A Stellenbosch University (SU) residence has announced community service for the students who were seen and filmed going around campus naked on 13 October. The residence said that the incident was a result of the students losing a bet.

Huis Marais, a male-only residence at SU, announced that nine students would be undergoing community service following a “streaking” incident last Tuesday at around 19:30.

“The incident was the result of a bet where the losing team of a quaddies (quad cricket) game had to strip nude and run around the two buildings,” the residence said in a statement on Instagram. “The members involved were general residents and, regrettebly, members of the mentor and [House Committee (HC)] teams.”

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Additionally, the residence acknowledged the impact of such incidents “in the perpetuation of [gender-based violence], particularly in the current climate of the country”.

In holding its members accountable, Huis Marais imposed community service to the students allocated “through the appropriate SU centers and channels”. The residence also deducted honorarium (voluntary, token payment given to someone for a service where no official fee or contractual obligation is required) from the HC members.

“We feel it is important to state that all the residents turned themselves in immediately after the incident was reported,” read the statement. “They too acknowledge the recklessness of their actions and the negative impact they have had on the people affected by the incident.”

Furthermore, the residents claims that “the initial intent behind their actions was not to harm, harass or offend anybody” affected by the incident. “This is not who we are and does not align with our values.”

Apologies from the members involved

The statement also included apologies from the members who participated in the nudity incident.

“It was an impulsive decision and I know that it was wrong and I am deeply regretful about any anguish that it may have caused any bystanders that saw us running,” read one apology statement.

Another resident acknowledged that “our actions were wrong and that they have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for the people around us”.

“What we did on the evening of 13 October was selfish and irresponsible. Our actions were disrespectful to the people around us and we should have considered their feelings,” read another statement.

In one of the apologies, a resident expressed regret over “putting anyone in an uncomfortable position”. Another resident stated their willingness “to contribute to the residence community through service and to help find a more appropriate way for our team to handle forfeits in future”.