| "Woordfees" would like to broaden perspectives all over Stellenbosch | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10211 | | "Woordfees" would like to broaden perspectives all over Stellenbosch | Toyota US Woordfees | <p><br></p><div>
<strong>The 2023 Toyota SU Woordfees would like to challenge and inspire staff, students, alumni and visitors to explore new perspectives of our lived worlds. The Woordfees programme offers a rich variety of opportunities, not only to escape into worlds of beauty, humour and drama, but also to reflect on the complexity of our realities.</strong></div><div>
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</div><div>The Toyota SU Woordfees takes place in and around Stellenbosch and on campus from 7 to 15 October. With 640 unique presentations in 14 genres the Woordfees is one of the biggest arts festivals in Africa. Productions are offered across 50 venues across various communities including Jamestown, Idas Valley, Kayamandi and in the heart of our own campus. The University will welcome festivalgoers, alumni, students and staff to the Victoria Hub, the Endler and Fismer Halls, the Adam Small Theatre Complex and the Eendrag Theatre.</div><div>
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<strong>Social Impact and Transformation</strong></div><div>The Toyota SU Woordfees resides within the Social Impact, Transformation and Staff Responsibility Centre at Stellenbosch University (SU). Since its inception, the Woordfees has been an important contributor to the ways in which we give shape to the University’s commitment to be of service to society and to offer a transformative experience.</div><div>
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</div><div>This commitment to a transformative experience is reflected in the topics and genres on the festival programme; the way in which the town and community are involved in festival activities; the development imperatives that drive the programme; and the ways in which these impact on the lives and experiences of all the residents of Stellenbosch.</div><div>
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</div><div>The arts are critical contributors to building social cohesion together with strong, resilient societies that are founded on understanding, cooperation and mutual respect. Through the arts, the bond between individuals and communities is strengthened and a sense of our enduring human connection is reinforced. The arts are often a catalyst for change and social awareness, bringing to the fore complex themes, calling attention to social injustice, and fostering dialogue on burning issues.</div><div>
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</div><div>The schools outreach initiative of the Woordfees, the WOW project, celebrates 20 years this year. It has reached over one million learners and their teachers with projects that promote reading and language literacy. More than 1 000 schools across South Africa have already signed up for the multilingual WOW Spelling Festival, which is presented annually with the support of Sanlam. WOW and SU also offer 35-50 scholarships to learners each year and provide several other programmes that support and assist students from underserved communities to realise their dream of becoming a student at SU.</div><div>
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</div><div><strong>The festival programme: Something for everyone</strong></div><div>During the run of the festival (7-15 October), the Toyota SU Woordfees offers a wide-ranging programme of book discussions, theatre, classical music, choral performances, pop, folk, rock, jazz, hip-hop, current affairs discussions, comedy, dance, art, films, and everything that can be enjoyed in the Winelands. </div><div>
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</div><div>The<span style="text-decoration:underline;"> </span><a href="https://woordfees.co.za/en/program/" style="text-decoration:underline;">complete festival guide </a>is available here, in the form of a PDF in both Afrikaans and English. These can be downloaded free of charge. Tickets can be bought via <a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/organisers/55878-toyota-us-woordfees" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;">Quicket</a>.<br></div><div>
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</div><div>If at first glance, the sheer volume of offerings seems overwhelming, please visit <a href="https://woordfees.co.za/en/recommendations/" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;">this page</a> where you will find tips and recommendations to help your festival choices. <br></div><div>
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<strong>For people who are not fluent in Afrikaans</strong></div><div>The Woordfees also offers a variety of items for friends and colleagues who may not understand or be fluent in Afrikaans. The 70 films from 20 countries shown at the Neelsie Cinema all have English subtitles. The items that make up the music, dance and visual art programmes mostly do not require any knowledge of Afrikaans. For more tips on theatre productions in English, see the “My friends don’t understand Afrikaans but want to try the Woordfees” section on the recommendation page.</div><div>
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</div><div>For example, the short documentary, Langafstand [Long Distance], about Deon-Lee Hendricks of Cloestesville, is shown twice for free in the Neelsie Cinema. It has recently been awarded a Silver Screen Award for best direction. Don’t miss this inspiring film about Deon-Lee’s preparation for the cross-country trials in Australia.</div><div>
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</div><div>The acclaimed Maynardville production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a delightful, fresh, young take on Shakespeare’s breezy play about love and the trouble it can cause and can be seen at the Oude Libertas Amphitheatre.</div><div>
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<strong>Special tickets</strong></div><div>SU staff will get discounts on 67 festival productions. Various other discount packages are also available, with reduced prices for students and pensioners. The Bly Vrydag [Happy Friday] initiative also offers reduced prices on tickets to select productions so that as many people as possible who live in and around Stellenbosch can join the festivities. </div><div>
