What were the ‘predecessor institutions’ to SU? When did they begin? How did SU come into existence? And when was the SU Act promulgated? These were some of the questions which were answered in an exhibition, Pre-Stellenbosch University history, 1866 -1918, curated in the Stellenbosch University Library by the Library’s Centenary commemorations working group. The display was both physical and e- in nature.
Interesting facts highlighted in the exhibition included:
- On 1 March 1866 Het Stellenbosch Gymnasium or the First Class Undenominational School was officially opened.
- In 1874 the “Arts Department” was founded.
- On 4 July 1879 the Arts Department was renamed The Stellenbosch College and College School.
- The laying of the corner stone of the Old Main Building took place on 22 December 1880.
Victoria College foundation stone laying, 20 November 1880 (Source: http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/459, SUNDigital Collections) - On 10 June 1881, Act No. 9 of 1881, The Stellenbosch Undenominational College and Public School Act, was passed. This officially raised Stellenbosch to college status.
- On 6 November 1886 the Old Main Building was officially opened.
- On 7 July 1887, the College was renamed The Victoria College of Stellenbosch.
Printed legislature which prepared for the ‘birth’ of SU was highlighted in the display:
- The University of Stellenbosch Act 12 of 1916 (9th May) set out the conditions in terms of which Victoria College would officially be incorporated as Stellenbosch University.
- Statutes and Joint Statutes which gave effect to the provisions of section 19 of the Stellenbosch University Act were published on 7 March 1918 as part of the Government Notice No 303.
- On the 25 March 1918 the Governor-General published a Government Notice (no. 409) to approve the Statutes and Joint Statutes published on 7 March 1918.
The 25 March 1918 can thus be regarded as the appointed day on which Stellenbosch University officially became incorporated.