The behaviour of students in Stellenbosch and alcohol usage are again under the spotlight, following the emergence of a video on social media over the weekend.
The video has since been shared across multiple social-media platforms, reopening a debate that has often raised the ire of locals in the City of Oaks.
The 44-second clip shows a group of young men embroiled in a violence in a fast-food restaurant, believed to be McDonald’s Stellenbosch in Merriman Avenue.
Violence in plain sight
The footage shows young men initially shoving each other before the altercation escalates into a violent fight. Multiple individuals are seen punching, kicking and slamming one another, with one person appearing to attempt stomping on another’s head.
The incident unfolds as other patrons watch without intervening, with some customers continuing to place orders while staff of the fast-food outlet observe the incident.
It is unclear what led to violent altercations and whether the young men involved were indeed students registered at tertiary institutions in Stellenbosch.
When Eikestadnuus reached out to Stellenbosch University for comment its spokesperson Martin Viljoen confirmed the institution was “aware of the incident”.
Mixed reactions
Since the emergence of the clip social-media users have shared their concerns about student behaviour and alcohol abuse among students, while others jokingly referenced the famous McDonald’s Happy Meal and Big Mac.
One user wrote: “I have seen many times, at night and over weekends, just how arrogant and loud [the students are] and the foul language they use. They act so defiant and can be very taunting of other customers or the public in general. Most of the time they are so drunk, it’s actually shameful.”
“People, we are laughing and making snotty remarks, but this is very concerning,” another user wrote on Facebook. “This is not how is should be in a beautiful country with beautiful people, especially among young people. It’s really sad. They have their whole lives ahead of them, but look at how things are transpiring in public eateries and schools.”
Another commented: “So much for a Happy Meal… They said McDonald’s is bad for your health.”
Meanwhile, McDonald’s South Africa failed to respond to Eikestadnuus’ enquiry about the incident.
Captain Nathalie Martin, spokesperson for Stellenbosch police, said she couldn’t confirm the incident. “No complaint was reported to Stellenbosch police, so no case was registered.”
