| SciMathUS: Double success as twins get second chance | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9764 | | SciMathUS: Double success as twins get second chance | Daniel Bugan | <p></p><p>As the first twins to complete the SciMathUS programme, Rochelle and Jennelle Cloete serve as shining examples to disheartened matric students - that second chances can knock twice on the same door. </p><p>Stellenbosch University's SciMathUS University Preparation Programme gives high school learners who have passed Grade 12 but do not qualify for higher education selection a second opportunity to improve their National Senior Certificate (NSC) results in mathematics, physical sciences and accounting. This will enable them to re-apply for university programmes after they have successfully completed the programme.</p><p>The Eerste River siblings entered the SciMathUS programme in 2019 after discovering that their matric mathematics marks were not good enough to get accepted into SU for their intended course of study – a Bachelor's in Accounting (BAcc).</p><p>Rochelle recalls: “Our accounting teacher at Kleinvlei High School told us about the SciMathUS programme which we could apply for to improve our maths marks. And when we applied, both of us got accepted into the accounting stream."<br></p><p>Jennelle says the year-long programme was everything they hoped for and more.<br></p><p> “We gained a deeper understanding of maths and the basic principles thereof, which we had not had before. Thus, our maths marks improved exponentially. Consequently, we got accepted for our BAcc studies at SU the following year."<br></p><p><strong>BAcc graduates</strong><br></p><p>She says the programme also equipped them with academic literature and thinking skills as well as an introduction to economics and computer literacy skills, “which helped us in our undergraduate year as those basics were integrated in some of the modules for our degree".<br></p><p>Their SciMathUS journey also provided them with some valuable lessons which they do not hesitate to share with the class of 2023. “Do not be afraid to ask questions in class. Ask the lecturer for help if you are unsure about something, be it academic or personal. Stay up to date with your work and do your homework as required."</p><p>The sisters concede that their participation in the programme as twins had its advantages and disadvantages.<br></p><p>“One of the advantages was that we at least had each other in the beginning when the environment was new and strange. This was especially advantageous since we stayed in a hostel during that year for the first time in our lives," says Rochelle.<br></p><p>“One of the disadvantages was that we didn't really deem it necessary to make any new friends as we had each other. But in the end, we did actually make really good friends," says Jennelle.<br></p><p>The pair obtained their BAcc in 2022, but their SU journey is not over yet. Rochelle is planning on completing a postgraduate diploma in accounting this year, while Janelle will attempt her postgraduate studies in 2024. They plan to qualify as Chartered Accountants in the future.<br></p><p>And now, as they stand poised on the cusp of their dreams, the twins are full of gratitude for the SciMathUS programme that gave them the second chance to not only improve their maths marks and pursue their chosen degree, but also to change their lives forever.<br></p><p>"Thank you SciMathUs for helping us to take control of our future, and for making our parents proud of us again."</p> |
| Success takes time, says Matie alumnus | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9690 | | Success takes time, says Matie alumnus | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Being accountable for what you want to achieve in life, was the overriding lesson Jumien Peceur learnt during his year as a student in <a href="https://matiesalumni.com/scimathus/">Stellenbosch University's SciMathUS university preparation programme</a> – a lesson that continues to serve him well to this day.</p><p>Peceur entered the SciMathUS class of 2006 after matriculating from New Orleans High School as, by his own admission, “an average learner with a lack of ambition and drive".<br></p><p>“It dawned on me fairly late that there is a whole world after high school and that this world demands something of me. But I did not have the tools or maturity to identify what I needed to allocate, in terms of time and personal sacrifice, to achieve the requisite grades to enter a university. As a result, my matric results were not good enough to study my choices of either science, engineering or medicine.<br></p><p> “I did not know about SciMathUs until a classmate told me about his sister who completed the programme. I then decided to apply."<br></p><p>He said his SciMathUS journey was an eye-opening experience which taught him that second chances and opportunities are scarce and that you must take advantage of it.<br></p><p> “It was made clear from the start and throughout the entire year, that it was not our right to be there, that it was a privilege and that we were not entitled to it. This was the biggest lesson for me: the fact that the world does not owe me anything and that hard work eventually is rewarded. This concept of personal responsibility changed my outlook on the world."<br></p><p>As a result, Peceur was better prepared for his first year than most first-year students and went on to obtain a BSc in Geology from SU in 2010.