The 2018 Stellenbosch University RhodesMustFall Protest: A Legacy of Decolonization and Ongoing Debate

The year 2018 witnessed a resurgence of student activism at Stellenbosch University, South Africa, reigniting debates surrounding colonial legacies and racial inequality that had gripped the nation since the #RhodesMustFall movement in 2015. This particular protest centered around a statue of Cecil John Rhodes, a controversial figure whose contributions to colonialism and white supremacy continued to cast a long shadow over the university landscape. While the statue’s removal itself marked a symbolic victory for decolonization efforts, its repercussions extended far beyond the physical act.

The genesis of the 2018 Stellenbosch #RhodesMustFall protest lay in a deep-seated dissatisfaction among students regarding the university’s lingering Eurocentric culture and lack of representation. Despite strides made since South Africa’s transition to democracy in 1994, institutions like Stellenbosch University remained largely unchanged in their approach to curriculum, language policy, and student demographics.

For many black students, navigating this predominantly white environment presented significant challenges. They felt marginalized, unheard, and excluded from the very spaces meant to foster intellectual growth and critical thinking. The statue of Cecil John Rhodes served as a constant reminder of this exclusion, a physical embodiment of the systemic racism they sought to dismantle.

The protest itself unfolded over several weeks, with students employing a range of tactics, including sit-ins, marches, and public speeches. They demanded not just the removal of the statue but a broader transformation of the university’s ethos. Key among their demands were:

• Decolonization of the curriculum: Integrating African perspectives and knowledge systems into existing courses, challenging Eurocentric narratives, and promoting interdisciplinary studies that reflected the complexities of South Africa’s history and present.

• Increased representation: Addressing racial disparities in faculty appointments, student enrollment, and leadership positions within the university.

• Language policy reform: Acknowledging the importance of Afrikaans while advocating for multilingualism and creating a more inclusive linguistic environment for all students.

The removal of the Rhodes statue ultimately became a symbolic victory, marking a significant shift in power dynamics at Stellenbosch University. However, the protest’s broader impact extended far beyond the physical dismantling of a controversial monument.

It galvanized a generation of student activists, emboldening them to challenge entrenched hierarchies and demand systemic change.

The #RhodesMustFall movement, as it became known, sparked nationwide conversations about decolonization, racism, and social justice in South Africa.

But the road to genuine transformation remains long and arduous.

While the removal of the Rhodes statue served as a powerful symbol, it was merely the first step in a complex process. Stellenbosch University, like many other institutions grappling with colonial legacies, continues to face challenges in addressing deep-rooted inequalities and fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

Moving Forward: A Legacy Still Unfolding

The 2018 #RhodesMustFall protest at Stellenbosch University stands as a testament to the power of student activism in driving social change.

The event’s legacy continues to shape discourse on decolonization, reminding us that dismantling physical symbols of oppression is only the beginning.

True transformation requires ongoing commitment to addressing systemic issues and creating a truly equitable and inclusive society for all South Africans.