When it comes to debating Afrikaans in society and in science –something that has become a defining quality of Stellenbosch University (SU) in recent times — Professor Russel Botman can wear a been-there-done-that T-shirt comfortably.
The new vice-chancellor of SU was spokesperson for the student representative council of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in 1976 when Soweto’s youth erupted over Afrikaans being thrust on them as a language of instruction.
“At that point UWC was an Afrikaans institution. As a result, in protest, UWC switched to English. It was a moral decision — we had to decide whether we identify with the events that happened in the name of a language. So it is not the first time that I am exposed to debates about Afrikaans,” says Botman.
The first black vice-Âchancellor of SU appears keenly aware that the debate about the protection of Afrikaans — a public and often bitter discourse — has taken its toll on the university.
Its Afrikaans-ness has made it a place where black students and staff — even those who speak Afrikaans — do not always feel welcome.
This was highlighted in an audit by the Council of Higher Education, released earlier this year, which found that, while SU has much to be proud about academically, its institutional culture contributes to it having the lowest African student enrolment and reluctance of black academics to apply for posts.
Botman addressed these challenges in his inauguration speech. He acknowledged the importance of changing SU’s racial demographics and the need for its campus to be more welcoming to black students.
Against this backdrop, Botman believes the Afrikaans debate can be turned into something positive, serving diversity.
In the Western Cape, for instance, most people speak Afrikaans, so SU should attract black Afrikaans speakers for whom English is a barrier to higher education. “Afrikaans,” said Botman, “represents the hope for a better life for many people across the country.”
He announced that his approach to many of SU’s challenges would be a “pedagogy of hope” — a philosophy and phrase borrowed from renowned Brazilian educationist Paulo Frere. Critical for him is that the “daughter of a farmworker be given the same academic opportunities” — hope for the future — “as the son of a farmer”.
Botman’s own life experiences have equipped him with the compassion that is implicit in the pedagogy of hope.
His roots lie in Bloemfontein, where his father was an evangelist. Life was often hard for the family. “I attended the Dr Blok School [until the age of 13]. During the same time my father did his standard nine and 10 [grade 11 and 12]. We walked to school together.”
Botman spent his high school years in Johannesburg, attending Kliptown High School, one of a handful of secondary schools children classified as “coloured” could attend. After school he enrolled for a BSc degree at the University of the Western Cape — he wanted to be a doctor — but soon switched to theology.
After graduating, Botman became a minister at the United Reformed Church in Wynberg before returning to academia in 1994, later becoming a dean.
In 2000, following a rationalisation exercise, the United Reformed Church’s school of theology at UWC moved to SU.
With 43 black students, change was inescapable. “There was a picture of the National Party having a party in 1949. We asked that the picture be removed. We spoke about how we felt when we walked into the faculty. Today transformation is on track at the faculty,” he says.
Botman did not move to SU with a grand career plan. It was his work as a deputy vice-chancellor that shaped the way for his vice-chancellorship. “I worked hard for their support and to show them that I can provide leadership. When Chris Brink [the previous vice-chancellor] announced his departure, the possibility of taking over from him became real. A number of deans nominated me,” he says.
During the selection process, Botman’s support in the senate, the institutional forum and the council was clear. But he knows he has to build on this to secure buy-in for his pedagogy of hope. “At a university like this you need people’s support,” Botman says.
If he manages to convince the broader university community to back him — something that his predecessor had difficulty doing — he could succeed in achieving what he would like to leave as his legacy: a Stellenbosch University that is different and better.
Despite his obvious people’s skills, Botman knows the SU community will be no walk-over.
Family ties
Ilse Botman shares a common experience with many university students.
The fourth year BSc student is frustrated about the parking shortage at Stellenbosch University. Like others, she has complained and says the “traffic cops have no mercy” for students who violate parking laws. A residence student herself, she believes that the residences need to transform as “there are not enough black students” and she has heard various sides to the language debate, which has dominated the university in the past few years.
Botman (21) is not a member of the student representative council, but she could prove to be a valuable counsel to her father, the new vice-chancellor, Professor Russel Botman. She gives a first-hand account of issues on the ground that are affecting students.
“I don’t expect him to do what I say and I don’t like to complain too much,” she says, explaining that complaining all the time would amount to an abuse of her father’s power. She does, however, have discussions with him on matters that arise. “If I see or hear of something, I raise these views.”
Has life changed for Botman since her father became head of the institution? “It has not become extremely different, as he was vice-rector in charge of students before his appointment. Since he became rector, some people have asked me if I could help them with their problems. People have become more friendly. I am treated like other students. Maybe people are watching their tongues.”
Botman is proud of her father’s achievements. “I knew he was the best person for the job. He deserved it.” But she is “nervous for him. I know how unforgiving some people can be if he makes a mistake … I don’t think he will do something that is not right. All I can offer is support.”
While Professor Botman might expect academic excellence from his students, he is not a strict father, says his daughter. “He’s not tough on me. He’s a good role model. I’ve got standards to live up to. I’ve always been driven, academically.”
Botman, who attained an A aggregate matric pass in 2003, intends studying for a master’s in forestry, focusing on biofuels. — Primarashni Gower