western Cape High Court on Wednesday to support a young witness during criminal court proceedings.

READ MORE: https://capetimes.co.za/news/2026-04-30-how-toffee-beanz-is-changing-the-courtroom-experience-for-child-witnesses/

📢 Important Notice: New Residence Rules (Effective 1 April 2026)

The revised Residence Rules at Stellenbosch University are now in effect, and students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated structure and content.

The rules are now organised into four parts:

• Student Communities in Residences (see https://bit.ly/4ed0bVz)
• Commuter Student Communities (CSCs) (see https://bit.ly/4vZgqvM)
• Senior Residences (see https://bit.ly/4tJsShI)
• Accommodation Rules (see https://bit.ly/4cGc3OK)

This new format makes it easier to find what’s relevant to your living environment, with all accommodation-related guidelines in one place.

👉 Take some time to review the rules and keep them handy for easy reference throughout the year.

🌍 Applications have opened for the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary 2026 🇬🇧

The Responsibility Centre: Dean of Students at Stellenbosch University is excited to invite applications from third-year students and up, as well as junior lecturers for the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. Selected students and junior lecturers will get the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom from 25 November to 17 December 2026.

This is more than a travel opportunity – it’s a leadership journey. The Abe Bailey Trust seeks academically strong individuals who demonstrate:

✨ Leadership potential
✨ A heart for service
✨ The ability to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond

📌 Who can apply?

• Third-year students and above
• Junior lecturers
• Must be a South African citizen with a valid SA passport

📥 How to apply:

• Check out the 2026 Abe Bailey Overseas Travel Bursary poster (https://bit.ly/4w8BaBd)
• Consult the detailed bursary notice to ensure you meet ALL requirements (https://bit.ly/3RilOtV)
• Complete the Personal Information Sheet checklist (https://bit.ly/4wc6VJW)

📧 Submit your completed application to: Dr Heidi October ([email protected])

📌 Remember to copy Ms Audrey Poole ([email protected]) on all correspondence

⏰ Deadline: Wednesday, 06 May 2026 at 16:00. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

🔗 For more information, visit www.abebailey.org