<br></p><p> “I started my career the following year (2011) at a petroleum resource regulating agency. Thereafter I moved to a mineral processing company where I started out as an intern and over the next 10 years worked myself up the corporate ladder into a senior management role. I'm currently the general manager at this organisation."<br></p><p><strong>'It is our duty to make sure that programmes such as SciMathUs thrive'</strong><br></p><p>But he said the challenges in the corporate world were and continue to be immense.<br></p><p>“I entered the labour market with ideas of grandeur and arrogance but was soon reminded that I had no experience or pedigree to fall back on. I felt exactly the same way as I did after high school, an average graduate with nothing but a piece of paper to my name. But this time, however, thanks to SciMathUs, I had the tools and maturity to put my head down and put in the work, which I continue to do."<br></p><p>It is this mantra of hard work paying off which he wants to pass on to those who want to leave their mark on the world.<br></p><p>“The saying, '10% inspiration and 90% perspiration', holds true. You have to put in the work to become what you dream of being. Let the ego go sometimes because nine times out of 10, it won't do you any good. Get to know yourself and realise that success does not happen overnight. It takes time."<br></p><p>He also appealed to SciMathUS alumni to do their bit to plough back into the programme.<br></p><p> “We know what SciMathUs has done for us and we know how our lives and the lives of our families have changed as a direct result of being given a second chance. We also know what SciMathUs does for the country, by adding productive, ambitious, nation builders to our society. It is our duty to make sure that programmes such as SciMathUs thrive so that each new generation of South Africans have the opportunity that we had. Let's honour this duty by donating to this programme in any way we can. “<br></p><p>The Paarl native is currently studying towards an MSc in Economic Geology and is also a registered professional natural scientist. </p><ul><li><a href="https://matiesalumni.com/scimathus/" target="_blank">Click here to learn more about the #ChangingLives campaign.</a><br></li></ul><span></span><p><br></p> |
| Let's pay it forward! | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9691 | | Let's pay it forward! | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>For 28-year-old Matie alumnus Jazz Rampen, supporting Stellenbosch University's Bridge the Gap (BTG) campaign meant playing his part in contributing to a brighter future for talented young Matie students.</p><p>“Personally, I strongly feel that all people should have equal access to education, therefore I was very happy to make my donation," he says.</p><p>BTG was established in 2021 and invites alumni, the student community, staff, parents, and friends of the University to support students in overcoming the financial obstacles blocking their path to success. The aim of the campaign is to close the gap between talent and financial need and to make a tangible difference in the lives of students.</p><p>The University is raising funds for various initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include: #Move4Food and the Tygerberg Pantry Project to curb student hunger; #Action4Inclusion, #GradMe, Caught in the Middle, and #Zim4Zim to clear outstanding student debt; #EndPeriodPoverty to make sanitary hygiene products available to students who cannot afford them; and #MatiesHaveDrive to provide driver training for students who require a driving licence in order to get a job. Supporters can choose which priority initiative they would like to support, whether that is a particular initiative or the Fund in general.</p><p>Jazz, who works as a learning consultant in sustainability for a Dutch bank, says being compassionate and sharing with others are values that his parents passed on to him.</p><p>“Growing up I saw my parents caring for others and giving away their tithes to the church. Now that I am in a place where I am able to give and contribute to society, I feel that it is my duty to do so. I generally contribute to initiatives I feel a connection with and in this case, the BTG Fund ticked all the boxes."</p><p>His message to fellow alumni is to make that leap and pay it forward. “I was surprised by the variety of initiatives within the BTG campaign. I would therefore recommend you all to have a look, I am confident that there is an initiative close to your heart as well."<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Education 'provides a basis for the future' | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9692 | | Education 'provides a basis for the future' | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>Matie alumna Karlijne Van Bree knows the value of a good education and wants to make sure such privilege is extended to fellow Matie students. And that is the reason why she has donated to Stellenbosch University's Bridge the Gap (BTG) campaign, says Karlijne.<br></p><p>BTG is the University's annual fundraising campaign that was launched in 2021. The campaign invites alumni, the student community, staff, parents, and friends of the University to support our students in overcoming the financial obstacles blocking their path to success. The aim of the campaign is to close the gap between talent and financial need and make a tangible difference in the lives of Matie students.