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</div><div>For general enquiries, contact the Woordfees office at: 064 815 6418.</div><div>
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<strong>Bubble</strong></div><div>The Woordfees theme for 2023 is “Bubble”, which encompasses a variety of associations and meanings. According to Saartjie Botha, director of the Toyota SU Woordfees and WOW, the theme refers to “a playful effervescence; a sense of drifting, floating and dreaming; the innocent fun of children with soap bubbles; the Dutch word for party; and of course, the sparkling bubbles to be found and enjoyed in the sparkling wine of the Boland”.</div><div>
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</div><div>“But there is also a more serious connotation. According to some critics and concerned residents, Stellenbosch and SU operate within a ‘bubble’ that allows for the privileged denial of the realities of greater South Africa. However, unlike the fragile membrane of a bubble, the transparent micro-thin border that briefly determines the difference between inside and outside, Stellenbosch’s dividing lines are historically drawn and financially entrenched.”</div><div>
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<strong>The Woordfees and SU staff</strong></div><div>The activities of the Toyota SU Woordfees are closely aligned with SU’s ideals for making a real difference in society. In addition, the festival provides a valuable public platform for experts and others within the University to bring to the attention of the public and media the value of the work and research that takes place within our precincts. </div><div>
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</div><div>Participation in discussions and festival productions by SU staff, students and alumni allows us to utilize the campus as a space where the SU community can share their talent, expertise and ideas with the world. This year’s festival programme includes several staff members from different faculties who showcase how we assist in finding solutions to challenging issues and revitalise our spiritual lives. </div><div>
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</div><div>The Toyota SU Woordfees provides exceptional opportunities for students from the Department of Drama to showcase their skills to a festival audience. This year, performers from the department’s Premiere Theatre Festival will be featured in various presentations, and the multilingual, educational children’s theatre production, Stars – Iinkwenkwezi – Sterre, will entertain and inform young festivalgoers.</div><div>
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<strong>A gallery of excellence</strong></div><div>In its long history, the University has produced alumni who, through their careers in the arts, have expanded boundaries within the South African cultural environment. Some of these artists and cultural workers were nurtured and shaped as students by our institution, and we are proud of the way in which they have enriched the lives of our citizens.</div><div>
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</div><div>A glance at the Woordfees programme reveals alumni whose names form a gallery of excellence, including the following writers and artists who are associated with the University in various capacities: Antoinette Kellermann, Anton Kannemeyer, Bettina Wyngaard, Bibi Slippers, Cintaine Schutte, Cole Wessels, Conrad Botes, Dawid Minnaar, Dean John Smith, Devonecia Swartz, Eben Genis, Francois Toerien, Jaco Bouwer, Jacobus de Jager, Jenny Stead, Kabous Meiring, Marie Vogts, Marita van der Vyver, Marlo Minnaar, Marthinus Basson, Megan-Geoffrey Prins, Nina Schumann, Mercy Kannemeyer, Nicole Holm, Pieter Odendaal, René Cloete, Tinarie van Wyk Loots, Veronique Jephtas, Wian Taljaard, Wilma Cruise, Wynand Kotze (aka Tollie Parton), Zorada Temmingh – and many more.</div><div>
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</div><div>A number of luminaries who received honorary doctorates from SU are also on the festival programme, including Diana Ferrus, Max du Preez en Sandra Prinsloo.</div><div>
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</div><div>Several SU faculties, from Arts and Social Sciences to Natural Sciences and Agriculture, have established exceptional partnerships with Woordfees over the years and present discussion series and lectures that have proven immensely popular. Some highlights from this year's program are listed below.</div><div>
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<strong>Philosophy Café </strong></div><div>The popular Philosophy Café is sold out every year. Members of the Department of Philosophy debate and share thoughts with thinkers, poets and sages, in a presentation that is not only fun, but also brings to light interesting perspectives. This year, Amy Daniels, Prof Jacques du Plessis, Prof Stan du Plessis, Dr Leslie van Rooi, Dr Susan Hall, Prof Louise du Toit, Prof Vasti Roodt, Dr Alfred Schaffer, Prof Hannes Smit, Dr Andrea Palk and Prof Anton van Niekerk have all booked seats at the philosophy discussion table.</div><div>
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</div><div>Vasti Roodt from the Department of Philosophy describes how this event has evolved over the years: “From the first Philosophy Café in 2001, when philosophers and writers entertained the audience with rum balls and impromptu singing, to later years of chat verses, limericks, opera arias, poking fun at one another and occasional profound insights, the Philosophy Café is a highlight of the Woordfees.”</div><div>
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<strong>Department of Afrikaans and Nederlands: A Century</strong></div><div>The Department of Afrikaans and Nederlands is 100 years old. According to the Chair of the Department, Dr Amanda Marais, “former and current colleagues, students and alumni will talk about the subject and the ways in which people find a home for their thinking in and through Afrikaans.”</div><div>
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</div><div>Emeritus Professor Louise Viljoen, who was recently honoured with the Jan H. Marais Prize for her contribution to research on Afrikaans literature, will also share her views on the Department’s history, its vision and its role in a changing world.</div><div>
