| Physics postgrads reap 5 out of 10 awards at ICO-26 | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10977 | | Physics postgrads reap 5 out of 10 awards at ICO-26 | Faculty of Science (media & communication) | <p></p><p>Postgraduate students in Stellenbosch University's (SU) Department of Physics walked away with five of the ten student awards during the recent <a href="https://ico26.com/">26th Congress of the International Commission for Optics</a> (ICO-26) hosted at SU.</p><p>Dr Yaseera Ismail, chair of the organizing committee and a quantum physicist at SU, says this is the first time for the ICO-congress to take place on African soil: “This year, we significantly lowered the registration fee so that more South African students could participate. Normally, these meetings are so expensive that we can barely afford to send one or two students to attend."</p><p>The award-winning students are Eugene Fouché (Best PhD Poster), Pashlene Naidoo (Best MSc Poster), Conrad Strydom (Innovative Research award), Tebogo Ledwaba (Industry-focused award), and Kelsey Everts (Best Poster on Advances in Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy).</p><p>Conrad, a PhD student in quantum physics, says it was a wonderful opportunity to attend and present at ICO26: “I could listen to some of the most exciting and cutting-edge research taking place in optics and photonics. Being awarded the prize for the most innovative research is a great inspiration to continue in this field."</p><p>For Tebogo Ledwaba, a PhD student in photonics, it was a daunting experience to stand next to her poster and having students and professors approach her with questions: “I'm usually more interested in other people's work, asking them questions out of genuine curiosity. I often don't share much about my own research unless they ask," she explains.</p><p>For her, ICO-26 was especially interesting: “I got to learn about various applications of light. I also learned, for the first time, about visible light telescopes and optical frequency combs," she adds.</p><p><strong>World-renowned speakers</strong></p><p>As chair of the organizing committee, Dr Ismail also arranged a public lecture on the SU Campus by the 2018 Nobel Laureate in Physics, Prof. Donna Strickland, who is currently a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, Canada.</p><p>Another Nobel Laureate in Physics (2023) was Prof. Anne L'Hullier from Lund University, Sweden. She led discussions on nonlinear optics, high-intensity lasers, and the evolution of attosecond science. </p><p>Other notable speakers included Prof. Juan Yin from the University of Science and Technology, China, and Prof. Gerd Leuchs from the Max Planck Institute and OPTICA president. They covered transformative topics, from space-based quantum physics to classical optics. Prof. Carlos Hernandez-Garzia, a recipient of the ICO award for 2023, presented on attosecond pulse structuring, while other speakers shared their work in areas like phototonics, programmable phototonics, and optical manipulation.</p><p>“As a first for Africa, ICO-26 laid the groundwork for ongoing international cooperation in advancing optics research and its real-world applications," Dr Ismail concludes.</p><p><em>On the photo, from left to right: Conrad Strydom (PhD student in quantum physics), Dr Yaseera Ismail, Tebogo Ledwaba (PhD student in photonics), Pashlene Naidoo (MSc student in quantum physics), Kelsey Everts (MSc student in photonics), and Eugene Fouché (PhD student in photonics). Credit: Wiida Fourie-Basson</em></p> |
| Memorial services held this week for two Maties who recently passed away | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10936 | | Memorial services held this week for two Maties who recently passed away | Lynne Rippenaar-Moses | <p>The memorial services of two Maties who passed away in separate incidents in the last week will be held on Thursday, 24 October 2024, and on Sunday, 27 October.<br></p><p>Jesse Alan Mitchell, who was enrolled for a BSc Computer Science degree at Stellenbosch University, passed away on 16 October. He was a member of the Oude Molen Commuter Student Community (CSC), which forms part of the Victoria Cluster.<br></p><p><b>His memorial service will be held at the Victoria Hub, on the second floor, from 17:30 tonight (Thursday, 24 October).</b><br></p><p>According to Oude Molen's Prim 2024/2025, Wian van Loggerenberg, the reality that they will never see Jesse again has not yet hit home for the community.</p><p>“Although it is difficult today to see beyond the sorrow of losing Jesse, we can look back at the memories we have of him to comfort us in the days to come. Jesse was a proud Mol, who left us way too soon, but he will never be forgotten," added Wian.<br></p><p>On Sunday, 20 October, Nkosana Dhlamini, a first-year student enrolled for a BSc (Geoinformatics) degree, passed away. Nkosana lived in Dagbreek Residence. The Resident Head, Grant Leukes, and Dagbreek's Prim, Tom Des Heath, said that their “hearts were heavy" following the news of the passing of Nkosana, who Tom referred to as a brother.<br></p><p>“Nkosana played soccer almost every evening with his friends in the quad, who described him as energetic, and open-hearted, and a joy to be around," said Tom.<br><br>“We offer our deepest condolences to his family and all those close to him and encourage those struggling to please reach out for help.</p><p>“It is also important to stand together and be there for one another."<br></p><p><b>Nkosana's memorial service will be held on Sunday, 27 October, at 13:00 at Dagbreek Residence. </b><br></p><p>Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, personally extended his heartfelt condolences to Jesse and Nkosana's parents following the students' passing.<br></p><p>“The loss of such precious young lives, and in such a short space of time, always comes as a great shock to the University community," said Prof Ramjugernath.</p><p><span style="text-align:justify;">He also called on the community to provide the students</span><span style="text-align:justify;">'</span><span style="text-align:justify;"> famil</span><span style="text-align:justify;">ies and friends </span><span style="text-align:justify;">with the space and time to deal with th</span><span style="text-align:justify;">ese </span><span style="text-align:justify;">painful and tragic loss</span><span style="text-align:justify;">es</span><span style="text-align:justify;">. <b></b></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>EMOTIONAL SUPPORT</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Any students who have been affected by these tragic incidents are encouraged to reach out for help by contacting the university's 24-hour ER24 Emergency Service on 010 205 3032 after hours, or the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) at 021 808 4994 during office hours, or via e-mail at<b> </b><a href="mailto:supportus@sun.ac.za">supportus@sun.ac.za</a><strong>.</strong></p> |