<br></p><p>The University is raising funds for various initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include: #Move4Food and the Tygerberg Pantry Project to curb student hunger; #Action4Inclusion, #GradMe, Caught in the Middle, and #Zim4Zim to clear outstanding student debt; #EndPeriodPoverty to make sanitary hygiene products available to students who cannot afford them; and #MatiesHaveDrive to provide driver training for students who require a driving licence in order to get a job. Supporters can choose which priority initiative they would like to support, whether that is a particular initiative or the Fund in general. </p><p>Karlijne, who is a councillor in Grimbergen, Belgium, says the experiences she acquired, both academically and personally, will stay with her for the rest of her life. </p><p>“In 2001, I was able to study for one year at Stellenbosch University. Before that, I had worked for three years as a trainee attorney in a law firm in Flanders, but it was actually already a childhood wish to study in South Africa one day. Both the country and Afrikaans appealed to me and the university in Stellenbosch seemed like an environment where I could feel at home. Indeed, I found friends for life."<br></p><p>Karlijne says she studied mainly private international law and gained a lot of knowledge that enabled her quickly to find work at the Ministry of Justice in Brussels. “For 15 years, I was able to put the theory I had gained about international child abduction into practice."<br></p><p>She believes education and the acquisition of theoretical knowledge are important for a person's development. “It provides a basis for the future and helps many to become self-reliant in life by making it easier to find a job or become more self-confident.<br></p><p>“By making this donation, I hope to have been able to help at least one person receive or obtain an education at Stellenbosch University. In this way, I hope to have been a small link in the larger BTG project, and who knows, perhaps one day the student who has been assisted will be able to contribute to others."<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Prof Thuli visits the United Kingdom | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9669 | | Prof Thuli visits the United Kingdom | Darryn Havenga | <p></p><p>It is not every day that the opportunity arises to spend time in the company of great South Africans, who are not just currently doing great things for our country and her people, but have a tried and tested track record of always working to improve our country and the living situations of all her people. Such an opportunity came along this past September, for me and hundreds of fellow South Africans and members of the British public, when Professor Thuli Madonsela joined the Development and Alumni Relations Office in visiting various constituencies in the United Kingdom (UK).</p><p>When asking Prof Thuli what her thoughts were on talking about social justice to a UK community, Prof Thuli had this to say: <em>“I am looking forward to speaking in the UK and engaging with the UK community on the topic of social justice. In this fast-moving world, most societies, and political regimes, including those founded on democratic principles and ideals, struggle to achieve and maintain a balance between individual freedom and social justice. As we face increased economic and social pressures, inequality is expanding across all societies and so the need for social justice strengthens, and we must come together to find solutions."</em></p><p>It is uncanny, really, that what had been an occasion planned for the last three years, when finally set in motion, coincided with the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension to the throne of His Majesty King Charles III. </p><p>For us as South Africans, for Prof Thuli and our alumni, it was surreal that two of our events intersected – really making our time together one of true reflection as we were surrounded by these historic moments happening in a country not our own, but with whom we share a long and complicated history. </p><p>Our time with Prof Thuli began the Saturday that the Privy Council proclaimed Prince Charles as King – it was at this time that Prof Thuli along with 20 of the university's alumni were walking down the Pall Mall to Green Park, and happened to pass St. James' Palace. Unbeknownst to us, this was where the Privy Council and the future king of the United Kingdom would be. Well, we might not have known this, but the tens of thousands of other Londoners and visitors did –so even as we were taking a social walk with Prof Thuli to discuss #Action4Inclusion and social justice, we inadvertently got caught up in a moment of history – a poignant reminder to all of us on the walk of the work that Prof Thuli is engaged in at Stellenbosch University.</p><p>Later in Green Park, an opportunity to gather and reflect took place in the memorial garden set up for the public to pay their respects to the late queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – and again the moment will be etched in our memories, tied in with this historical moment of reflection as Prof Thuli spoke with us about what social justice is, why social justice is important and how imbalances create social dissolution and economic problems.</p><p>Our visit with Prof Thuli in the UK continued Monday morning bright and early at the SA Chamber of Commerce business breakfast hosted by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, where Prof Thuli engaged with the in-person and online audience around the topic “What is Social Justice?". </p><p>Keeping Prof Thuli busy, we quickly moved on from the business breakfast to an intimate luncheon with donors of Stellenbosch University and Trustees of the SU Foundation in the UK – where the conversation centred on the work of the soon-to-be-launched Centre for Social Justice.