| Be kind | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10927 | | Be kind | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>By Nicolette van den Eijkel, Chief Director Facilities Management </em></div><div><br></div><div>Today, 13 November, is World Kindness Day. I self-righteously ponder what 2024 would have been like if we had all been kind and focused on collective well-being. </div><div><br></div><div>Then I realise I’m not feeling kind when I think of our student murdered on his birthday. I’m not feeling kind either when I reflect on all the media attention about security and the emails from lawyers, parents, and the community, which take time and energy and seem to blame us. I want to shout that we are doing our best! </div><div><br></div><div>I’m most definitely not feeling kind when I have to deal with anything related to questionable residence culture or when I see the bad culture that creeps into some of the engagements between colleagues. I want to remind people that we are here for collective well-being, not personal benefit or the easy way out with populist decisions. </div><div><br></div><div>But then I stop, take a breath, and reflect. I can’t control what others do, but I do know that despite all our challenges at SUFM, we do model kindness and collective well-being in our interactions with our stakeholders – a way of doing that I can do along with each of your influence. We remain positive, continue to interact constructively, and deliver the goods. 2024 was just another year. We at SUFM stepped up and did what was required, and as a team, we delivered. There are many, many successes that we achieved. Thank you to each person in SUFM for being a team that we can all be proud of. </div><div><br></div><div>If you have a holiday, take time to be kind to yourself. Enjoy the holiday time with family and friends. As always, thank you to those of you who will keep the lights on and everything safe during the holidays. I hope you will find time to be kind to yourself. <br></div><div><br></div><div>I look forward to 2025, where, as a team, we will once again focus on providing a world-class environment for our staff and students. <br></div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
| I am a proud member of our team | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10928 | | I am a proud member of our team | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>By Anita Nel, Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation</em> </div><div><br></div><div>Looking back at 2024, it has been a good year for the Innovation and Commercialisation Division. </div><div><br></div><div>The Innovus Technology Transfer Office and the SUNCOM office continue to receive regular benchmarking visits from other universities showing that we are the leaders in Southern Africa in this regard. Innovus expanded their team and held a well-attended and successful technology transfer open week, attracting visitors from other African countries. Staff members attended several global training courses and spoke at local and international conferences and events. Our team supported SU researchers in bringing many new products and services to the market, making the world a better place. </div><div><br></div><div>The Copyright, Trademarks and Short Courses division held a very successful inaugural Short Learning Programme Coordination Forum, attracting participants from across South Africa and managed to launch their new website amidst several challenges successfully. </div><div><br></div><div>The inaugural Agri Tech Connect event was equally successful and will also become an annual event, with the Health Tech Connect event to be launched in February 2025 to create a cluster for the health sector as well. </div><div><br></div><div> The SU LaunchLab has engaged with 856 unique students thus far in 2024 (many students attended two to three events) and has held six faculty entrepreneurship boot camps. SU's student entrepreneurs performed remarkably well and won three of the four regional categories of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity. They will be participating in the final national event in November 2024. Partnerships with the Allan Gray Foundation have proven exceptionally valuable, and the current sponsorship negotiations with a bank group look promising. An international consortium included the SU LaunchLab in a funding application, which, if awarded successfully, will generate an income of around $225 000 per annum for three years for the LaunchLab. The University of Namibia is also interested in contracting SU LaunchLab to assist with its student entrepreneurship activities. </div><div><br></div><div>The long-anticipated LaunchLab BIO, a commercial laboratory for early-stage biotechnology spinouts and external startups, is finally taking shape and will be yet another game changer for SU. </div><div><br></div><div> The final stage of the Instant Startup (IS) online tool to provide comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, had a soft launch in October 2024 and received excellent feedback. The tool has been made available to 20 new farmers and four supervisors of Agri Enterprise, a non-governmental organisation, and has also been licensed to Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). Once thoroughly tested, the IS tool will be widely commercialised. University of Namibia has also shown an interest in potentially licensing the tool from SU. </div><div><br></div><div>SunCom also had an exceptional year. Highlights include opening the new SU Botanical Garden Restaurant and OK urban on the Tygerberg Campus. The latter created great excitement among the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences staff and students. This also demonstrates the value of partnerships between the institution and industry. The Transport Division is renewing its fleet of vehicles, and the Food and Compliance team implemented a highly affordable meal option