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</div><div>Die vegetariër, writer and dramatist Dr Willem Anker’s translation of Han Kang's Booker-winning novel, is included in the Woordfees theatre programme. Willem is also a member of the Department of Afrikaans and Nederlands. He will lead a discussion about the production with the director and the actors during one of the Theatre Conversations on 13 October.</div><div>
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<strong>Ongehoord [Unheard Of]</strong></div><div>The Ongehoord discussion series focuses on topics from various research fields. Panellists such as Dr Nadia Sanger, Dr Louise du Toit, Athamile Masola, Dr Azille Coetzee, Prof Stella Viljoen, Dr Mbali Mazibuko and Dr Ijeoma Opara tackle selected topics that highlight the diversity of research disciplines at the university. Prof Louise du Toit from the Department of Philosophy says: “In its sixth year, this discussion series presents unique ideas: ambivalent legacies, the politics of kitsch, experiences of rejection, mourning, and hope in despair.”</div><div>
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<strong>Music</strong></div><div>As in the past, SU’s Department of Music brings a wealth of talent, experience and fun to the festival. Felicia Lesch remarked on the spirit of the SU Jazz Band, the mouthpiece of the part-time Certificate Programme in Music Literacy offered at the music department: “The leadership that has been developed in the different sections of the jazz band is wonderful to witness. Some of our students come from places like Steenberg, Pacaltsdorp and George, where opportunities like these are not readily available.” This year The Jazz Band will perform in Effervescence: Xamisa, iKapa, Cape Town.</div><div>
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</div><div>Ramon Alexander, one of the driving forces behind Cape Djêz, Goema & Beyond, agrees with Felicia's enthusiasm: “This production brings a unique perspective on the people who gave shape to improvisational music during and after apartheid. Our young music students here at the university pay tribute to the forefathers of Cape jazz who fought for the freedom we enjoy today.”</div><div>
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</div><div>Prof Nina Schumann is playing the piano in three productions this year: Clara, Mary Has/Had a Little Lamb: A Glass Full of Music, and Rachmaninoff's 150th Birthday Piano Bash. Nina is very excited about all three: “Celebrating my beloved Rachmaninoff alongside two former students, the pianist Megan-Geoffrey Prins and conductor Jacobus de Jager, is a privilege and joy. Mary Has/Had a Little Lamb is a playful yet challenging exploration of works in minor keys, and Clara, which tells the story of the composer-pianist Clara Schumann with music and drama by Carla Smith, always moves me to tears.”</div><div>
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<strong>Eendrag Theatre</strong></div><div>The Eendrag residence has joined the Woordfees with great enthusiasm and have taken ownership of a new project at the festival. Dr Pierre Viviers, residence head, explains how the residence’s new space will be used: “No less than 19 productions will be presented in the Eendrag Theatre during the Woordfees. It includes acting, music and conversations. This facility supports SU's goal of creating a transformative student experience, and the partnership with the Woordfees contributes to a unique experience outside of the classroom that brings Eendrag residents and other campus communities together in a friendly and bubbly atmosphere.” </div><div>
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<strong>SU Botanical Garden: 100 years</strong></div><div>As part of its centenary celebrations, the SU Botanical Garden, the oldest academic botanical garden in South Africa, is hosting the Flora Festival in partnership with the Woordfees. Original works by botanical illustrators and artists, as well as a sculpture by landscape artist Strijdom van der Merwe, will be on exhibit.</div><div>
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</div><div>Visitors can visit the gardens daily from 08:00 to 17:00. A R60 entrance ticket entitles the ticket holder to:</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>A Botanical Art Exhibition: a curated collection of original works by South Africa’s top botanical illustrators and artists, many of which will be for sale.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Rare plant sales: native and exotic succulents, carnivorous plants, rare aroids, bulbs, and many speciality plants, including special releases of USBT’s rare plants.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>A contemporary art exhibition of works by well-known South African painters, ceramic artists, printmakers and woodturners.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Ceramic art, sculptures and plant art throughout the garden.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>The Botanical Garden Gift Shop where you can purchase botanical-themed gifts, homeware and decor, including high-quality reproductions of previously unreleased historical plant illustrations.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Live lunchtime music.</div><div>•<span style="white-space:pre;"> </span>Wine and gin tasting.<br></div><div>
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</div><div>Various other activities will take place in the garden, the full details of which are available at
<a href="/botanicalgarden" target="_blank">www.sun.ac.za/botanicalgarden.</a></div><div>
