'A world-class university, rooted in Africa and global in reach.' That's how Stellenbosch University (SU) was described to members of the Cape Town Consular Corps when they visited the university on Friday 14 October 2016.  Representatives of 17 countries, which included Angola, Mauritius, Brazil, France, Italy, Japan and the UK, met with members of SU's senior leadership, staff from Stellenbosch University International (formerly known as the Postgraduate & International Office) and Student Affairs. They were given information about the institution and its international efforts. 

Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, welcomed visitors telling them that there is an increasing emphasis on internationalisation, reflected in the large number of international students at SU. "An international outlook is vital for us to be locally relevant, regionally impactful and globally competitive.  We are not striving to be the Oxford or Harvard of the South, but rather an internationally recognised university with strong African roots."

Prof Hester Klopper, Vice-Rector: Strategic Initiatives and Internationalisation, had a similar message, highlighting SU's partnerships and collaborations on the continent and the rest of the world. "We value each and every network and collaboration and will seek ways to improve and establish new networks to expand our global reach." She also announced the newly created Stellenbosch University International office, which will be officially launched on 7 November. "We relook the work we do on an international level and put this together in a format that will make sense in driving our initiatives forward."

Mr Robert Kotzé, Senior Director of Stellenbosch University International, spoke about the university's global engagement and the support services offered to international students. Dr Birgit Schreiber, Senior Director: Student Affairs gave information about student communities and structures, while Ms Corina du Toit, Programme Manager of the African Doctoral Academy, talked about SU's leading role in doctoral education on the continent.

Talking internationalisation at SU were from left: Prof Wim de Villiers, Prof Hester Klopper, Mrs Bernadette Hunkeler Brown, Dean: Consular Corps Cape Town and Consul General of Switzerland and Dr Prieur Du Plessis, Vice-Dean of the Consular Corps and Honorary Consul General of Slovenia.

Photo: Anton Jordaan