</p><p>That evening, as the guest of Prof Adam Habib and the School of Oriental and African Studies<strong> </strong>(SOAS) University of London, Prof Thuli gave a public lecture in the Brunei Gallery as part of the Director's Lecture Series to guests of the SOAS and our alumni living in London. The lecture, “The Meaning of Social Justice", struck a positive chord and is available online.</p><p>Our time with Prof Thuli ended in Edinburgh as guests of the WS Society. The Society of Writers to His Majesty's Signet (known as the WS Society) (Scottish charity SC050987) is the incorporated body of Scottish lawyers that is more than 500 years old. They are one of the oldest incorporated bodies for public benefit in Scotland.</p><p>It was on this day and occasion that our second moment of being part of a historic moment occurred. The queen's body was lying in state in St Giles Cathedral, which was just across from our hotel. As we arrived in Edinburgh, unable to use taxis to get to our hotel, the four of us travellers from Stellenbosch traipsed up the Royal Mile (this in itself was a sight to behold if you know how steep that hill is). Unbeknownst to us, at that same time, Her Majesty's body would be departing St Giles Cathedral and be driven down the Royal Mile to be brought down to London. And so we found ourselves being part of extraordinary historic moments on both sides of this trip.</p><p>With so many exciting and contemplative things happening, we could not have asked for a better way to end our trip in the UK with Prof Thuli than by spending the evening with Prof Thuli as guests of the WS Society. Acclaimed international journalist, Meera Selva, spent time with Prof Thuli on the couch talking about the role of the media and the law fraternity in ensuring the safeguards of democracy and social justice. What really set the scene and tone for the evening was a group of young law interns who got to spend some quality Q&A time with Prof Thuli before the event started, and the welcoming address delivered by Lady Dorian, a Scottish advocate and judge who has served as the Lord Justice Clerk since 2016. She is the first woman to hold the position.</p><p>We embarked on this UK journey with the purpose of finding out what can we do in a world where the enormous gap in the distribution of wealth, income and public benefits is growing ever wider, reflecting a general trend that is morally unfair, politically unwise, and economically unsound. Injustices at international level have also produced a parallel increase in inequality between affluent and poor countries.</p><p>How do we then address existing inequalities? Is the nature, legitimacy and use of power fully understood by those who are privileged to hold political and administrative power globally? What is their understanding of self-interest, enlightened self-interest, general interest and the common good? What can each of us do to reduce inequalities in matters within our control such as student debt? These are the questions we asked of all our audiences across the UK in these few days.</p><p>One can only believe in the best of humanity and trust that each one of the 500 people we encountered on this trip and who heard the message will do their best to help create a just world for all.</p><ul><li>If you would like to support the projects that are close to the heart of Prof Thuli Madonsela then join her by donating to the #Action4Inclusion Fund at <a href="https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/Stellenbosch-University-SA-Foundation-UK/action4inclusion"><strong>https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/Stellenbosch-University-SA-Foundation-UK/action4inclusion</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li></ul><p><br></p> |
| Thank you, Maties | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9670 | | Thank you, Maties | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Our donors are truly amazing, and amongst our donors in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland are many, many Maties who are giving generously to support their alma mater and students through bursaries and other support to ensure that all students at Stellenbosch University have access to whatever is needed to be successful.<br></p><p>Between January and November 2022, our Maties, friends and donors in the UK and Ireland have donated more than R25m to various projects and bursaries at Stellenbosch University. I am humbled by the generosity of our donors and if you have not yet become one of our donors, it is never too late to give and make a difference – one Matie to another!</p><p>You can make a tax incentive gift to Stellenbosch University through the Stellenbosch University SA Foundation UK (Charity # 1107297). For UK taxpayers, your gift is even topped up with an additional 25% by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) if you Gift Aid it. No donation is too small to make a difference.