| Marching for peace: Students gather to raise awareness about Palestinian cause | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10922 | | Marching for peace: Students gather to raise awareness about Palestinian cause | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">A group of about 70 students recently gathered outside Admin B to protest the ongoing human rights violations in the Israeli-Palestinian war. Having marched across campus – chanting and singing about the Palestinian cause – the group assembled outside the building to “demand institutional accountability in supporting human rights". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The protest was organised by Student Action 4 Palestine (SA4P), together with the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC), the South African Student Congress (SASCO) as well as the University of the Western Cape's Palestinian Solidarity Campaign. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">A student-driven advocacy group, SA4P's main objectives include “educating the university about the genocide in Palestine and a demand for institutional accountability in supporting human rights", explained Hakeemah Matinka, one of the founding members of SA4P. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The aim is to push the university to take a principled stance against injustice and to call for an academic and cultural boycott of Israel. This sentiment was shared by the different speakers at the protest who drew attention to the need for justice to prevail for the Palestinian people. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We are gathered here to acknowledge a struggle which has endured for decades, the struggle calls upon our deepest sense of justice, humanity and solidarity," said Avuzwa Gana, SASCO Chairperson. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">In response to the call for solidarity, Asenaye Roro shared that he was at the protest “as a person who values the life of another person".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We will sweat, we will fight, we will run, we will crawl and we will walk barefoot if need be until the people of Palestine are liberated,"<em> </em>Roro added, describing the depth of his commitment to the liberation of the Palestinian people. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The students in attendance accused the university of failing to uphold its own values outlined in Vision 2040. They called on the university to apply its values of excellence, compassion, accountability, respect and equity in its response to the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“If we consider the institution's values, it is crucial for SU to take a stance on the genocide in Palestine," said Yaadein Padiachey, a BA Honours (Political Science) student. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“As an institution that played a role during apartheid South Africa, SU should hold other institutions and bodies that uphold apartheid-like practices accountable. By choosing not to condemn the genocide or participate in an academic boycott of Israeli institutions, SU is failing to honour accountability as one of its guiding values," she added. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The protest was part of the ongoing work by SA4P to “advocate for justice, equality and an end to the apartheid system in Gaza and Palestine". It came after earlier demonstrations by SA4P on 2 May of this year as well as an 'occupy Admin B' sit-in that took place inside the Admin B building on 17 May. During the demonstration, SA4P members handed in a memorandum to the SU Rectorate, requesting an academic boycott of Israel. According to SA4P, the response from the Rectorate did not address their demands. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Despite SU's stance, we have continued to organise protests and host educational sessions and engage in dialogue to challenge this neutrality, which we believe equates to complicity," Matinka said. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Part of these efforts included SA4P's advocacy work amongst the student body. This included submitting a resolution to the Student Parliament in early September. Should it be accepted, the resolution would bind all student representative bodies to take a public position in solidarity with Palestine and adopt a “Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions" (BDS) position regarding procurement, investment, and collaboration with Israeli institutions.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Support from a diversity of students has been a key feature of the different protests, indicating a universal commitment to human rights among the student body. John*, a BSc Honours (Computer Science) student from SU, said that it was important for him “as a member of the dominant demographic in a place like Stellenbosch to support their [SA4P] struggle, stand by them and show that they are not alone when going up against the university and asking them to divest and boycott" the war. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Reflecting on the protest and the work being done by students to raise awareness, Matinka was clear on the need for SU to do more. “Silence is not an option when it comes to human rights and by not taking a stance, the university is failing its students and its own legacy of fighting apartheid". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We believe that neutrality in situations of oppression is a form of complicity. Our call to the university is quite simple, it must move beyond mere rhetoric and take concrete actions such as divesting. Firstly, acknowledging that it is a genocide and that it is not a 'situation' or 'conflict'. Remaining neutral only undermines its own legacy and alienates the students who expect it to be on the right side of history and human rights," she concluded. </p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>*Not his real name</strong></p> |
