Proudly rooted in Africa, with a global reach, Stellenbosch University (SU) launched its new division, Stellenbosch University International (SUI), yesterday (7 November 2016).
With almost 150 partner institutions in 44 countries located across six continents, SU has a significant footprint across the globe. Headed by Senior Director, Robert Kotze under the leadership of Prof Hester Klopper, Vice-Rector: Strategic Initiatives and Internationalisation, the newly launched SUI will further expand these internationalization efforts.
At the launch, Klopper explained that international partnerships and efforts are vital to any institution of higher education in order to diversify, faculties, staff, students and knowledge as well as enhance an institutions international profile.
"Internationalisation is a driving force of change and innovation which is much needed in the 21st century."
The SUI launch also coincided with the division's celebrations of Africa University Day which is celebrated annually on 12 November by the Association of African Universities.
Drs Rhoda Kadalie, Executive Director of Impumelelo Social Innovations Centre, and Morné Mostert, Director of the Institute for Futures Research at SU, were the guest speakers at a seminar held at the event.
Kadalie's address, 'Communities of Best Practice', focussed on the many successful initiatives in which Impumelelo have been playing a crucial role. She explained how partnerships with the private sector often succeeds in providing much needed solutions for problems in education and training, rural health care, rural housing and skills development.
"Private sectors are often the ones who have many innovative solutions," she said.
Mostert took a philosophical approach to his speech on 'The Mind of an African Strategist' asking whether it is possible to look at Africa (and Stellenbosch University) as if you have never seen it before.
He said that on its road to become a 'new African University', SU is embarking on an African journey.
"SU have a unique opportunity to make a contribution towards society."
Picture: Prof Hester Klopper. Photographer: Anton Jordaan