</p><p>For one-off giving, please click on the link below:</p><ul><li> For bursary support you <a href="https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/Stellenbosch-University-SA-Foundation-UK/stellenboschuni" target="_blank"><strong>can donate here</strong></a><strong>. </strong><br></li></ul><ul><li>To support one of the eight Bridge the Gap projects, you can <a href="https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/Stellenbosch-University-SA-Foundation-UK/btg" target="_blank"><strong>donate here. </strong></a><br></li></ul><p>If you or your company would like to be more substantially involved in supporting bursaries at Stellenbosch University, then please email me and we can arrange a meeting to find out what you had in mind and how we can match your giving need to a priority project at Stellenbosch University.<br></p><p>If you are like some of our Maties, such as those mentioned in my opening article who cycled the London to Brighton, you may want to be part of the 2023 London to Brighton Maties Cycle Team, and raise funds through cycling, then drop me an email and I will give you the information you need to register.</p><p>Thank you, Maties. You are all amazing and incredible individuals and together we can make a difference to our country and her future, the youth, and the Maties of tomorrow.</p> |
| 'An opportunity to make a difference' | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9666 | | 'An opportunity to make a difference' | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>When Maties Frederik Schutyser and Rachel Spichiger saw an opportunity to support students at their alma mater, they did not hesitate. Towards the end of 2021, they decided to make a donation to Stellenbosch University's Bridge the Gap (BTG) campaign. </p><p>BTG, which was launched in 2021, aims to remove the obstacles that are hindering Maties from having a meaningful student experience and obtaining that sought-after degree. </p><p>The University is raising funds for various initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include: #Move4Food and the Tygerberg Pantry Project to curb student hunger; #Action4Inclusion, #GradMe, Caught in the Middle, and #Zim4Zim to clear outstanding student debt; #EndPeriodPoverty to make sanitary hygiene products available to students who cannot afford them; and #MatiesHaveDrive to provide driver training for students who require a driving licence in order to get a job. Supporters can choose which priority initiative they would like to support, whether that is a particular initiative or the Fund in general. </p><p>“This Fund provided a very real and concrete opportunity to make a difference," Frederik and Rachel said. The two, who met in Stellenbosch in 1997 when Rachel was on an exchange term studying literature and Frederik was studying towards his LLM, said they are very conscious of the importance of a quality education and were happy to do their part by making a contribution.</p><p>“We want students to enjoy their unique journey without undue stress and graduate with peace of mind. Our journey led us from Botswana to Zambia and from Switzerland to Denmark, before we settled in Brussels in 2011.</p><p>“We are currently working at the European Commission [Rachel in international partnerships, and Frederik in humanitarian aid] and we both have the desire to pay it forward. If we can play just a small part in helping a student reach his or her full potential, it will be wonderful!"<br></p><p><br></p> |
| PhD graduate crosses graduation stage on his 30th birthday | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9628 | | PhD graduate crosses graduation stage on his 30th birthday | Sonika Lamprecht / Photo: Stefan Els | <p style="text-align:justify;">Monday 5 December 2022 was a big day for Dr Hillary Chibaya. Not only did he cross the graduation stage to receive his doctoral degree from Stellenbosch University (SU) but he also did so on his 30<sup>th</sup> birthday.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I am excited to graduate on my birthday. Individually, they are precious events. To be able to celebrate both of these with my family and friends is simply priceless."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Chibaya grew up in Harare, Zimbabwe together with his younger brother and two sisters. He went to Moleli High School near the town of Norton, about 80 km from Harare. His interest in and understanding of the social interactions among people coupled with a passion to assist those without substantial means, led him to persue Social Work as a field of study.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">It was his grandmother, Dr Chipo Mutyambizi, who advised him to study at Stellenbosch University. “While I was trying to decide on a university to attend, she was completing her Master's in Economics at SU. She was convinced SU was the best fit for my intended degree programme, as well as my sheer ambition. Almost nine years later, I am inclined to agree with her." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">His research topic centres around understanding the opinions of social workers on their perceived roles in social protest actions. “As a researcher, I had an avid curiosity to understand the complex and intricate workings of how people decide to join one another, and collectively decide to pursue respective social change efforts," Chibaya explains. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">But pursuing a doctoral study is inherently challenging on one's mental, social and emotional dimensions says Chibaya. “Without proper guidance and mentorship, the sheer complexity of the task is enough to drive one into depression. The long hours it demands of you can easily leave you without any friends or companions. When you couple all that with a lack of adequate financial means, it is overwhelmingly impossible."