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​Anchor institutions in Stellenbosch join forces for inclusive development
Author: Corporate Communication / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie
Published: 28/09/2017

Anchor institutions in Stellenbosch must work together to promote development for the benefit of all residents of the town, participants in a workshop at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study decided on Tuesday (26 September 2017).

Convened by Stellenbosch University (SU), the event was also attended by Stellenbosch Municipality and seven large local employers – Capitec, Investec, Mediclinic, PSG, PwC, Remgro and Steinhoff.

“We have huge challenges in this university town, but we also have a unique opportunity to find solutions. All the required components are right here," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers said.

Issues discussed included crime and safety, traffic and transport, water and electricity, job creation and skills development, as well as entrepreneurship and innovation.

“We must be realistic and acknowledge that we do have problems. But obstacles can be overcome," SU Chief Operating Officer designate Prof Stan du Plessis said.

Prof Hester Klopper, the University's Vice-Rector: Strategy and Internationalisation, referred to the numerous success stories worldwide of collaboration between a university and other “anchor institutions" in the community.

In Cambridge, England, for instance, a knowledge region has been established where technological innovation flourishes, while in Cleveland, Ohio, urban decay has been stopped and turned around. The “quadruple helix" between university, state, the private sector and civil society seems to be critically important.

According to Advocate Gesie van Deventer, Executive Mayor of Stellenbosch, poverty remains a significant problem that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a great need for training in basic business skills for entrepreneurs running small enterprises. The Small Business Academy (SBA) of Stellenbosch University's Business School (USB) could make a contribution in this regard, Prof Du Plessis offered.

“Our country has many urgent needs. If we can come up with models that work for certain challenges, they can be replicated in other communities also. People will support such an initiative," Mr Danie van der Merwe of Steinhoff said.

“Corporates want to get involved, but we don't always know where to start. This now offers us an opportunity to learn from one another," Mr Wimpie Aucamp of Mediclinic added.

“We must be clever and positive. We need fresh ideas," Mr Jannie Mouton of PSG said.

He argued that black economic empowerment by companies should not enrich a small group of individuals, but should be used directly to place entire communities on the path of socio-economic empowerment.

“Working together, we can take this town forward. There is no reason why we cannot succeed. In fact, it is our responsibility," Mr Kobus du Plessis of Remgro said.

CAPTION:

Pictured at the workshop are, from the left, Messrs Hein Doman from PwC and Wimpie Aucamp from Mediclinic, Prof Nico Koopman from SU, Mr Danie van den Berg from Capitec, Prof Hester Klopper from SU, Mr Kobus du Plessis from Remgro, Profs Wim de Villiers and Stan du Plessis from SU, Messrs Tabiso Mfeya of the Stellenbosch Municipality and Danie van der Merwe from Steinhoff, Dr Jerome Slamat from SU, as well as Messrs Hugo van der Ahee of Investec and Jannie Mouton of PSG.