| Breaking bread: Student uses South Africa’s public holidays to support students going hungry | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10923 | | Breaking bread: Student uses South Africa’s public holidays to support students going hungry | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">"You always want an event to be successful not just in terms of reach but also in touching people's lives."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">These were the words of Francisca Darkoh, a postgraduate student who runs a food business, FoodbyFrannieDee, and makes a point of using South Africa's public holidays to organise soup kitchens for students who are hungry. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">To date, she's organised three soup kitchens this year - on Youth Day in June, Mandela Day in July, and on Heritage Day 0n 24 September. While most were enjoying Heritage Day with a braai or taking a rest from academics, Darkoh and a team of volunteers were hard at work with the planning and preparations for the soup kitchen. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">She's particularly thankful to those individuals, organisations and businesses that made it possible for her to host a soup kitchen in the first place.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I had one Resident Head give some money. I had one lady from Development and Alumni Relations give some money as well, and a couple of friends contributed, but the biggest donations were from the non-profit organisation GreenPeace Foundation SA, Spar Constantia, and WholeSun Breads," she explained.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Darkoh says that hosting soup kitchens, has helped her learn new skills and a few lessons along the way. Following the soup kitchens in June and July, she was “better prepared this time" and ensured that there were enough containers and extra food, just in case, for the more than 200 students who came. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I was also glad that we were able to host our last soup kitchen on Heritage Day, because people were celebrating their culture through dance, and it was so beautiful to see." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Thasmae Gowraki, a BCom (Management Sciences) student, said that she found it significant that the soup kitchen was held on Heritage Day as “it's also a day [where] different cultures and everyone gets to celebrate together". This year, the celebration also included a plate of food that created a sense of community amongst students as they enjoyed a meal together. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Heritage Day provided us to with an opportunity to celebrate the diverse food cultures of South Africa through what we served."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">John Hingle, a postgraduate student and one of the volunteers, agreed that Heritage Day was the perfect day for such a “good initiative", as it brought people of different cultures together over a meal. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It was very interesting to see the different foods from different cultures. I told the one person that was also helping that you'll never see someone eating chicken feet, quiche and cheesecake all in one dish." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The soup kitchen was held outside Huis Russel Botman House (HRBH), with the varied music playlist and the diverse menu creating a welcoming and familiar atmosphere for the students in attendance. Beyond the food, the soup kitchen provided an opportunity for South Africa's diverse cultures to be celebrated as some students dressed up in their traditional attire. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">The food that was prepared and served is also testament to Darkoh's insistence that the meals were delicious and filling. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We must ensure that we uphold and respect the dignity of the students who attend."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Regalo Dube, a BSc (Computer Science) student, shared his appreciation. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The soup kitchen is a great initiative, [because] food is always a good way to bring people together and the servings were quite large," he added. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“It's definitely an initiative that was well run and well put together and something I'd like to see continue even when I'm not here." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">At the heart of the soup kitchens that have been organised throughout the year is the very real issue of food insecurity, which affects thousands of students at higher education institutions across South Africa each year, and the same is true at Stellenbosch University (SU). </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I know that registration period is super tough for students who do not have accommodation. In terms of the accommodation and the registration crisis, the last thing you should be thinking about is how you will get food. So, if I can get donors, sponsors and the manpower, the idea is to hopefully have this every day of a tough registration period before classes start. The same with the recess period," said Darkoh. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Darkoh is a Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) scholar and a member of the Listen Liven and Learn (LLL) programme at SU. Her hope is to start a collaboration between MRF and the LLL programme to realise Sustainable Development Goal 7, ensuring #ZeroHunger, and providing a more sustainable solution to food insecurity at SU. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Now that I am in the LLL programme, I want to initiate the #ZeroHunger SDG and see how my second year with the MRF and the LLL programme can work together to achieve this common goal that we have." <br></p> |
