| Stellenbosch Innovators Celebrated at Cape Chamber and CHEC Innovation Awards | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11375 | | Stellenbosch Innovators Celebrated at Cape Chamber and CHEC Innovation Awards | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p>Three outstanding members of the Stellenbosch University (SU) community were honoured at the prestigious Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) Innovation Awards, held at Cape Town City Hall on Tuesday, 10 June 2025.</p><p>Anita Nel, SU's Chief Director of Innovation and Commercialisation, Mike-Alec Kearney, CEO of SU spinout company CubeSpace, and Prof Johann Kirsten, Director of the Bureau for Economic Research, were recognised as leading innovators in the academia category.</p><p><strong>Celebrating excellence</strong></p><p>Nel received the award for her exceptional leadership in managing the University's vast innovation ecosystem. She oversees a portfolio of 35 spinout companies, hundreds of patents, SU's Technology Transfer Office, the SU LaunchLab business incubator and the Institution commercialisation office, SUNCOM. Under her guidance, the University has successfully commercialised numerous technologies, building a successful platform that fosters entrepreneurship, innovation, and real-world impact. </p><p>Kearney and his team of CubeSpace, which specialises in building advanced control systems for satellites, were celebrated as the most successful spinout company among the four Western Cape universities. The company currently serves more than 250 customers across 30 countries worldwide.</p><p>Prof Kirsten was recognised for leading the Karoo Lamb Consortium, a 20-year initiative that culminated in the official protected status of Karoo Lamb as South Africa's first Geographical Indication. The Consortium operates as a non-profit company and showcases the intersection of innovation, tradition, and regional identity in South African agriculture.</p><p>The CCCI and CHEC awards recognised innovators across various sectors of society – academia, business, and public office. They honoured men and women who continue to push boundaries in the pursuit of progress and highlight the importance of innovation in driving economic growth and reducing poverty. Innovation were celebrated across the categories of academia, industry, business and public office.</p><p>“Innovation is as much about attitude as it is about technical expertise," said John Lawson, CEO of the CCCI. “It's a mindset that focuses on solutions. The more we innovate, the more we actively shape the future we want to see."</p><p>Prof. Eugene Cloete, a board member of the Chamber and the Chief Executive Officer of CHEC, said these awards celebrate what becomes possible when academia, government, and the private sector come together. “Universities are the engines of research, knowledge and fresh thinking. The private sector brings speed, skill and courage to take risks, and the government provides a platform for policy, investment and support to turn innovation into impact. This year, we received a remarkable number of high-quality innovations across all categories, a key indication that innovation is alive and thriving in the Western Cape."</p><p>The event underscored the need for collaboration between academia, the private sector, and government to foster innovation and create a competitive, inclusive economy.</p><p>Attending the whole event, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Cape Town's mayor, Gordon Hill-Lewis, both highlighted the importance of continuous innovation, collaboration and recognition in driving regional development and job creation. They enhanced the importance of facilitating stronger connections and collaborations between universities, academia, businesses and government to enable and support innovation in the region.</p><p><br></p> |
| Caroline Greyling: A lifelong learner leading with purpose | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11363 | | Caroline Greyling: A lifelong learner leading with purpose | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p></p><div><em>In celebration of Youth Month, the </em><strong><em>Young Alumni Programme (YAP)</em></strong><em> at Stellenbosch University (SU) is showcasing our incredible young alumni. Meet some of our remarkable Maties, all under the age of 35, who are using the knowledge and skills they gained at SU to push boundaries and make a real impact across various fields.</em></div><p></p><p>After years of distinguishing herself in digital marketing, brand strategy, and cultural management, Caroline Greyling has taken up the mantle of Museum Director at the Norval Foundation, where she continues to excel and pave the way for women in the industry.<br></p><p>Caroline's journey started at SU where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Language & Culture (2014-2016) and a postgraduate diploma in Marketing (2017).<br></p><p>“There were so many things from my time in Stellenbosch that have left a lasting and positive impression on me, including a number of wonderful lecturers who challenged and supported me," she says. “Getting involved in volunteering work and taking short courses at the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute as well as additional language courses, greatly impacted my personal development and thinking. The University's strong focus on culture also definitely helped to grow my love for and interest in the arts. Having studied at two different departments also ensured a broader interest and understanding of the world and encouraged me to think creatively and outside of the box."