for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students who did not receive sufficient funding from the scheme for their meals during the entire academic year. A very affordable meal option will also be implemented from 2025 to ensure that the meal funding of these students is not depleted during the year. Our residential services had yet another excellent year and added significant value to our students' experience on our campus. </div><div><br></div><div>Our teams in Factory 209 have been recognised for excellence and have gained many happy customers in 2024. The Matie Shops have grown and continue to impress with their quality products and service delivery. </div><div><br></div><div>This year's results underscore the SU Innovation and Commercialisation Division's commitment to innovation, risk management, and strategic investments, focusing on elevating SU's business and innovation portfolios and making SU a thriving university, relevant to society and an excellent student home. </div><div><br></div><div>I am incredibly proud to be a member of our innovation and commercialisation team and to contribute to making our university excellent. </div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
| IT rocks! | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10929 | | IT rocks! | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>By Antoinette van der Merwe, Chief Director IT </em><br><br></div><div>What a year it has been since I joined IT on the 1st of March! And in reflecting on my message for Prof Stan's Gazette and our year-end function, I was reminded of many of my favourite songs. As The Beatles might say, it's been a 'long and winding road' to reach where we are today, but we have navigated it together. </div><div><br></div><div>The jury is still out in terms of the theme song of 2024. At times, it felt like we were 'Livin' on a Prayer', but with every unexpected challenge, the IT team maintained the 'Eye of the Tiger', addressing each issue with focus and professionalism. And let's be honest, there were more than a few 'Highway to Hell' moments! We were definitely not the root cause for the numerous challenges we faced but even though 'we didn't start the fire' in Billy Joel's words, we addressed the challenges time and again with diligence and resilience. Our team remained steadfast, and our dedication never wavered. </div><div><br></div><div>It is with immense gratitude that I look back at 2024 – gratitude for the IT team's commitment, problem-solving abilities, and positive attitude. Many of the IT team have been calm in the eye of the storm, the 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'. I appreciate everyone's hard work, but above all, your kindness and compassion when the going gets tough. I am convinced that there 'Ain't No Mountain High enough' to prevent this team from achieving our objectives. Therefore, we end 2024 and approach 2025 with confidence, knowing that, as Elton John says, 'I'm Still Standing' or let's rephrase 'We're still standing' —and indeed, we are stronger than ever. </div><div><br></div><div>I therefore want to highlight just a few of the amazing achievements that we can build on in 2025: </div><div><br></div><div>SUNLearn is 'Solid as a rock' with the work that has gone into the re-architecture of the split environments. The same can also be said for the network stability with upgrades on, i.a., Tygerberg and Wi-Fi almost everywhere on campus. Similarly, significant strides were made to improve SU's IT cybersecurity and governance. </div><div><br></div><div>IT is becoming a 'Smooth operator' by simplifying the IT Financial model, most notably abolishing the unpopular network registration and levies from 2025. Similarly, we now have a formal change advisory board for all ICT-related changes, with a system to support them. </div><div><br></div><div>'Anytime you need a friend' is appropriate because you can now make a Teams call from any device connected to Teams from anywhere in the world. The SharePoint Migration from legacy on-premise to the cloud has also been completed. And everyone needs a 'little help from your friends' occasionally – whether at the IT support desk or from the respective relationship managers. </div><div><br></div><div>(SUNStudent) Sprints turned into marathons, and I am sure you're probably hearing 'I will survive' by Gloria Gaynor in your head right now…. The IT team did not just survive but thrived to 'Keep on Rockin' in the Free World'. </div><div><br></div><div>Planning also started for the "Closing time" of legacy systems whilst the Identity Access Management Renewal project gathered momentum. </div><div><br></div><div>From the chaos of the perfect storm emerged the following: </div><div><br></div><div>ICT Operational Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery working group completed their work in three months to suggest policy changes and regulations. </div><div><br></div><div>Documentation of the current architecture landscape so that we have a view of what we have and how we can manage the continuity of services if or when a crisis or disaster arises. </div><div><br></div><div>Unfortunately, we must say goodbye to two esteemed and beloved stalwarts, Joe Smit (after 38 years) and Albert Meyer (after 25 years). Their hard work, wisdom and numerous contributions have significantly shaped the IT team and our campus infrastructure and network as a result of their respective responsibilities. Their legacy will continue and they will always remain a part of the IT family. </div><div><br></div><div>As we close out this year, recharge and spend time with your loved ones. If you find yourself humming 'Here Comes the Sun', know you have most certainly earned it. In 2025, we will continue celebrating what is correct in IT and embracing opportunities by dreaming without constraints that are aligned with our vision of being a true partner on SU's digital transformation journey. Thanks to the IT team for your hard work and grit and for coming together as an 'unstoppable' team. In the words of Queen, 'We are the Champions,' and I couldn't be prouder to be part of this team." <br></div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