| Lubowski's vision: “A call for economic equality in South Africa,” says Nicholson | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10924 | | Lubowski's vision: “A call for economic equality in South Africa,” says Nicholson | Tendani Tshauambea | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">Anton Lubowski was a freedom fighter, anti-apartheid activist and advocate who dedicated his life to social and economic justice. While he was a Namibian native, he chose to study law at Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Cape Town (UCT). </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">During the years he studied at SU, he was a resident of Simonsberg Residence, which is where the recent 6<sup>th</sup> Annual Anton Lubowksi Memorial Lecture was hosted. The memorial lecture is organised annually by the SU Law Faculty, Simonsberg Residence, and Development and Alumni Relations (DAR).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Max du Preez, author, columnist and founding editor of the anti-aparthaid newspaper, <em>Vrye Weekblad</em>, welcomed guests, which also included students, to the lecture. He referred to Lubowski as “a great inspiration" to him and many others.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The apartheid system wanted to kill Anton not because he was a terrorist or a communist or a radical socialist, but because he was a symbol that sent a message to young people, white and black, that one can be white and Afrikaans speaking and join the side of the oppressed and those who fought for freedom and democracy," said Du Preez.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">While Lubowski could have lived a comfortable life by pursuing a career as a judge or advocate, Du Preez explained that he chose instead to dedicate himself to fighting for social justice in Namibia. It was a decision that ultimately cost him his life. It was poetic justice that his assassination in 1989 led to the exposure of police and military death squads through the investigations conducted by <em>Vrye Weekblad</em>. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I always thought that Anton would appreciate the fact that his death resulted in the exposure of all these police and military death squads," Du Preez said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Du Preez's opening address was followed by a conversation between himself and retired Judge Chris Nicholson, who delivered the keynote address. Everyone who attended the lecture received a free copy of Nicholson's book, “<em>Who Really Killed Chris Hani?</em>". During his keynote address, Judge Nicholson discussed the key themes of the book, including the links he drew between the political killings of figures like Patrice Lumumba, Dag Hammarskjöld, Olof Palme, Bernt Carlsson, Chris Hani and the assassination of Lubowski. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Nicholson also spoke at length about the legacy of Lubowski, who he described as an advocate for economic justice for the poor and dispossessed and wanted to see the redistribution of Namibia's wealth amongst all its citizens.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Anton was not only active as a lawyer, defending those charged with political offenses. He was also active on the economic front, and that gave the big corporations reason to dispose of him." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“He was determined that after independence, the country's wealth – the diamonds, the fishing waters, and the uranium – would be redistributed amongst everybody. This simple principle that distribution should undo excess could have been the single most important motive to kill him among those who wanted to hold the wealth exclusively."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Lubowski's murder has been attributed to the apartheid government's Civil Cooperation Bureau, however, for those who shared a close relationship with him, the advent of democracy in South Africa did not close the chapter on his death. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Said Nicholson: “There's been no attempt to bring these people to book, to prosecute those who have been identified by judges as accomplices to the murder".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">During his lecture, Nicholson engaged with the audience about South Africa and Namibia's shared history of apartheid and the countries' trajectories post-apartheid. He linked the current economic realities in both countries to the continued theft of Africa's resources by vested corporate interests. He added that many of the socio-economic issues that Lubowski had fought against, such as the marginalization of the poor, hunger, poverty, inequality, and corporate greed, sadly remains unresolved in South Africa and Namibia today.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Jasmine De Wet, a BA Humanities student who attended the lecture, said that she found it “quite insightful", because of what she had learned about Lubowski. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“There were some things I didn't even know happened during apartheid, which made me realise how nuanced the history of our country is." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Another attendee, Logan Mentor, said she appreciated learning about the diversity of people who fought for freedom and equality. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“What I found interesting was that young people don't know that there was diversity among those fighting for equality. Judge Nicholson was able to express that clearly so that everyone could understand It was good to know (hear) that even if we come from different backgrounds, different cultures, we all could stand for one purpose and that was equality." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Towards the end of the evening, Lubowski's widow, Gabriella Lubowski delivered the vote of thanks, sharing her appreciation for Nicholson's book and the lecture. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“This event keeps the memory of Anton Lubowksi alive, and it is of great personal significance to me."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Thanks to Nicholson, she said, the Lubowski family has been able to get answers to the questions they have had for the last 35 years. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“To finally know the why and who is responsible for his cowardly, callous and brutal murder, changed my life completely and has given me and my family the closure we were looking for so long. Thank you, Chris from the bottom of my heart for not giving up."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Turning to the students in attendance, she said: “My hope is that all of you are inspired and walk away knowing that each life here is significant and that every person has within them the possibility to contribute to make this earth a better place."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The event also focused on the work of the Anton Lubowski Educational Trust (ALET), an organisation that continues Lubowski's legacy of promoting justice through education. ALET is spearheaded by Lubowski's daughter Nadia and focuses on early childhood development in low-income communities where access to quality education remains limited. Nicholson praised the initiative in Phillipi for its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty and uplifting future generations. A portion of the proceeds from Nicholson's book <em>Who Really Killed Chris Hani?</em> is being donated to the trust.<br></p> |
| Maties Hockey adds third astroturf to their facility | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10905 | | Maties Hockey adds third astroturf to their facility | Kimara Singh | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">Maties Hockey once again expanded its hockey offering by adding a third astroturf to their facility and officially welcomed athletes to their grounds in August this year. This astroturf became a reality, thanks to the valuable partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU) and Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG). It was officially laid on 12 February 2024, and construction lasted six months.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The new astroturf is next to the current Maties hockey fields and aims to expand PRG and SU's hockey offerings further.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Maties Hockey Sport Manager, Anche Nortje expressed her excitement in adding another astroturf to their already busy facility. "We are proud to be the only university in South Africa with three water-based astroturfs, a significant milestone that brings us closer to becoming a world-class facility. The majestic backdrop of the Stellenbosch mountains, combined with our three astroturfs, makes our venue a desirable destination for international teams.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"The new astroturf was made possible through our collaboration with PRG, for which we are deeply grateful. As Maties Hockey, we look forward to strengthening our partnership with PRG and continuing to build on our already strong relationship," Nortje said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Maties Sport Chief Director Ilhaam Groenewald, shared her thoughts on the latest addition to Maties Sport's world-class facilities: “Maties Sport and Maties Hockey are thrilled to see the expansion of our hockey facilities through the successful collaboration between Stellenbosch University and Paul Roos Gymnasium. The addition of a third astroturf not only enhances our capability to host national and international events but also underscores our commitment to excellence in sports. This milestone represents the strength of our partnerships and the shared vision for developing talent in our community."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">This collaborative effort reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to promote excellence in hockey and provide exceptional opportunities for our athletes.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Since the very beginning, Stellenbosch University has built valuable partnerships with remarkable organisations and people — relationships that opened opportunities that would not otherwise be available if we were to do it alone," said Stellenbosch University COO Prof Stan du Plessis.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Like our University, Paul Roos Gymnasium is an anchor institution and valuable citizen of this beautiful town of Stellenbosch. Over the years, our nurtured relationship with PRG has only grown stronger, and we can celebrate another mutually beneficial project together – that of a third hockey astroturf, which expands our mutual hockey offering even further."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">PRG Rector, Andre van Staden also echoed the same sentiments ahead of the official opening and its importance for growth for both stakeholders hockey programmes saying: "We are proud of our partnership with SU which has resulted in this remarkable facility which we believe will contribute to the growth of excellence in hockey for both partners."<br><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">For an enquiries or booking of the Astro please contact Anche Nortje on 0218084681 or <a href="mailto:anche@sun.ac.za">anche@sun.ac.za</a><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Student Affairs hosts its first-ever Stellenbosch campus Open Day | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10888 | | Student Affairs hosts its first-ever Stellenbosch campus Open Day | Division Student Affairs | <p style="text-align:justify;">The Division Student Affairs (DSAf) hosted its first-ever Open Day at Stellenbosch campus, attracting hundreds of students eager to explore leadership development opportunities and various support services offered by the Division's two centres and nine units.