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| Matieland Concert set to light up Homecoming 2023 | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10158 | | Matieland Concert set to light up Homecoming 2023 | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><div>Have you booked your tickets?<br></div><div><br></div><div>Stellenbosch University (SU) is shining the spotlight on talented alumni in the entertainment industry at its first-ever Matieland Concert on Saturday 16 September in Stellenbosch. The concert will feature extraordinary performances by violinist Kirsty Bows, well-known singer and songwriter, Koos Kombuis, the chart-topping singer-songwriter husband and wife duo, RAAF (previously known as Bottomless Coffee Band), and the winners from the recent University Acapella (Sêr) competition.<br></div><div><br></div><div>This Concert forms part of the University's annual Homecoming Weekend for alumni taking place from Thursday 14 September to Saturday 16 September on its Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses, where a host of events are taking place throughout the weekend.</div><div><br></div><div>These events include a Golf Day at the prestigious Stellenbosch Golf Club; the popular Maties Soirée that brings together Matie winemakers and makers of non-alcoholic beverages; esteemed business experts who will share their insights at a Business Breakfast; as well as various anniversary celebrations and reunions. </div><div><br></div><div>The Matieland Concert takes place at the Endler Hall, Conservatorium and starts at <strong>18:30. </strong>Tickets cost <strong>R200 per person</strong> and can be booked online at Quicket (<a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/223191-homecoming-2023-tuiskoms-2023/#/" target="_blank"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a>).<br></div><div><br></div><div>The full programme of the weekend's events can be found <a href="https://console.vpaper.ca/stellenbosch-university/homecoming2023/page/1/#1/" target="_blank"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong>. </strong>If you have any queries, please send an email to homecoming@sun.ac.za or call +27 21 808 2710.</div><p><br></p> |
| New bursary donor centre elevates the importance of supporting student success | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10153 | | New bursary donor centre elevates the importance of supporting student success | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) officially opened its Masiphumelele Centre on Thursday 31 August, signifying a significant milestone in the meaningful engagement between existing bursary donors and the recipients of their generosity, SU students. This accomplishment, championed by the Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) at SU, Karen Bruns, actively strengthens student access and success at the University.<br></p><p>Thursday's inauguration ceremony brought together bursary and scholarship donors, including the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation, the Crossley Foundation, Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation, the Russel Botman Bursary Fund, Moshal Scholarship Programme, ISFAP, Feenix and Students for a Better Future, along with students and members of the SU community. </p><p>SU Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief, one of the speakers at the occasion, said education is the foundation upon which dreams are built, futures are shaped, and potential is realised. “We recognise that for our students to truly thrive, they need more than just financial support; they need an environment where they can grow, flourish, and connect. This Centre embodies that vision, providing a space for meaningful interactions between students, donors and the SU colleagues supporting the various programmes." </p><p>Retief extended her gratitude to donors for their unwavering commitment to transform the lives of countless students. "You all are valued partners in the collaborative effort to help our students realise their aspirations. Together we are working towards opportunity, empowerment, and hope."</p><p><strong>'Let us succeed'</strong></p><p>The isiXhosa phrase 'masiphumelele', meaning 'let us succeed', inspired the name of the Centre, which originated from the efforts of the Development and Alumni Relations Division to extend its services to bursary and scholarship donors. The Masiphumelele Centre was funded through generous contributions from a number of donors.</p><p>This revitalised space on Banghoek Road, Stellenbosch, proximate to the engineering, arts and social sciences, law, and science faculties, offers an array of features, including office space, consultation rooms, flexible workspaces for students and donors, an area conducive to guiding conversations and mentorship, and a small workshop room accommodating 12 to 14 individuals.</p><p>Bruns emphasised the altruism of bursary donors who wholeheartedly support students' educational pursuits and ambitions. “The Centre represents a significant step towards enhancing the University's service to these critical supporters of the access and success of our students, while also underscoring our commitment to our students' holistic well-being and dignity."</p><p>The name 'Masiphumelele Centre' emerged as the clear choice through a survey conducted in May 2023 among bursary recipients, donors and staff who will be invited to use the space. Through sentiment analysis it was determined that students appreciated the unified vision of the University, the SU donors and fellow students to succeed and progress, with one respondent saying, “The Masiphumelele Centre will be for a community of individuals who wish to work together for a better future." Another student said, “Masiphumelele is a call for all people to come together for a common purpose, which is to thrive, as all of us should."</p><p>Bruns, added, “The Division takes immense pride in fulfilling its responsibility of facilitating institutional engagement between donors and the beneficiaries of their generosity. The Masiphumelele Centre will be instrumental in creating a physical space for collaboration and a common purpose. As a testament to SU's dedication to nurturing these essential relationships with donors, the Centre is symbolic of both our commitment to a good donor experience and to our student success."</p><p><strong>About</strong> <strong>Development and Alumni Relations (DAR)</strong></p><p>The Development and Alumni Relations Division builds relationships, creates awareness and generates support for the University's academic, research and social impact vision. The Division strives to ensure the future success of SU by securing private philanthropic donations and engages donors on the priorities most important to them. Putting donors at the centre of the process, DAR fosters an environment where excellence in student, staff and community interaction can be achieved through philanthropy and corporate funding.