Stellenbosch University
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Rebranding SU together
Author: Prof Hester Klopper Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs / Viserektor: Strategie, Globale en Korporatiewe Sake
Published: 04/10/2021

Dear colleagues and students

The rebranding of Stellenbosch University (SU) is making steady progress. Let me bring you up to speed on the numerous developments since my last communique.

Use of the new logo
Since the
logo reveal in April 2021, our branding team has been following a detailed project implementation plan. We have thousands of brand assets, so prioritisation is key, and a phased roll-out is under way. We are busy finalising the brand manual, after which the first roll-out phase will be activated. Until then, we’ll continue using the current SU (Centenary) logo.

Coherent brand architecture

On 14 June 2021, the Rectorate approved our new, uniform brand architecture, which we have been finetuning ever since. This new architecture includes all our diverse SU entities in a coherent, communicable way, ensuring that we exist harmoniously under one brand, while clearly differentiating ourselves from other market players.


Ceremonial version of the new logo
On 27 September 2021, Council reaffirmed its commitment to a uniform brand for our University by ratifying the recommendation of its Executive Committee to replace the current heraldic crest with a ceremonial version of the new logo.

The ceremonial version will be used for formal ceremonial purposes and as our registered accreditation mark on degree certificates. As a visual and symbolic continuation of the new logo, it will send a coherent message about our commitment to transformation in pursuing Vision 2040.

A suggested design will be tabled at the Council meeting scheduled for 2 December 2021, for consideration and approval. Before then, however, SU structures such as the Rectorate, Institutional Transformation Committee, Visual Redress Committee, Institutional Forum and Students’ Representative Council will be duly consulted.

Rebranding information sessions
During October 2021, the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division will engage with entities across our institution to prepare for the planned implementation of our new brand identity. These engagements will focus on the details of the new brand positioning strategy and brand identity, the nuts and bolts of the coherent brand architecture and visual identities, and the roll-out and implementation.

Woordfees advertisements
In the week of 1 to 7 October 2021, our new brand identity will make its television debut in an advertisement​
that will air on the Toyota SU Woordfees pop-up channel on DStv (channel 150). It has also been used in a print advertisement that recently appeared in a related newspaper supplement.

The opportunity to showcase our new brand identity in what will be South Africa’s first-ever television-based arts festival is an ideal opportunity to share our historic rebranding with our stakeholders and the broader public. Let’s all tune in and share in this milestone. Click
here for more information.

Thank you
As we approach the final stretch of this historic journey, I would like to thank each and every member of the University community who have contributed to our new brand positioning and logo.

Best regards
Prof Hester Klopper
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs


If you have any questions, please reach out to the branding team at branding@sun.ac.za.