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The stalls, which were set up on the Rooiplein between 12:00 and 14:00 on 17 September, were buzzing with students seeking more information on how to enhance their university experience both personally and academically.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">This event follows the success of the last three open days held at the Tygerberg campus annually since 2022, and initiated by Ms Khairoonisa Foflonker, Manager of DSAf's Tygerberg office. The goal with establishing an Open Day focused on the Student Affairs environment, says Foflonker, was to ensure that students have easy access to vital information and to address the diverse needs of students pursuing different degrees.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Increasing visibility of our co-curricular offerings ensures that students are developed holistically in line with SU's Graduate Attributes," says Foflonker. "It also raises awareness about essential support services, such as food security, mental health support, and accessibility awareness."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Staff, student assistants, and interns from the Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) and the Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD) were joined by Pokkel, Stellenbosch University's (SU) beloved mascot, who challenged some students to a dance-off. And Matie students did not disappoint! Several brave students stepped up to the challenge, giving Pokkel some serious competition.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">CSLL offers leadership and personal development opportunities to students through its five units – the Unit for Commuter Students, Unit for Student Governance, Unit for Residence Student Communities, Unit for Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, and the Unit for Experiential Learning.. Meanwhile, CSCD provides essential support services through its four units: the Unit for Graduand Career Services, the Disability Unit, the Unit for Academic Counselling and Development, and the Unit for Psychotherapeutic and Support Services.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Students who visited the stalls had the opportunity to speak directly with staff about leadership development programmes, workshops, and masterclasses, amongst others. They also engaged with student assistants and interns, hearing firsthand how DSAf's offerings have positively impacted and enhanced their academic success, leadership skills, mental health, and overall well-being, and cope at university with visible and invisible disabilities.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"Our decision to also host an Open Day on the university's Stellenbosch campus was based on the success of the Tygerberg open days and to ensure that we raise awareness among students – especially first years – about DSAf and the wide range of services we offer here," said Ms Lynne Rippenaar-Moses, DSAf's Communications Coordinator.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">"We hope this event fosters stronger connections between students and the DSAf team, and enhances the experience of all students at the university."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">During the event, students were able to submit an entry for a competition run by the Division that tested their knowledge of each centre and unit. Ten students walked away with a R250 Neelsie voucher each at the end of the day.<br></p> |
| Tygerberg Students’ Representative Council members 2024/2025 inaugurated | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10881 | | Tygerberg Students’ Representative Council members 2024/2025 inaugurated | Division Student Affairs | <p></p><p style="text-align:justify;">The nine candidates elected to the Tygerberg Students' Representative Council (TSRC) in August were recently inaugurated as members of the TSRC 2024/2025 during a ceremony held at STIAS in Stellenbosch.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The outgoing members of the TSRC, under the leadership of Mbano Sibande as Chair, and Agqama Faku as the Vice-Chair, were present at the event, and were honoured for their contributions to improve campus life, serve as the voice of the student population at Tygerberg campus, and for advocating for students' interests and needs within university management structures.</p><p>The keynote speaker at the event was Dr Ben van Wyk, a Clinical Facilitator at the Simulation and Clinical Skills Unit in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) and a former TSRC member.He encouraged the incoming leaders to “dance, not necessarily in rhythm, as in the traditional sense, but to be willing to take a step into uncertainty".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Liyema Jacobs, who previously served on the Tygerberg Student Parliament as Speaker, was elected as Chairperson of the TSRC 2024/2025, while Aphiwe Madondo, who held the portfolio for Student Services on the TSRC, was elected as the Vice Chairperson 2024/2025.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Altogether 16 candidates vied for the nine available positions on the TSRC.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“To ensure transparency and candidate visibility, the commission organised three presentation meetings on the 23rd, 25th, and 30th of July 2024, where candidates engaged with the Tygerberg campus student body. Campaigning officially began on the 22nd of July and continued until voting closed," explained Kevin Naude, the Tygerberg Election Convenor of the Tygerberg Electoral Commission.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The Electoral Commission also ran an election campaign from 29 to 31 July 2024 to generate enthusiasm amongst students and boost electoral participation and awareness."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Voting was open to registered students from the FMHS and ran from 23 July to 1 August 2024.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The rest of the TSRC members include Dylan Rudolph, Karabo Setsepu, Thandolwethu Noinyane, Hamidah Rabiu, Misiwe Makate, Sinothando Gaika and Sharon Adejimi. Ex officio members, who form an integral part of TSRC, were also inaugurated as TSRC members – Toluwani Toluwani Adeboyi (Tygerberg Prim Committee), Dineo Madikgetla (Tygerberg Postgraduate Students' Council), Breyton Brand (Tygerberg Societies Council) and Realeboga Mmethi (Tygerberg Academic Affairs Council).<br></p> |