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">However, he was fortunate have a “brilliant supervisor and outstanding mentor" in Prof Lambert Engelbrecht. “Over the past four years, he has guided and directed me in every stage of my research study. Owing to him and the Social Work Department, I received scholarships to fund my doctoral study. A special thank you to Dianne Orton and Gordon Howard who supported me financially."</p><p>Orton, also a social worker, says, “We have met Hillary on two different occasions and were impressed with his sincerity, intelligence, determinism and future ambitions. His career will be a joy to follow and as I understand it, he is well on his way to making a mark in the social work profession." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Chibaya is also full of praise for his parents and siblings, whose support has always been “indispensable" in his academic career. “They were my stronghold during my lowest moments and kept me measured during the small victories."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Chibaya is convinced that discipline and a measured, well-balanced approach to his studies was the key to his success. “I had both long and short term goals carefully spread out across the intended timeline to complete the study." Despite the demands of his research, Chibaya participated in activities such as Toastmasters and exercised regularly. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">For the past three months, he has been completing an Erasmus+ post-doctoral programme in Trento, Italy. This programme entailed co-authoring research articles with Engelbrecht and Prof Alessandro Sicora from Trento University. He also facilitated seminars and workshops on social work and social action at the Universities of Turin and Trento and attended workshops on various topics within social work and practice research. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">After almost a decade at Maties, Stellenbosch feels like home to him. “I have met friends who have since become family to me. Together, we explored the Winelands, which I highly recommend. I have also been on many scenic hikes with some unforgettable views."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">But he will soon be waving the vineyards of Stellenbosch farewell as he is heading to Canada next year for a post-doctoral programme at the University of Montreal. “Beyond that, I will further my research on social action for human rights and social justice in social work," says Chibaya. “Perhaps I will become a professor of social work one day. I love Stellenbosch, so maybe I will come back and lecture at the SU."</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>More about the donors</strong></p><p>Howard and Orton live in Iowa in the United States. Orton, a social worker by profession, was on a faculty exchange programme through the University of Missouri and the University of the Western Cape in 2000 when she met Dr Sulina Green, then the Director of the Social Work Program at SU. “It was through that association that I decided to pursue my doctorate at Stellenbosch with Green as my mentor and supervisor. I graduated in 2007. Prof Lambert Engelbrecht was a member of my dissertation committee." </p><p>The couple has been to South Africa and especially to Stellenbosch many times and have become friends with many of the faculty members. “We found there was a need for student support, so we decided to donate in the area of student scholarships. Engelbrecht recommended Chibaya as a deserving student. After reviewing his information, we decided to provide financial support for his studies. </p><p>“Student support in the form of academic scholarships is our passion. We hope to continue to help support the department and its students in the future. Stellenbosch is truly a world class institution and I am grateful to be an alum and donor," Orton adds.<br></p> |
| Several outstanding individuals to receive SU honorary doctorates | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9567 | | Several outstanding individuals to receive SU honorary doctorates | Corporate Communication and Marketing Division / Afdeling Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p>From pioneering the mobile technology industry in Africa to driving the development of local community newspapers during the time of resistance to apartheid, the latest cohort to receive honorary doctorates from Stellenbosch University (SU) have all made a positive impact in their respective fields. <br></p><p>The University is proud to announce that five distinguished individuals will be awarded this highest accolade of SU in the 2022 graduation cycle. </p><p>The five recipients are Prof Ernest Aryeetey, the founding secretary-general of the African Research Universities Alliance; Ms Zubeida Jaffer, an award-winning South African journalist, author and activist; Mr Strive Masiyiwa, founder and executive chairman of telecommunications group Econet Global Ltd; Prof Kenneth Shropshire, founding chief executive of the Global Sport Institute at Arizona State University, and Mr Thomas Dreyer (Tommie) van Zyl, chief executive of the ZZ2 farming enterprise and fresh-produce company. </p><p>Their steadfast commitment to changing people's lives for the better resonates strongly with the University's vision of not only promoting excellence, inclusion and innovation, but also advancing social engagement and reciprocal knowledge-sharing for the benefit of society. </p><p>“The five recipients of honorary doctorates this year are exceptional