​“Our vision is to become Africa's leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society," said Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), today (Tuesday 24 July 2018). He spoke at a staff assembly on the Stellenbosch campus where SU's new Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024​​ was launched.

In his speech, De Villiers said the launch of this new guiding document, which replaces SU's existing Institutional Intent and Strategy 2013-2018, is a very exciting moment for the University.

“With our new Vision and Strategic Framework, Stellenbosch University is showing its commitment to being relevant to our context and of service to our country and continent – an inclusive, world-class university in and for Africa."​

• Cellphone users click here ​for video
  

“It is our generation's contribution to the unfolding story of our University; our legacy for future generations."

“In the year of our Centenary – as we look back on 100 years of history – we are also looking ahead to the future, figuring out where we want to go as an institution, and making plans to get us there."

De Villiers pointed out that the new Vision and Strategic Framework was developed against the backdrop of South Africa's National Development Plan, the African Union's Vision 2063 and the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. It is the outcome of an inclusive, consultative process involving various stakeholders throughout the University – from staff and students to members of Council.

To achieve its new vision, SU will pursue the following six core strategic themes: delivering a student experience that is transformative; following a teaching and learning approach that is networked and collaborative; conducting research aimed at impact; establishing purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks; becoming the employer of choice in the higher-education sector; and making SU a thriving institution overall.

The new Vision and Strategic Framework will implemented in three phases. Phase 1 focused on the development process leading up to the launch, Phase 2 will be uptake thereof throughout the university and Phase 3 will be alignment of existing policies, processes and procedures with the new Vision and Strategic Framework.

De Villiers said the University does not want to pay lipservice to its new Vision and Strategic Framework, but wants it to make a difference not just for the institution but also for society at large.

In this regard, he urged the entire university community to help make it a reality.

“We need to now take this document and engage with it in our various environments. To flesh it out and give it meaning. To make it a living document – with each staff member and student walking the talk."

De Villiers thanked Prof Hester Klopper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy and Internationalisation, who managed the entire process. Klopper also made a presentation about the new Vision and Strategice Framework and said the challenge for the university community is to determine what we need to change and to align to make us a more agile, adapative and responsive organisation.​​ 

De Villiers also paid tribute to his predecessors, Profs Andreas van Wyk, Chris Brink and Russel Botman who, through their own institutional plans, helped SU to become a leading university that makes a valuable contribution to society.

• Main photo: Prof Wim de Villiers addresses staff at the assembly.
  
• Photo 1: Some of the staff members who attended the event.
  
• Photographer: Stefan Els