​Stellenbosch University (SU) Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers has been elected vice-chairperson of Universities South Africa (USAf) for 2018 and 2019. USAf, formerly known as Higher Education South Africa (HESA), is a membership organisation representing all 26 public universities in South Africa.

“It will be an honour for me to serve our sector in this way at such a critical time. Higher education plays a crucial role in our country, but is under pressure due to an uncertain funding model. We have to find a way to promote systemic sustainability," he said.

On an international level, following a recent call for nominations, Prof De Villiers was appointed to serve on the Council of the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for a period three years starting on 1 August 2017. The ACU is the world's first international university network, established in 1913. It has more than 500 member institutions in over 50 countries. Prof De Villiers will be representing Constituency III, which includes South Africa and such other countries in the region as Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“I look forward to building international networks for the benefit of our region. We have a lot to gain, but also plenty to share with the world," he said.