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University installs sanitary pad dispensing machines on campus | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10150 | | Stellenbosch University installs sanitary pad dispensing machines on campus | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>Stellenbosch University (SU) has taken a significant step towards eradicating period poverty by installing state-of-the-art sanitary pad dispensing machines on campus. The installation was made possible by the generous financial support of a UK-based donor.<br></p><p>Two units have been installed on the Stellenbosch campus, and a third unit will be set up on the Tygerberg campus in Bellville in the coming weeks.</p><p>In South Africa, period poverty affects more than seven million young women, forcing many to choose between buying food or sanitary products. Many female students at SU also share this experience, lacking sufficient resources to access these products, which in turn unduly impacts their education, physical health, and mental well-being.</p><p>To tackle this issue on SU's campuses, the Development and Alumni Relations Division launched the #EndPeriodPoverty initiative as part of the University's Bridge The Gap Annual Fund (BTG). #EndPeriodPoverty aims to raise funds to purchase sanitary pad dispensing machines to address the stigma around menstruation and provide students with dignified access to female hygiene products.</p><p>"For the pilot phase, we have opted to purchase two large dispensing machines for our Stellenbosch campus that will dispense a total of 1 000 packs of pads a month and a smaller machine for our Tygerberg campus that will dispense 100 packs a month. Each pack contains eight locally manufactured, biodegradable sanitary pads. The machines will be refilled on a monthly basis," says Viwe Benxa, Alumni Relations Co-ordinator and BTG ambassador.</p><p>"Our students will be able to access the pads by tapping their student identity cards. In using the student identity card, we will be able to track the usage and determine the demand for the products which will subsequently inform our decision to make more machines available at more locations on our campuses."</p><p>The dispensing machines are strategically located in areas easily accessible to female students. For the Stellenbosch campus, the two locations are the Jan Mouton Learning Centre and outside the Tinie Louw Hall.</p><p>"We are hoping to raise enough funds for the next two installations earmarked for our Saldanha campus," Benxa adds. </p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Visit <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/end-period-poverty/" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>https://www.givengain.com/cc/end-period-poverty/</strong></a> to support this initiative.<br></li></ul> |
| Homecoming 2023: Your VIP ticket | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10136 | | Homecoming 2023: Your VIP ticket | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Stellenbosch University is preparing to roll out the maroon carpet for Homecoming 2023 taking place on the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses from <strong>Thursday 14 September to Saturday 16 September.</strong> </p><p>Prepare yourself for the SWAN Golf Day at the prestigious Stellenbosch Golf Club; the popular Maties Soirée that brings together Matie winemakers and makers of non-alcoholic beverages; esteemed business experts who will share their insights during our Business Breakfast; PSO communities and residences that will be hosting anniversary celebrations and reunions; and the first-year groups of 1973, 1983, 1993, 2003 and 2013 who are set to reunite for lunch under the oak trees at the Alumni Clubhouse. </p><p>A brand-new item on the programme is the Matieland Concert. The concert will feature extraordinary performances by so many talented Matie musicians and entertainers including Kirsty Bows, Koos Kombuis, RAAF, and the Matie Sêr Stars.</p><p>You do not want to miss out. <a href="https://console.vpaper.ca/stellenbosch-university/homecoming2023/"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a> for the full Homecoming programme and <a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/223191-homecoming-2023-tuiskoms-2023/#/"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a> to book your spot. </p><p>Any questions? Please send an email to <a href="mailto:homecoming@sun.ac.za"><strong>homecoming@sun.ac.za</strong></a> or call +27 21 808 2710.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| A gift for the next generation of Maties | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10137 | | A gift for the next generation of Maties | Darryn Havenga | <p>Last year Nick Smit, a graduate of Stellenbosch University, and his husband Francois Conradie decided it was time to reinvest some of their privileges into a positive bank balance for deserving students.<br></p><p>They are both employed at a global bank with headquarters in New York and in June 2022, the couple established the NY Postgraduate Bursary Fund.</p><p>Nick currently serves as a trustee and treasurer of the Friends of the University of Stellenbosch Foundation, a 501(c) entity registered in the US.</p><p>“We have received so many opportunities and exposure underpinned through the great education received from Stellenbosch University, that we could not think of a more precious gift to give to someone special," says Nick Smit.</p><p>State-subsidised funding for postgraduate studies is limited to research degrees, leaving a vast majority of students studying postgraduate level degrees without access to adequate funding sources. This is particularly hardest hitting on students from families where the joint household income is between $0 and $37 500 per annum.</p><p>The increased need to have a postgraduate degree to secure viable employment has called for increased financial support for post-graduate bursaries. Such an opportunity is not only a lifeline out of poverty for a deserving student, but equates to uplifting an extended family and a community.