<br></p><p>She adds: “I will always remember walking to class down Victoria Street in the shade of the lovely oak trees and my time at my residence Irene and the friends I made there."<br></p><p>After completing her studies at SU, Caroline lived and worked in Paris, France, and travelled around Europe for a while. After returning to South Africa, she took up a position with a marketing agency while completing a master's degree in commerce at the University of Cape Town (2019-2020).<br></p><p>Thereafter she continued to work in marketing in different roles with companies such as Digital Cloud, Cordy's Africa and ESKORT. In 2023, she joined the Norval Foundation team to oversee its marketing activities before being promoted to the position of museum director in early 2024. As the museum director, she is responsible for, among other things, the curatorial programming and activities, the educational department, partnerships and collaborations.<br></p><p>“Working at the Norval Foundation every day is different and interesting. I have the opportunity to not only engage with incredible artists from across Africa and to experience their work, but also to support the development of art education through our learning centre and our educational work," she says.<br></p><p>In her time at the Norval Foundation, Caroline has been involved in initiatives such as the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize and collaborative exhibitions such as <em>Disrupting the Dream</em> at the Mount Nelson Hotel. Before that, as brand manager at ESKORT, she led the “Real Hot Dogs of Mzansi" campaign, which earned over 33 million digital impressions and bolstered the brand's connection with South African culture.</p><p>Caroline believes Youth Month presents an opportunity for young people to commit to making a positive impact in their communities and industries.<br></p><p>“South Africa has a large population of young people with a wonderful capacity to do good for our country. I would love to see my generation choose to invest in South Africa by fighting for a better future through active participation and engagement in education and the development of our country. I believe it's not only the big changes and changemakers that can make an impact – each of us can contribute to building a better South Africa through small, daily interactions and choices."<br></p><p>The passionate “lifelong learner" who strives to “make a difference in my community through my work", de-stresses from life's demands by enjoying a good book and spending time outdoors. <br></p><p><em>Photo: Candice Searle Photography)</em><br></p><p><br></p> |
| PET-CT collaboration yields major benefits for research and public health | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11365 | | PET-CT collaboration yields major benefits for research and public health | FMHS Marketing & Communications – Sue Segar | <p></p><p>In 2019, Stellenbosch University's (SU) Central Analytical Facilities – which provides advanced scientific testing, analytical instrumentation, and research expertise – commissioned a dedicated research Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography (PET-CT) unit. From the outset, it was evident that this new facility should work closely with the neighbouring Tygerberg Hospital PET-CT unit, known as the Western Cape Academic PET-CT Centre (WCAPC).</p><p>A PET-CT scanner is a sophisticated imaging tool that uses radioactive tracers to provide detailed anatomical and functional insights into diseases. It enables clinicians and researchers to visualise biological processes such as inflammation, tissue oxygenation, and cancer progression.</p><p>“At the time, there was a strong demand from SU's clinical researchers to use PET-CT for studying various forms of tuberculosis and treatment responses," said Professor Alex Doruyter, director of the research unit, which is now known as the NuMeRI Node for Infection Imaging (NII). “We saw the potential for a dedicated research unit to meet this need."</p><p>The timing aligned perfectly with a call by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) for proposals to fund national research infrastructure projects under the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR). One of the approved initiatives was the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) project, and SU's successful bid led to the establishment of the NII as a node of this national platform.</p><p>“The major advantage of PET-CT is that it is non-invasive," Doruyter explained. “It allows researchers to study diseases in living patients without the need for biopsies or surgery. This has great clinical value – from diagnosing and grading disease severity to formulating treatment plans and monitoring response – and also opens up significant research opportunities."</p><p>Despite generous funding from the DSI, establishing a PET-CT facility remains a costly endeavour, requiring specialised personnel with scarce skills. SU Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) provided co-funding and developed a model in which the NII could operate in parallel with the WCAPC. “This arrangement enabled cost savings for both facilities," said Doruyter.