individuals who have contributed significantly not only to their immediate communities, but also to the world at large," says Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor. “Their achievements speak for themselves, and the University is proud to be associated with them." </p><p>Four of the recipients – Jaffer, Masiyiwa, Van Zyl and Aryeetey – will be awarded their honorary doctorates at the University's end-of-year graduation week, which takes place from 5 to 9 December 2022. Shropshire will be awarded his honorary doctorate in 2023. </p><p>In addition, honorary doctorates will be awarded to recipients who were announced previously. They are Prof Agnes Binagwaho, the vice-chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity and former health minister of Rwanda, and Prof Vikram Patel, the Pershing Square Professor of Global Health at Harvard Medical School. Binagwaho's doctorate will be conferred in absentia. </p><p><strong>More about the recipients and their honorary doctorates</strong> </p><p><strong>Prof Ernest Aryeetey:</strong></p><p>Aryeetey will be awarded the degree Doctor of Commerce (DCom), <em>honoris causa</em>. The former vice-chancellor of the University of Ghana, Aryeetey is the founding secretary-general of the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA), a network of universities that focus on building research capacity on the continent. Following the establishment of ARUA, he spearheaded the identification of 13 research areas to facilitate interdisciplinary research collaboration and created 11 ARUA centres of excellence. </p><p><strong>Ms Zubeida Jaffer:</strong></p><p>An award-winning South African journalist, author and activist, Jaffer will be awarded the degree Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), <em>honoris causa</em>. She started her career at the <em>Cape Times</em> daily newspaper in 1980 and went on to help develop local community newspapers such as <em>Grassroots</em> during the time of resistance to apartheid. She was also the founding editor of Independent Newspapers' parliamentary bureau, serving 14 newspapers across South Africa. Jaffer is the first woman in Africa to have won the coveted foreign journalist award from the National Association of Black Journalists in the United States. </p><p><strong> Mr Strive Masiyiwa:</strong></p><p>The founder and executive chairman of the South African-based, diversified international telecommunications group Econet Global Ltd, Masiyiwa will be awarded the degree Doctor of Engineering (DEng), <em>honoris causa</em>. He is considered one of the pioneers of the mobile telecoms industry in Africa. He served on the African Union reform task force who paved the way for the African Continental Free Trade Area and the creation of the SMART Africa digital transformation initiative. In 2020, he was named one of Bloomberg's 50 most influential people and <em>Mail & Guardian</em>'s 100 Africans of the year. In 2014, 2017 and 2021, Masiyiwa was also included in <em>Fortune </em>magazine's list of the world's 50 greatest leaders. </p><p><strong>Prof Kenneth Shropshire:</strong><br></p><p>The degree Doctor of Commerce (DCom), <em>honoris causa</em>, will be awarded to Shropshire, founding chief executive of the Global Sport Institute and the Adidas Distinguished Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University. He currently serves as managing director of the Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity at the University of Pennsylvania. His career spans over 40 years as a professor, business consultant, author and lawyer. Shropshire has done pioneering work on a wide range of sport-related issues, including leading a global sporting event, stadium and arena construction and financing, the relocation of sport franchises, the transition of athletes from the playing field into business, and diversity in sport. </p><p><strong>Mr Thomas Dreyer (Tommie) van Zyl:</strong></p><p>Van Zyl will be awarded the degree Doctor of Agriculture (DAgric), <em>honoris causa</em>. He has been at the helm of the ZZ2 farming enterprise and fresh-produce company for more than 20 years. The group comprises various independent companies managed under the ZZ2 umbrella and is a megaproducer of tomatoes, avocados, blueberries, cherries, dates and nuts. The company is a significant contributor to the socioeconomic development of South Africa, creating multiple employment opportunities. Van Zyl is considered a global agricultural thought-leader and has been sharing the stage with peers deliberating on innovation and the future of the sector. He believes that entrepreneurship is imperative to create sustainable economic value. </p><p><strong>Recipients announced earlier:</strong> </p><p><strong>Prof Agnes Binagwaho</strong>, a Rwandan paediatrician who has made remarkable contributions to improving the health and wellbeing of people in Rwanda and in the rest of Africa, will receive the degree Doctor of Science (DSc) (Medicine and Health Sciences), <em>honoris causa</em>. This former health minister of Rwanda has been at the forefront of the battle against HIV/Aids and the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer. She has held key advisory positions at the World Health Organisation and the United Nations. Her passion for health equity contributed to the establishment of the University of Global Health Equity, the first of its kind in Africa. She is also a senior lecturer at Harvard. </p><p><strong>Prof Vikram Patel</strong>, a psychiatrist and mental health expert, will be awarded the degree Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil), <em>honoris causa</em>. He is a leading figure in the global mental health movement, and a key contributor to the promotion of mental health, the prevention of mental disorders and the advancement of child development in low and middle-income countries. He is the Pershing Square Professor of Global Health in the Blavatnik Institute's Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. In 2015, Patel was included in <em>Time</em> magazine's list of 100 most influential people of the year.</p> |