</p><p>The Fund will support successful undergraduate students from SU wishing to further their studies through honours' or masters' degrees at the University. They are students who come from families where the joint household income is R600 000/$37 500 per annum or less who do not qualify for government funding or loans.</p><p>For this Fund to be successful in supporting one student per year they need $9 650. We invite all our Maties, not only those in New York or the tri-state area, but across the US, to give generously and support the next generation of Maties at SU.</p><p>You can support the Fund by donating at<br> <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/c97fe62a-70b8-4dbf-881b-67648f6698e2" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/c97fe62a-70b8-4dbf-881b-67648f6698e2</strong></a><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Die Ontelbare 48 this September at the SU Adam Small Theatre in Stellenbosch | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10118 | | Die Ontelbare 48 this September at the SU Adam Small Theatre in Stellenbosch | Petro Mostert | <p><em style="text-align:justify;">Die Ontelbare 48</em><span style="text-align:justify;">, a one-man play with Wessel Pretorius, is coming to Stellenbosch University's Adam Small theatre complex in Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch this September. It will be the second production as part of the Adam Small theatre project which kicked off earlier this year, to revive theatre in Stellenbosch.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">And what a fantastic show to follow on the first production, <em>Die Fel Omstrede Kroon</em> <em>van Edward 2 en Gaveston </em>by Marthinus Basson. <em>Die Ontelbare 48</em> with Wessel Pretorius (writer, director, and producer) received four Fiësta nominations, including best production, for this outstanding solo play.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>What is the play about?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">It's Wednesday evening in a small town in the Lowveld. The school hall is set up for the monthly movie night. Forty-eight residents gather, each with their own story, to watch <em>The Sound of Music</em>. Between them sits a murderer with a cunning plan.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"It is a microcosmic look at the everyday humanity that ultimately binds us all together, no matter how different we think or live. A satirical drama that celebrates human endurance," says Pretorius.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">There are four characters: a frustrated hockey coach and mother, a high school boy who becomes aware of his gay sexuality, a drama coach, and a five-year-old girl.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>More about Wessel Pretorius</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In 2015, Wessel Pretorius won the <em>Afrikaans Onbeperk</em> prize for <em>young voice</em>. He also received four Fiësta Awards and the Woordtrofeë for Best Drama Production for his solo play <em>Ont-</em>. <em>Ont</em>- was later translated by Hennie van Greunen to <em>Undone</em> and toured the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Afrovibes in the Netherlands, the Wiener Festwochen in Vienna, and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown where it received the Standard Bank Ovation (gold).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Pretorius also wrote and produced the theatre play <em>Waterpas</em>, which received a Kanna award for best comedy, <em>Die dag is bros</em>, which won five Fiësta nominations and the ATKV-Woordveertjie award for best drama, <em>Sandton City Grootdoop</em>, <em>Klara Maas se hart is gebreek, en so meer: Die vloeistof trilogie, I love You Sally Field</em> <em>(and other stories)</em> and Renaissance.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><em>Die Ontelbare 48</em></strong><strong> will be on stage between Tuesday 12 and Saturday 16 September 2023 at the SU Adam Small Theatre complex in Stellenbosch. Tickets are available through </strong><a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/229083-die-ontelbare-48/?ref=events-list#/"><strong>Quicket</strong></a><strong> and ticket prices start at R100 per person.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Very important, no u/13 (Language) will be admitted.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Visit the SU Adam Small Theater <a href="https://adamsmalltheatre.co.za/en/home/">website</a> and follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adamsmalltheatre">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adamsmalltheatre/">Instagram</a> for the latest theatre news and events.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- END -</p><p> </p><p>Issued by Rentia Smal on behalf of the Central Events and Conferencing Office (CECO).</p><p>For all inquiries, contact <a href="mailto:events@sun.ac.za">events@sun.ac.za</a> or call 021 001 2958 during office hours.</p><p>Please visit our website at https://cecoevents.co.za<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Brushing shoulders with Noble Laureates | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10108 | | Brushing shoulders with Noble Laureates | Dr Nabila Ismail | <p></p><p><em>Dr Nabila Ismail is a research scientist in the <a href="/english/faculty/healthsciences/Molecular_Biology_Human_Genetics/Pages/default.aspx" style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics</span></a> at Stellenbosch University's <a href="/english/" style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences</span></a>. She was selected to attend the</em><em> </em><em>72</em><em><sup>nd</sup></em><em> <a href="https://mediatheque.lindau-nobel.org/meetings/2023" style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting</span></a> in Lindau, Germany, in June this year. She gives a first-hand account of her experience at this auspicious event.