| Casual Day 2024 theme “I See You” shines light on invisible disabilities | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10846 | | Casual Day 2024 theme “I See You” shines light on invisible disabilities | Disability Unit | <p style="text-align:justify;">With still too many instances where people with disabilities are not seen, heard, and included in day-to-day planning, this year's Casual Day 2024 theme, “I See You", aims to shine a light on individuals with visible, and particularly invisible disabilities.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Casual Day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in September – this year on Friday, 6 September 2024.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Luigia Nicholas, Coordinator: Marketing and Training at the Disability Unit, “being seen, being heard and being included involves, amongst others, having accessible transportation, inclusive education, and accessible physical spaces" in society and particularly at Stellenbosch University's (SU) campuses.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Although it is a time to dress up and be seen, the theme also invites us to ponder more deeply about its meaning," she says.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Many disabilities are not 'visible', such as debilitating mental health conditions, specific learning disabilities, some chronic medical conditions, and some visual and hearing disabilities."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Because of this, individuals with invisible disabilities can easily be excluded. Another obstacle facing individuals with these disabilities is that people tend to not believe, or doubt and question that the person has a disability, as they cannot see it.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In the same breath, even when disabilities are visible, persons with disabilities may still not be seen, heard or included, whether wittingly or unwittingly."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">While legislation such as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has gone a long way to broaden participation, closer to home, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 seeks redress for legislated discrimination based on race, gender, and disability, amongst others.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Maintaining dignity and seeking social justice and transformation for people with disabilities in South Africa is of paramount importance," adds Nicholas.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Casual Day serves as a reminder that “we must all work together to create an inclusive and equitable society in which people with disabilities can reach their full potential".<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We have made remarkable progress with the integration of people with disabilities into society, whereas before societal exclusion was widespread, particularly prior to the introduction of human rights legislation globally and locally."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">On Tuesday, 03 September 2024, the Disability Unit hosted an online panel discussion delving into the Casual Day theme with staff and students. The session was hosted and run by students with less visible disabilities, which provided interesting insights. Christopher Chase facilitated a panel discussion that involved students from the university Daniel Terblanche, Bianca van der Walt, and Keagan Brown, as well as Victor Snyder (an external participant), and Dr Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, Head of the Disability Unit.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Some of the take-home points were centred around the need for ongoing staff training to conscientise them about the less visible disabilities and being sensitive and understanding instead of second-guessing or forgetting about students' needs. Flexibility and individualisation in teaching, learning, and assessment practices were also emphasised, as well as the importance of check-ins by educators with students," explained Lyner-Cleophas.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">During the discussion, student panelists highlighted their concerns regarding how Casual Day is celebrated at school level, where discussions and awareness creation about physical and mental disabilities are not common or may not happen at all.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The students felt that there was a need for more conscientisation and awareness campaigns at schools."<br><br>Lyner-Cleophas said that the Disability Unit has also seen an increase in requests for quiet spaces, as some shared campus spaces become very noisy when you have large crowds of students present. For some neurodiverse individuals, this can lead to sensory stimuli overload, which can lead to anxiety, feeling distressed, or uncomfortable in such a space.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Students are encouraged to use spaces such as the SU Botanical Gardens, which they can enter free of charge with their student card, find quieter spaces in academic buildings where there is seating, spend time in the computer-user areas, such as HUMARGA or FHARGA, or utilise the hub spaces within some of the clusters that are open to students from that cluster. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">She also recommends networking with other students to find out where they go to get centered.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Added Nicholas: “We really need society to be more cognisant of inclusion, with specific reference to people with disabilities on campus."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">By participating in Casual Day, Stellenbosch University supports the Stellenbosch Work Centre (SWC) through sticker sales, of which a certain percentage goes to the SWC. A percentage of ticket sales also go to the national body that arranges the annual Casual Day event, the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">More information on the Stellenbosch Work Centre can be found at <a href="http://www.stellenboschworkcentre.org.za/">www.stellenboschworkcentre.org.za</a>. They can be contacted via e-mail at <a href="mailto:info@stellenboschworkcentre.org.za">info@stellenboschworkcentre.org.za</a>.<br></p> |
| Centre for Student Life and Learning equips students with skills for an inclusive welcoming | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10816 | | Centre for Student Life and Learning equips students with skills for an inclusive welcoming | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">The Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL) kicked off its annual training sessions for newly elected leaders by focusing on creating a Constitutional Welcoming and equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prepare an inclusive welcoming for all newcomers in 2025. The training has been influenced by key moments in the institution's history, including the Unwelcoming Practices Report of 2014 and the <em>#FeesMustFall</em> movement in 2016.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The Welcoming programme influences the standard of the campus' welcoming culture, not only for the newcomers who need to be integrated into the space, but also for all the other leaders who will contribute to the welcoming environment," explains Benita van Zyl, Unit Manager: Unit for Residence Student Communities at CSLL.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Therefore, the purpose of the training is to equip leaders who will play a pivotal role in planning the welcoming of newcomers with a thorough understanding of the ethos that Stellenbosch University (SU) wishes to embody during the welcoming period.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"It is vital to recognise that student leaders welcome students on behalf of the University, not just their individual communities."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">This year's training, which was held at Academia Hall, brought together a diverse group of leaders from residence and commuter student communities. The students engaged in discussions on their role in helping newcomers integrate into both the academic and social dimensions of university life.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The programme included various sessions, including a breakdown and discussion of the results of the Newcomers' Feedback survey and Cluster Welcoming planning. A former student leader also presented a session on how to use a values-based approach for welcoming. The latter session centred around the SU values as a guide in promoting a community structure without hierarchies between newcomers and their leaders.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Throughout the day, cluster convenors, senior students and student assistants from CSLL facilitated interactive activities at each table, encouraging leaders to collaborate and share ideas. Ishmael Mabena, along with his Co-Executive Cluster Convenor, Shannon Goodchild, served as the MCs for the day, adding a fun twist with a TikTok dance challenge that kept spirits high.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Reflecting on the day's success, Mabena remarked: "Their passion, motivation, and high interest were evident. If this isn't an indication of their commitment, I don't know what is."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">He praised the leaders' positive attitudes and their willingness to engage with the programme content, noting that “the dance routine change was definitely a highlight".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I am confident that we have great people leading our student communities."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The Welcoming period at SU is a time of significant change for both newcomers and postgraduate students who are new to the university, contributing to their sense of belonging on campus. The Welcoming period is considered a time of significant change for newcomers university demonstrates its commitment to providing a “transformative welcoming experience" that is values-driven, inclusive, enjoyable, and fosters social cohesion among students. This training ensures that leaders are well-prepared to achieve this goal, building a network and support structure they can rely on as they step into their roles.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mabena emphasised the importance of early training in helping leaders avoid feelings of isolation and in fostering connections among them before Welcoming starts.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"When we step into new roles as leaders, the last thing we hope to feel is alone and isolated," he said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"This training ensures that leaders get to know one another, which is essential for networking, forming new relationships and finding support systems."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Van Zyl, this year's Constitutional Welcoming was a success thanks to the dedication of the team who worked with her before, and on the day of the training.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"The positive attitudes of our student leaders, the logistical organisation behind the scenes, and the awesome facilitators – cluster conveners, student assistants, and senior student leaders – made this training a success."<br></p> |