| No stopping the #MaroonMachine | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10930 | | No stopping the #MaroonMachine | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p>By Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director Maties Sport<br><br></p><div>As the year ends, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our #MaroonMachine team. Your commitment to excellence has been the backbone of our success, and your hard work and dedication have provided our student-athletes with the support they need to thrive both on and off the field. Every victory, every comeback, and every achievement this year has been possible because of your relentless effort, guidance, and belief in our team. </div><div><br></div><div>Thank you for being a source of strength and inspiration to our athletes, especially as they navigate the challenges of balancing academics, sport, and their personal spaces. We acknowledge the challenges and areas for improvement, but most importantly, your resilience and commitment do not go unnoticed. I am genuinely grateful to have such an exceptional team by my side. Let's continue building on this year's successes, and here's to even greater achievements! </div><div><br></div><div>Allow me to share some of our special moments, namely: </div><div><br></div><div>- Three Maties Rugby alumni, namely Edwill van der Merwe, Ben-Jason Dixon and Jordan Hendrikse, made their international debut with the Springboks. </div><div><br></div><div>- Maties Sport had eighteen student-athletes and staff who were representatives at the Olympics and Paralympic Games. </div><div><br></div><div>- Five Maties represented South Africa at the FISU Chess, FISU Rugby 7s and FISU Golf Championships throughout the year. </div><div><br></div><div>- Three Maties represented South Africa at the CUCSA Games, and each landed gold medals, namely Dineo Fanampe, Andrea Cornelissen and Mieke Basson. </div><div><br></div><div>- Ten Maties represented South Africa at the All-African Games, with Miré Reinstorf securing gold and an African record for pole vault. </div><div><br></div><div>- Maties Sport retained their USSA title in men's rugby 15s, a remarkable feat, as it was the third year they had accomplished this. </div><div><br></div><div>- Maties Netball player Syntiche Kabuya recently made the South African netball team competing at the Fast Five Netball World Series. </div><div><br></div><div>- Our student-athletes' academic performance increased from 16 to 37, with 75% and above in their academic year. In their various sporting codes, 35 were awarded full colours representing South Africa or other countries. </div><div><br></div><div>- The Rector's Awards for Excellent Achievement celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of students in academics and co-curricular fields, including the following six Maties Sport student-athletes: Danielle van Niewenhuizen (Netball), Andre-Hugo Venter (Rugby), Mieke Basson (Athletics), Ongeziwe Mali (Hockey), Lehan Botha (Cricket) and Bianca Augustyn (Rugby). </div><div><br></div><div>Another key highlight was the continuation of our new Campus Sport format, which we expanded to six bumper evenings this year. The team is super excited about this initiative's potential to grow in 2025. Have a restful, blessed, and safe festive season; see you next year!" </div><div><br></div><p><br></p><p><br><br></p> |
| You are the real stars in the SU universe | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10931 | | You are the real stars in the SU universe | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>By Manie Lombard, Chief Director Finance </em></div><div><br></div><div>Howdy partner! It is the cowboy way of saying hello and welcome and my greeting to the Finance division team, with a special "howdy" to the newcomers. </div><div><br></div><div>We are at the end of another extraordinary year since 2019, when we embarked on the SUNFin journey. Although we still feel overwhelmed by the Jiras, remarks, questions and comments, we are starting to settle into the new way of work. Well done to every one of you; you are real stars in the SU universe. </div><div><br></div><div>We are still experiencing several challenges: SUNStudent implementation project, NSFAS issues, continuing economic challenges of high interest rates, fuel prices, other living cost increases, low levels of government grants and subsidies, and geopolitical instability with ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. However, we have also experienced the quality of South Africans working together and communities supporting each other. </div><div><br></div><div>Our division successfully delivered on our goals for the year; these were: </div><div><br></div><div>Normalise SUNFin in production through effective support and training — we are now at a 93 per cent resolution rate of Jiras; </div><div><br></div><div>Proceed with aligning the Finance Structure with best practice processes and workflows, including the current peromnes evaluations – to be done at the end of 2024 as planned and physical space planning and renewal with Admin A and B and C in the final planning phases for construction work in 2025. </div><div><br></div><div>SUNStudent's implementation, although challenging and still at a critical phase where we contracted the internal auditors to do verification work to ensure completeness and accuracy of income, expenses, and outstanding balances. </div><div><br></div><div>The further evolution of the Budget Model for financial sustainability, including refining the integrated budget for all five income streams, hybrid learning, two schools, longer-term capital plan and cash flow planning. </div><div><br></div><div>Planning to implement EPBCS for financial planning and budgeting