</p><p>Today, the NII and WCAPC operate independently but collaborate closely. “We provide mutual support whenever possible," Doruyter said. “Our radiographers, radiopharmacists, and nuclear physicians contribute reciprocally to each other's operations when capacity allows. This adds resilience to both units."</p><p>The facilities also share key equipment, which would be prohibitively expensive to duplicate. Additionally, their physical proximity enables better management of radioactive consumables, which decay over time. “Radioactive doses have a short half-life, so waste can be substantial," Doruyter noted. “Having two facilities next to each other allows us to reduce this waste and improve efficiency."</p><p>From the outset, a Joint Interface Management Committee—comprising representatives from both the university and the hospital—was established to oversee and manage the collaboration. According to Doruyter, the partnership has received strong support from the Western Cape Department of Health. “They've seen the value of having us nearby. For example, when the Tygerberg scanner was out of service, we stepped in to scan multiple public sector patients. This avoided significant financial losses in wasted radiopharmaceuticals and ensured patients didn't miss critical therapies."</p><p>The benefits have been mutual. “A few years ago, when Tygerberg Hospital was without a radiopharmacist for some time, our university radiopharmacist provided radiolabelled doses for the province. This ensured continuity of care for public patients who otherwise would not have received their scans," he said.</p><p>In addition to its clinical and research functions, the NII plays a vital role in training the next generation of specialists. The unit offers hands-on training opportunities for postgraduate students in radiopharmacy, as well as nuclear medicine. “Because of the high-end equipment and the collaborative environment, students are exposed to real-world challenges and scans acquired with advanced imaging techniques that prepare them for leadership roles in both academic and clinical settings," Doruyter noted.</p><p>Doruyter emphasised that the collaboration reflects the longstanding, trusted relationship between SU and its provincial partners. “This partnership has been built over many years, and we are committed to preserving and expanding it – including broadening access to more radiopharmaceuticals in future."<br><br></p> |
| Abongile Quthu: 'I'm reshaping what is possible' | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11361 | | Abongile Quthu: 'I'm reshaping what is possible' | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><div><em>In celebration of Youth Month, the <strong>Y</strong><strong>oung Alumni Programme (YAP)</strong> at Stellenbosch University (SU) is showcasing our incredible young alumni. Meet some of our remarkable Maties, all under the age of 35, who are using the knowledge and skills they gained at SU to push boundaries and make a real impact across various fields.</em></div><div><br>Abongile Quthu graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies in 2022 and is currently completing a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication. For Abongile, university was never just an academic destination, it became a space that helped them develop and unlock their own potential. “It wasn't perfect," Abongile reflects, “but it was personal, and my centre held, because I learned how to build it strong."<br></div><div><br></div><p>The decision to study International Studies came from a desire to understand people, movement, and identity. “Growing up in Kayamandi, I was constantly observing how society shapes who we are, how we belong - or don't. Studying International Studies gave me the language to name what I had already been living.<br></p><p>“My learning happened with, through, and because of those around me. The classroom wasn't just lecture halls, but it was in protests, shared meals, heartbreaks, and joy." <br></p><p>As they came into their own as a trans non-binary person in higher education, Abongile stepped into leadership roles, using those platforms to amplify voices from the margins. These roles included serving as SRC Vice Chairperson and working across campus units such as the Transformation Office, SU International, and the Centre for Academic Administration.<br></p><p>Now, Abongile is in a season of “building and becoming". While actively seeking employment, they continue leading two community initiatives: Likhwezi Foundation, which supports child-headed households in and around Kayamandi, and the Dream Black Child Initiative, which helps matriculants navigate university applications and funding.<br></p><p>“Those aren't just jobs. They are spaces of mentorship, where I test my values in real time. It's not just about access. It's about restoring dignity. Your dreams are valid, and we will help you chase them. One of the biggest challenges has been the weight of being a breadwinner while unemployed. I've had to pour from an empty cup, but I keep pouring because those I love drink from that stream." <br></p><p>Even in uncertainty, they remain grounded, committed to activism, community work, and writing. Transformation, they believe, starts within. For young professionals, urgency and intention are essential.