</em></p><p><em><br></em></p><p>From 23 to 30 June 2023, over 600 young scientists from around the world attended the 72<sup>nd</sup> Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting in Lindau, Germany (#LINO23). These meetings are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet with Nobel prize-winning scientists, fellow young scientists, and the broader scientific community to engage, understand, inspire, connect, and educate one another on the true meaning of being a scientist in this day and age. </p><p>In order to be invited to this meeting, young scientists under the age of 35 who are among the top 5% of their class and show excellence in their research, go through a multi-stage application. I applied for this meeting in 2019 and I was initially accepted for the 2020 meeting, which had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The invitation was then rolled over to the 2023 meeting. I was one of nine South African scientists that were selected and sponsored by the <a href="https://www.assaf.org.za/" style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Academy of Science of South Africa</span></a> (ASSAf) to attend the meeting. </p><p>I feel extremely honored to be one of the 635 scientists globally to attend this year's meeting, and furthermore, to be one of the 40 scientists selected and trained to present my work in the Next Generation Science talks at the meeting. </p><p>During the week-long gathering, the entire island of Lindau was transformed into a science extravaganza – from lectures in the city theatre to meetings with Laureates on the streets or in a restaurant. The island was alive and buzzing with scientific discourse and ideas! </p><p>The research on display was diverse, and so were the scientists – there were scientists from 89 nationalities present! I am fortunate to come from a diverse background: I am a Muslim, Indian, female, South African scientist, and a mother, and I could connect with a range of different individuals relating to each of these defining characteristics. </p><p>My research focuses on the bacteria associated with tuberculosis (TB), a disease which results in the deaths of over 4 000 people daily. To attend a meeting and remind other scientists of the impact a micro-organism can have, reiterates the impact of my research on drug-resistant TB. <br></p><p> <br></p><p>Read more:</p><ul style="text-decoration:underline;"><li><a href="https://yiba.co.za/sa-scientists-to-the-72nd-lindau-nobel-laureate-meeting/"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Pre-departure orientation by the DSI</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.lindau-nobel.org/blog-health-and-diseases/"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Nobel Lindau blog on health and diseases</span></a></li><li><a href="https://womeninresearchblog.wordpress.com/2023/06/24/nabila-south-africa/?fbclid=IwAR1ABbnIHGy2cIwG9LIIMEq97U7M3N3YfVNwESdUbuPYNNmi_pO_fW9vLQA"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Nobel Lindau blog as a woman in science</span></a></li><li><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style=""></span><a href="https://www.lindau-nobel.org/current-meeting/"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Lindau website</span></a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Photo captions: <br></p><ul><li>Nabila Ismail with Nobel Laureate Frances Arnold (left).</li><li>Nabila Ismail with South African born Nobel Laureate Michael Levitt (top middle).</li><li>Nabila Ismail with Nobel Laureate Morten Meldal and his wife, Phaedra Marie St. Hilaire (top right).</li><li>Nabila Ismail presenting at the Next Generation Science Talks (bottom).</li></ul> |
| Stellenbosch University funding applications opened on 1 August 2023 | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10094 | | Stellenbosch University funding applications opened on 1 August 2023 | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p>Applications for the 2024 Stellenbosch University (SU) Undergraduate Funding Opportunities open on Tuesday, 1 August 2023.</p><p>The University encourages all current and prospective undergraduate students to apply for SU-managed internal and external donor bursary allocations. All undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for financial support based on financial need and/or academic merit.</p><p>As at July 2023, SU awarded 3 088 bursaries from institutional and donor funding to the value of almost R109 million to students for the 2023 academic year.</p><p>SU's Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries and Loans (CUBL) deputy director, Lerato Mkhabela, says by harnessing new and exciting technologies, SU aims to create an inclusive experience that reaches and supports as many students as possible. “We've streamlined the application process, making it more accessible and user-friendly, and with the help of cutting-edge platforms and digital tools, we've eliminated unnecessary barriers to ensure every student has an equal chance to apply for funding."</p><p>Mkhabela says CUBL also manages and administers bursaries for external donors according to specific criteria, including financial need, academic performance, and leadership. To be considered for one of these bursaries, applicants will need to complete an additional unique application form and upload this when prompted during the online application process.</p><p>SU encourages all candidates for financial support to first review the <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/application-process">Application Process</a> tab on the CUBL website for detailed information on the support documents that are required to complete an application before clicking 'Apply Now'.</p><p>“CUBL's commitment to leveraging technology extends beyond efficiency and convenience. By understanding that different students have unique needs and financial circumstances, CUBL is continuously tailoring their approach to accommodate a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences."</p><p>“We look forward to receiving the 2024 funding applications and will continue our pursuit to support students in their academic journeys," Mkhabela concluded.</p><p>Prospective applicants can log SU funding queries with the Client Services Desk at 021 808 9111 or email them to <a href="mailto:info@sun.ac.za">info@sun.ac.za</a>. Should you prefer to send an email, then please remember to include the applicant's SU student number in the subject line, #/ SU24 funding query, to assist the team to respond efficiently.</p><p>The application process is online, and the form will take about 15 minutes to complete.</p><p>SU funding applications close at midnight on Saturday, 30 September 2023.