Student Affairs
Welkom by Universiteit Stellenbosch

 

 

Ilhaam Groenewald receives Provincial Ministerial Commendation for her contribution to sport leadership in Souhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11094Ilhaam Groenewald receives Provincial Ministerial Commendation for her contribution to sport leadership in SouPetro Mostert<p>​She has won many accolades for her incredible contribution to sport leadership and developing South African women in sport, amongst them being the first independent executive council member of SA Rugby (SARU) and a member of the SASCOC board. Her most recent award, a Ministerial Commendation by the Western Cape Government's Cultural Affairs and Sports Department, is once again a testament to Ilhaam Groenewald's, Stellenbosch University's (SU) Chief Director: Maties Sport, dedication, belief and commitment to advancing sport in South Africa and open more doors for women in sport — young and old.<br></p><p>“This year, I celebrate a decade at SU, and what an incredible journey this still is," says Groenewald, citing her excitement for her appointment being renewed for another five years as head of Maties Sport. “When I joined the University in 2014, we offered only two sporting codes in our high-performance programme at Maties Sport: rugby and hockey. Today, our offering includes 31 sporting codes. We saw a remarkable more than 200 per cent growth in our high-performance sporting codes and we have expanded our campus sport offering over the past ten years.<br></p><p>Groenewald says she is proud of Maties Sport's involvement in creating SU's recreational and lifestyle unit, the only one of its kind at a South African university. “We know that there are students who come from schools where there were no recreational activities. We need to help them become active. I'm proud of what we've achieved with this initiative and the growth we are experiencing with our programme offering."</p><p>Groenewald says that although she received the award, she could not have done it without those who have worked with her over the past decade. “I need to mention Kass Naidoo, founder of the G-Sport and her tremendous work for women in sport and the awards she initiated, which led to me being a recipient of the National Ministerial of Sport, Arts & Culture in 2019', says Groenewald.  She also acknowledges the Stellenbosch University leadership, especially our COO, Professor Stan du Plessis and the #MaroonMachine family for their vision, guidance and support. .</p><p>Renowned for her commitment and advocacy work for transformation, which goes beyond race and gender, Groenewald believes that by using sport, she succeeded in her quest to mentor several women and men of all ages for sporting careers. “I believe in creating a diverse and transformative environment for students, staff and our communities, something I see as an inclusive journey where people are the most important aspect. Human resource and talent management are essential in our strategy; therefore, I strongly believe in recruiting the best people, giving them opportunities and developing them, guided by our succession plan," says Groenewald, who prioritises staff wellness.</p><p>Groenewald says Maties Sport follows a sustainable business model. Their tremendous success with fundraising, sponsorship, and optimal use of technology is part of why they can claim to be operationally excellent and innovative.</p><p>Committed to their transformational and sustainable journey, Groenewald is confident that Maties Sport is on a fantastic trajectory to gain even more momentum in future. “We have some of the best facilities in the country, a great team and leadership at SU, and our remarkable location, which makes us a favourite sporting destination in the country. We have already attracted the big leagues to host their events at our facilities, and in the next five years, we have big plans. So, keep watching this space," says Groenewald.​</p><p><br></p>
Stellenbosch University digitalises student life with residence apphttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11088Stellenbosch University digitalises student life with residence appJeraldene Menon<p><br>Stellenbosch University (SU) is no stranger to innovation. Africa's first electric minibus and a satellite control system manufacturer are amongst some of its many recent accolades. Building on this legacy, SUNCOM's Residence Services Department has announced the launch of a digital student application designed to streamline day-to-day processes, improve communication and promote sustainability through paperless operations. The first phase of this project is a pilot, testing the feasibility of digitising SU's most labour-intensive student-related processes in residences before considering a full-scale roll out.</p><div><br>SU Residence Services, a division of SUNCOM (formerly known as Stellenbosch University Commercial Services), manages the operations of the University's student accommodation buildings. Sharing SU's commitment to excellence, the department regularly conducts benchmarking studies against local and international universities to ensure that they are optimising operations. This research led to the initiation of the app, which was developed in partnership with Factory209 (F209), an SU spinout company that specialises in incubating SU commercial ventures.<div><br>Geraldine Minnaar, Manager of Residence Services, shared her excitement about the student app's launch, emphasising its potential to streamline administrative processes and shorten turnaround times. "This app will eliminate paperwork and allow us to significantly improve the turnaround times for managing student queries."</div><div><br></div><div>The implementation will follow a phased approach, starting with two pilot residences, Nemesia and Dagbreek. A training session was held at Nemesia with all relevant parties on Monday, 27 January 2025, to ensure readiness by 29 January 2025. These undergraduate residences will start testing the platform under F209's close monitoring. Following the success of its implementation and technical improvements, the platform will be rolled out in all residences during the second semester of 2025.</div><div><br>Essential functions supported by the app include checking in and out of residence (students or guests), reporting damages and defects, registration of recoverable damages and handling accountability acceptance and rejection. Residence Services will also use the app for managing maintenance requests, asset management, broadcast messaging from staff to students and surveys. Overall, the app enhances communication, accountability and maintenance efficiency, contributing to a better student living experience.<br></div><div><br></div><div>SUNCOM's Operations Director, Gary Muizenheimer, highlighted the university's commitment to innovating, stating that "as part of the Innovation and Commercialisation Division, we are always looking for new ways to improve student experiences. We are confident that the launch of this app will be successful and a valuable addition to Residence Services."</div><div><br>Muizenheimer says Residence Services Department, in partnership with F209, is committed to continually improving and adapting the platform, ensuring that it meets the evolving needs of students and staff.<br></div><div><br>For more information on Residence Services at Stellenbosch University, <a href="https://www.suncom.co.za/residential-services/">click here</a>.<p>​<br></p></div></div>
Physics postgrads reap 5 out of 10 awards at ICO-26http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10977Physics postgrads reap 5 out of 10 awards at ICO-26Faculty 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 awayhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10936Memorial services held this week for two Maties who recently passed awayLynne 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=10922Marching 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 hungryhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10923Breaking bread: Student uses South Africa’s public holidays to support students going hungryTendani 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 Nicholsonhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10924Lubowski's vision: “A call for economic equality in South Africa,” says NicholsonTendani 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=10905Maties 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 Dayhttp://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10888Student Affairs hosts its first-ever Stellenbosch campus Open DayDivision 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=10881Tygerberg 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>