During the recent March graduation ceremonies of Stellenbosch University (SU), more than 1500 degrees and diplomas were awarded to students in the University's biggest faculty, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, bringing its total graduates for the 2017 academic year to 3 232.

As part of its centenary commemoration, SU also bestowed honorary doctorates upon 13 prominent thought-leaders. Among them were Prof Mervyn King, former judge of the Supreme Court of South Africa and esteemed corporate governance expert; Mr Patrice Motsepe, trailblazer for responsible corporate citizenship and business entrepreneur; and Mr Jannie Mouton,  successful South African business leader and philanthropist.

In his address, Prof Wim de Villiers, SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said that in commemorating its Centenary, SU is celebrating “great achievements and ground-breaking discoveries the past 100 years".

“We acknowledge everyone who has helped mould this institution. At the same time, the University acknowledges its contribution to the injustices of the past and remains committed to redress and development."

De Villiers added: “Economic and Management Sciences has been very successful in boosting access to higher education. For the past decade, it has participated in the Thuthuka project, which aims to produce more chartered accountants from previously disadvantaged groups. And in the past year, 40% of the Faculty's income was used to help cover students' tuition fees."

Special honorary degrees

Turning to the honorary doctorate recipients, De Villiers said they not only exemplified the graduate attributes to be instilled in students, but also the qualities that SU needed to take with it into the future as it entered its second century as a leading university.

Shortly after receiving his honorary doctorate, Prof King told graduates: “Thank you for the honour bestowed on me. It's been a long walk to sustainable development. As professional advisors for your future companies, you will have a professional duty. You will be caretakers of this planet and have the moral duty towards those who come after us to try and leave behind a sustainable planet. You have an important role to play. You spent years at this great university. Do not forget your fellow graduates, as your alumni colleagues will be important to you for the rest of your life."

Accountancy students excel

During the graduation week, the results of the Initial Test of Competence of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) were also announced. The School of Accountancy's BAccHons students of 2017 sat for this external exam in January 2018.

The pass rate of the School's record number of students – 248 – was 94% (in comparison with a countrywide pass rate of 78%). This puts SU and the University of Pretoria jointly in second position among  the 15 SAICA accredited universities in the country. Cape Town University was first with 95%.

Three alumni of the School of Accountancy are among the top 10: Reinhard Arndt (second place), Wini-Louise Myburgh (fifth place) and Helen Denny (sixth place).

Prof Pieter von Wielligh, Acting Director of the School of Accountancy, warmly congratulated the three stars and all successful former students with their outstanding achievements.

• Click here for more information on the recipients of honorary degrees.