<br><br></p><p>To apply, click <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/application-process">here</a><br><br></p><p>Aansoeke vir die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se 2023 voorgraadse befondsingsgeleenthede het op Dinsdag, 1 Augustus 2023 oopgemaak.</p><p>Die Universiteit moedig alle huidige en voornemende voorgraadse studente aan om aansoek te doen vir die interne en eksterne skenkerbeurstoekennings wat die instansie bestuur. Die US moedig alle voorgraadse studente aan om aansoek te doen vir finansiële ondersteuning op grond van finansiële behoeftes en/of akademiese meriete.</p><p>Tot en met Julie 2023 het die US het beurse uit institusionele en donateur-befondsing ter waarde van nagenoeg R109 miljoen aan studente in die 2023 akademiese jaar toegeken.</p><p>Die US se Sentrum vir Voorgraadse Beurse en Lenings (SVBL) se adjunkdirekteur, Lerato Mkhabela, sê deur nuwe en opwindende tegnologie in te span, beoog die US om 'n inklusiewe ondervinding te skep wat soveel studente as moontlik kan bereik en ondersteun. “Ons het die aansoekproses vaartbelyn, meer toeganklik en gebruikersvriendelik gemaak. Met behulp van uistekende platforms en digitale hulpmiddels het ons onnodige struikelblokke uit die weg geruim om te verseker dat elke student 'n gelyke kans het om vir befondsing aansoek te doen."</p><p>Mkhabela sê CUBL bestuur en administreer ook beurse vir eksterne skenkers volgens spesifieke kriteria, soos onder meer finansiële behoefte, akademiese prestasie en leierskap. Om vir een van hierdie beurse oorweeg te word, sal aansoekers 'n bykomende unieke aansoekvorm moet voltooi en dit oplaai wanneer hulle tydens die aanlyn-aansoekproses daarvoor gevra word.</p><p>Die US moedig alle kandidate vir finansiële ondersteuning aan om eers die <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/af/application-process">Aansoekproses</a> op die SVBL-webwerf deeglik na te gaan vir gedetailleerde inligting oor die ondersteuningsdokumente wat hulle nodig het om 'n aansoek te voltooi. Eers wanneer jy al die dokumentasie opgelaai het, kan jy op 'Doen nou aansoek' klik.</p><p>“SVBL se verbintenis tot die benutting van tegnologie strek verder as doeltreffendheid en gerief. Ons weet ons studente het unieke behoeftes en finansiële omstandighede, daarom pas SVBL voortdurend ons benadering aan om 'n uiteenlopende reeks agtergronde en ervarings te akkommodeer in ons keuringsproses."</p><p>“Ons sien uit daarna om die 2024-befondsingsaansoeke te ontvang en sal voortgaan met ons strewe om studente in hul akademiese reise te ondersteun," het Mkhabela afgesluit.</p><p>Voornemende aansoekers kan US-befondsingsnavrae rig aan die Kliëntedienstoonbank by 021 808 9111 of e-pos sou versoeke na info@sun.ac.za. Indien jy verkies om 'n e-pos te stuur, onthou asseblief om die aansoeker se US-studentenommer in die onderwerplyn, #/ SU24-befondsingsnavraag, in te sluit om die span te help om doeltreffend te reageer.</p><p>Die aansoekproses is aanlyn en dit neem ongeveer 15 minute om die aansoek te voltooi.</p><p>Alle US-befondsingsaansoeke sluit om middernag op Saterdag, 30 September 2023.<br><br></p><p>Om aansoek te doen, klik <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/af/application-process">hier</a><br><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br></p> |
| Renowned international philanthropist invites SU choir and Rector to Japan | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10082 | | Renowned international philanthropist invites SU choir and Rector to Japan | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers and 50 members of SU's internationally acclaimed choir are off to Tokyo, Japan, where they will participate in the ISPS Sports Values Summit‑Special Edition on Wednesday (9 August).<br></p><p>Prof De Villiers and the choir were invited by His Excellency Dr Haruhisa Handa, a renowned international philanthropist who is known for his longstanding commitment and contributions to public service and charities across the world.</p><p>Handa's support of various causes over several decades spans the arts and education, access to healthcare, disaster relief, empowerment of disabled individuals through sports, HIV/Aids education in Africa, promotion of democracy, religious tolerance and many other fields.</p><p>Notably, Handa serves as the co-founder and chancellor of the University of Cambodia with His Excellency Dr Kao Kim Hourn, the incumbent Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Handa has also been a major supporter of multiple universities in the UK, China, the US, Australia, Japan and South Africa. Handa's International Sport Promotion Society (ISPS Handa) will be hosting the ISPS Sports Values Summit-Special Edition 2023.</p><p>The summit will bring together sporting legends Dan Carter (former All Black rugby player), Nacho Figueras (one of the world's greatest polo players) and Steve James (Royal Australian Navy veteran and Invictus gold medallist). These legends will be in conversation as panellists alongside Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who will attend as the co‑founder and patron of <a href="https://sentebale.org/">Sentebale</a> to discuss ways in which the power of sport can change lives and the impact of sports for philanthropy on the global stage.</p><p>De Villiers will participate in the panel discussion, while the SU Choir will display their musical talents with an opening act at the summit. The SU Choir has been ranked the leading mixed amateur choir in the world for the past 11 years by <a href="https://www.interkultur.com/">Interkultur</a>, organisers of the World Choir Games.</p><p>De Villiers says: “We were grateful to receive the invitation from the founder and chairman of ISPS to participate in the summit. This gives Stellenbosch University the opportunity to make meaningful connections, and to contribute to the discussions with other distinguished participants at the summit.</p><p>“Stellenbosch University is committed to achieve excellence and to advance knowledge in service of society, and I believe we share a common vision with Dr Handa in making a positive impact on society."</p><p>SU Choir conductor André van der Merwe says: “We are honoured to have received this invitation and we are filled with excitement to showcase a taste of our rich South African culture on the global stage."<br></p><p><em></em></p><ul><li><em>Photographer: Mark Cloete</em></li></ul><br> |