in the cloud solution space. </div><div><br></div><div>Concerning staff wellness, we need to ensure, especially now with the pressure of year-end of our second in SUNFin, the many SUNStudent challenges, especially in the Student Finance division, NSFAS, regulation of student fees, changes in our auditors after the tender process and the upcoming bank tender in 2025, that we support each other and where there is any need for further support, please let us know so we can get professional support. Our staff’s wellness is our top priority. </div><div><br></div><div>We also focus monthly in our divisional heads meeting on risk management, approved strategy implementation plans, staff development and transformation, communication, and progress with our language implementation plan. </div><div><br></div><div>Everyone is kindly requested to support the 2024 year-end external audit and reporting to ensure another clean and unqualified audit report. This is an essential element of the international rating of SU to attract growing international funding in an increasingly competitive global environment. </div><div><br></div><div>I want to close with a reflection by the legendary cowboy, although mainly in movies and still alive at 94, Clint Eastwood, who formulated one of the essential lessons of his life so far for younger generations: </div><div><br></div><div>“Do not look for luxury in watches or bracelets, do not look for luxury in forks or sails. Luxury is laughter and friends, luxury is rain on your face, luxury is hugs and kisses. Don't look for luxury in shops, don't look for it in gifts, don't look for it at parties, don't look for it at events. Luxury is being loved by people, luxury is being respected, luxury is having parents alive, luxury is being able to play with your grandchildren, luxury is what money can't buy." </div><div><br></div><div> Thank you to each member of our Finance Team for everything you have done to make this an extraordinary year again and Stellenbosch University an exceptional place to work. Please have a wonderful break, and I look forward to teaming up again and working with you in 2025! </div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
| Courtney goes the extra miles for excellent service | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10932 | | Courtney goes the extra miles for excellent service | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>Courtney Meder </em></div><div><em>Learning Technology Specialist in the Director: Information Technology’s general support Services environment </em></div><div><br></div><div>Courtney Meder has shown his dedication to helping the IT Division build service management practices across the University. He helped create the cadence around following the best practices, processes, and procedures extended to the cross-functional collaboration between IT and critical stakeholders. </div><div><br></div><div>Courtney goes the extra mile in helping stakeholder translate their requirements and does the training, walkthroughs and process mapping. An example of his initiative was streamlining the privacy impact assessment that contributes to the ethical clearance processes for our research. He can prioritise the requirements depending on the alignment to the strategic initiatives or ad hoc requests arising from an emergency. </div><div><br></div><div>Courtney started his career here as a support technician but has grown in confidence to work with significant independence. </div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
| Mariëtte is our team’s working mother | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10933 | | Mariëtte is our team’s working mother | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>Mariëtte du Plessis </em></div><div><em>Personal Assistant to the Director: Financial Planning and Budgeting in our Finance Division </em></div><div><br></div><div>Annemi Murray, who nominated Mariette, writes: "I would like to nominate Mariette and acknowledge the absolute stalwart she is within our department and also the greater Finance Division.” </div><div><br></div><div>“The last two to three years, the SUNFin project has posed tremendous challenges to our office, and Mariette has simply taken the lead and initiative to manage the day-to-day activities of the department and make sure inquiries are handled or referred, deadlines are achieved, meeting papers are prepared and submitted. But more than the day jobs, it was her humanity that emerged. </div><div><br></div><div>She is really everyone in the team's working mother. The way she treats everyone with an open heart, gives advice, encourages, motivates (and believe me, there were some days on the project where this was difficult!), dry tears, the ear and the shoulder are for taking care of problems, bring coffee, keep me calm and peaceful. She handled work up calmly and professionally and made a plan for the person to be helped. The list goes on, but in short, we want to acknowledge Mariette for everything she does and means to all of us every day. She is truly the glue that binds the team together." </div><div><br></div><div> <br></div><div><br><br></div><p><br><br></p> |
