News24 reports that an investigation into nepotism allegations has found that Stellenbosch University's (SU) rector and vice-chancellor, Wim de Villiers, did not breach the institution's rules or policies.

The probe was led by retired Justice Carole Lewis and its findings were released on Saturday. The panel found there was no serious misconduct in terms of the SU Statute by De Villiers to warrant his removal from office. The report indicated: "When exercising his Rector's Discretionary Placement (RDP), he did not breach a rule or policy of the university and did not act dishonestly in making the discretionary placements such as to lead to a breakdown of trust between SU and the rector, rendering his continued employment intolerable." The appointment of the panel came after it emerged that De Villiers had used his discretionary right to secure a place for his wife's nephew at the university's medical school. At a university council sitting on Saturday, it was decided that an apology tendered by De Villiers during the council meeting be made public. It was also decided the chairperson and vice chairperson of the council would consider the outcome of the council meeting and an appropriate financial consequence for De Villiers. Council chair Nicky Newton-King advised: "Council accepted and appreciated the rector’s unconditional apology for his error of judgement and the impact this has had on the institution and all the people involved. Both the rector and the university have learnt valuable lessons in the process."

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Marvin Charles at News24
• Lees ook, Matie-rektor nie skuldig aan ‘ernstige wangedrag’, maar ‘jammer’, by Maroela Media

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