| Thank you! | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=9529 | | Thank you! | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>“Our Stellenbosch University community has once again shown that we are a caring global Matie community, and everyone is willing to go the extra mile for our students. Thank you so much to each and every staff member, to our alumni, the friends of the University and to our students who have donated and taken part in the University's annual Giving Day. Together we make a huge difference." <br></p><p>These were the words of Karen Bruns, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations, after yet another successful Giving Day held on the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses.</p><p>Giving Day forms part of the <a href="https://www.matiesalumni.com/bridge-the-gap-annual-fund/"><strong>Annual Fund, Bridge the Gap</strong></a> (BTG)<span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>,</strong></span> that aims to remove the obstacles that are hindering Maties from having a meaningful student experience and obtaining that sought-after degree. The University is raising funds for several initiatives under the umbrella of BTG. These include, <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/su100/"><strong>#Move4Food</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/tygerberg-pantry-project/"><strong>the Tygerberg Pantry Project</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/"><strong>#Action4Inclusion</strong></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>, </strong></span><a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/gradme/"><strong>#GradMe</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/zim4zim/"><strong>#Zim4Zim</strong></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>, </strong></span><a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/end-period-poverty/"><strong>End Period Poverty</strong></a><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>, </strong></span><a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/matieshavedrive/"><strong>#MatiesHaveDrive</strong></a> and <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/caught-in-the-middle/"><strong>Caught in the Middle.</strong></a></p><p>Giving Day 2022 activities included a movie marathon at the newly revamped Neelsie Cinema, a spin-a-thon, a table tennis tournament, a tree decorating competition for residences and PSO's, an art exhibition and art sale, and a Matie run. Also part of the activities was the Faculty Trolley Challenge which was set in motion during last year's Giving Day when the Dean of Engineering Wikus van Niekerk and the Dean of AgriSciences Danie Brink set about raising funds for the Tygerberg Pantry Project. The aim of the Faculty Trolley Challenge is to collect non-perishable food, sanitary products, toiletries and funds for students in need.</p><p>This year eight faculties took on the challenge and managed to collect more than 15 000 non-perishable food items, sanitary and toiletry products. "There was some stiff competition among faculties this year, but in the end our Faculty of AgriSciences was officially crowned as our 2022 Faculty Trolley Challenge winner," said Viwe Benxa, BTG ambassador.</p><p>"It was really a massive team effort within our faculty. Everybody – lecturers, technical staff, support staff, assistants, our students, and dean of the faculty, came together and made this happen," added AgriSciences' Bongiwe Mhlongo. </p><p>Benxa said more than 100 donations were received via the various giving platforms. "In the meantime, all the non-perishable food items, sanitary and toiletry products have already been dropped off at the social workers' offices in Stellenbosch and at Tygerberg. </p><p>"Thanks to all the Giving Day supporters, we are now able to supply food parcels and toiletry packs to assist our students in the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 – peak periods of need among our students," said Benxa. </p><p>He added: “Giving Day 2022 is done and dusted, but there are still plenty of opportunity to get involved. Perhaps consider donating the cost of your weekly coffee or take-away lunches to any of the BTG priorities. Birthday coming up? Ask your friends to donate to BTG instead of buying a birthday present. Want to get fit? Take on the open road, but first set up a fundraising page on GivenGain and ask your network to sponsor a kilometre or two. It's all up to you!" </p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-embedcode ms-rte-embedil ms-rtestate-notify"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BZ0BLk9NRcI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p><br></p><ul><li>The next Giving Day is <strong>5 to 6 October 2023</strong>. For more information go to <a href="https://matiesalumni.com/bridge-the-gap-annual-fund/"><strong>https://matiesalumni.com/bridge-the-gap-annual-fund/</strong></a><strong> </strong><br></li></ul><p><br></p> |