| ‘Kopolo’ a true ambassador for FM | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10934 | | ‘Kopolo’ a true ambassador for FM | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>Mlondolozi Kopolo </em></div><div><em>Facilities Coordinator at FM's property services department </em></div><div><br></div><div>Mlondolozi Kopolo's (or "Kopolo" as he is known) colleagues gave the following testimony about him: "We are proud to nominate Mlondolozi Kopolo for this award. He is thoroughly deserving of the recognition. Mlondolozi Kopolo joined the University in September 2021 as a carpenter artisan, gaining SU site experience and exposure as a TSEBO employee in 2019. Mlondolozi's career progression has resulted in him being appointed facilities coordinator within Facilities Management as of April 2023. During his time in this role an extraordinary number of compliments have been received for him from our clients. </div><div><br></div><div>His rapid career progression at the University is a testament to the person he is, how he conducts himself, and the positive impression he imparts to all the people he engages with. </div><div><br></div><div>He is respected and liked by his colleagues, peers and clients as he conducts himself professionally and pushes himself and those around him to provide a professional and positive experience. </div><div><br></div><div>Mlondolozi understands his responsibility as an ambassador for facilities management and the more significant Stellenbosch University community. As such he always puts his best foot forward. He is an integral part of the success of facilities management operations within the student's residence environment. In addition to the various roles Mlondolozi has fulfilled at the University, he has always taken on new challenges with a positive outlook and seeks solutions when faced with difficult situations. </div><div><br></div><div>Mlondolozi is an inspiring colleague whose work demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement. As part of his personal development, Mlondolozi is furthering his education by studying for a Bachelor of Administration degree. </div><div><br></div><div>This award is an appropriate recognition for their positive contribution and impression with colleagues and peers while also bestowing him with the responsibility of continuously striving for excellence. </div><div><br><br></div><p><br><br></p> |
| Empathy is a natural part of Dudley’s DNA | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10935 | | Empathy is a natural part of Dudley’s DNA | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>Dudley Meyer </em></div><div><em>Cluster Residence Services Coordinator on Tygerberg campus </em></div><div><br></div><div>Dudley joined Residence Services in December 2009 as a Residence Service Coordinator after working for some years at SU Printing. With his calm, professional and friendly demeanour, colleagues, students and all other role players always feel comfortable contacting him whenever they need advice on work-related matters. </div><div><br></div><div>He was appointed as Cluster Residence Service Coordinator on 1 September 2024. Throughout his journey in our department, he showed consistency and an excellent work ethic, and he steered the ship at Tygerberg Campus. While embarking on his new interim role in 2022, Dudley stepped up without hesitation by implementing our latest best practice workstyle, ensuring that Tygerberg is aligned with our department, and overseeing a seamless operation at Tygerberg Campus. </div><div><br></div><div>He is always eager to assist and goes the extra mile. Dudley often asks: is there anything else I can help with? You can count on him to keep a cool head in a stressful situation, and his positive attitude is contagious. Dudley is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and innovative people we have enjoyed working with in any capacity. The feedback received from internal stakeholders he works closely with is always positive. </div><div><br></div><div>He can tackle any challenge with integrity. His empathy towards others is remarkable. Recently, for example, when one of the outsourced cleaning staff members got ill, he did not hesitate to take the staff member to the hospital as there was no other transport from the company to seek medical attention. </div><div><br></div><div>We are truly thankful and fortunate to have Dudley as a valuable asset to our department. </div><div><br></div><div> <br></div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
| Drikus’s story an inspiration for every young rugby player | http://www.sun.ac.za/afrikaans/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10936 | | Drikus’s story an inspiration for every young rugby player | Petro Mostert | <p></p><div><em>Drikus Hancke </em></div><div><em>Head of Maties Rugby </em></div><div><br></div><div>Drikus has a long history with Stellenbosch University, Maties Sport and Maties Rugby. His association started in 1997 as a player, later assistant coach, and head coach, and he was appointed our Head of Rugby at the end of 2021. After his international rugby and corporate, he joined us in 2015 as an assistant coach and then Head Coach. As the Head of Rugby, I have seen this passionate and committed leader's tremendous impact within the Maties Rugby structures and at university sport and union rugby levels. </div><div><br></div><div>Drikus has developed a new business model for Maties Rugby, focusing on expanding our campus rugby program and leveraging the club's commercial value with purposeful partnerships. With his knowledge, experience, and visionary leadership, he continues to ensure an inclusive and transparent environment for the benefit of all stakeholders. </div><div><br></div><div>Drikus also forms part of the Maties Sport Fundraising team, including mentoring sports managers to advance our fundraising portfolio. He also raised his hand as the Values-in-Action ambassador, working closely with the Maties Sport Chief Director. </div><div><br></div><div>Drikus has a tremendous ability to craft an impactful strategy to ensure sustainable performance both off and on the field. In record time, he managed to attract several top sponsorships and donations for the club, including Maties Rugby winning the Club of the Year Award in 2023 at the Maties Annual Sports Awards. </div><div><br></div><div>Drikus's ongoing commitment and contribution to the future success of Maties Rugby is significant. His work aligns with the club's vision: 'to be the best student rugby club globally known for academic excellence.' </div><div><br></div><div>We want to express our sincere gratitude to Drikus for his passion, dedication, inspiration and commitment to excellence. </div><div><br><br><br></div><p><br></p> |