<br></p><p>“This is not the chapter of abundance yet—but it is the chapter of becoming. And it's deeply sacred. Whether it was managing five meetings, a protest, and a drag rehearsal, or writing policy minutes and performing as Liyana Arianna Madikizela, I learned that laughter and creativity are resistance too.<br></p><p>“We live in a country where inequality and exclusion are not just statistics—they're our daily realities. Integrity, compassion, critical thinking—those are the values we need."<br></p><p>Abongile sees their generation not as passengers but as co-architects of South Africa's future. They are a proud member of the Stellenbosch Alumni Chapter. For them, spaces like the Stellenbosch Alumni Chapter offer valuable opportunities to connect with others, exchange ideas, and stay engaged in conversations that matter.<br></p><p>“We are the post-protest generation that still protests. We are crafting our relay. We're tired, yes—but we are also tireless. I attend almost every alumni event. It's about shared purpose and shaping the future together."<br></p><p>They conclude: “I'm not just shaping my path. I'm reshaping what is possible." </p><p><em>Photographer: Henk Oets</em></p> |
| Prof Elmi Muller receives honorary doctorate from Lund University | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11348 | | Prof Elmi Muller receives honorary doctorate from Lund University | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p>Professor Elmi Muller, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch University, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Humanities at Lund University in Sweden. The prestigious honour was conferred at the end of May in Sweden, recognising her pioneering work as a researcher in the international world of transplantation with a focus on ethics and the humanities.<br></p><p>What makes this recognition particularly noteworthy is that Muller, who is a renowned transplant surgeon, received the honorary doctorate from a humanities faculty rather than a medical one. This reflects the interdisciplinary nature of her research, which incorporates cultural and social science perspectives to understand complex medical phenomena such as organ trafficking and the treatment of people living with HIV worldwide.</p><p>“Muller's work, issues and outstanding contributions are relevant to humanities faculties worldwide," said Anamaria Dutceac Segesten, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Lund University. “Her commitment and expertise are of great importance not only for research conducted in medical humanities but also human rights at our faculty, and she is also an important asset for Lund University's other multidisciplinary research areas."</p><p>Muller's work is characterised by a multidisciplinary approach that bridges the gap between medicine and the humanities. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to equality, with particular focus on post-colonial issues, and has collaborated extensively with medical humanities researchers at Lund University's Faculty of Humanities for many years. Her research emphasises understanding the social and cultural mechanisms behind medical phenomena, bringing a uniquely holistic perspective to transplantation medicine.</p><p>Expressing her gratitude for the recognition, Muller said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this doctorate from Lund University's Faculty of Humanities. This recognition validates the importance of approaching medical challenges through a multidisciplinary lens that incorporates ethical, cultural, and social perspectives. It reinforces my belief that truly impactful healthcare research must consider the full human experience, not just the clinical aspects of disease and treatment."</p><p>As a transplant surgeon, Muller has achieved numerous historic milestones. She previously served as head of the transplant unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town and was the first woman to be appointed chair of General Surgery at the University of Cape Town. She is also the immediate past President of The Transplantation Society (TTS), the largest international organisation in the field of transplantation.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University medical students launch SA's first transplant support unit at Tygerberg Hospital | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11349 | | Stellenbosch University medical students launch SA's first transplant support unit at Tygerberg Hospital | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p>
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</p><p>A dedicated specialised support unit for organ donors – dubbed the “Life Pod" – will officially launch at Tygerberg Hospital on Wednesday, 4 June 2025. The groundbreaking facility, the first of its kind in Africa, is the flagship achievement of Save7, a non-profit organisation established and managed by medical students at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).<br></p><p>The Life Pod will provide specialised care for consented organ donors, maintaining their organs' viability during the critical 12 to 36-hour period before transplant surgery. This dedicated space addresses a fundamental bottleneck in South Africa's transplant system: a shortage of ICU beds that often forces potential donors to be transferred to morgues before their organs can be used to save lives.</p><p>
<strong>Addressing a silent crisis</strong></p><p>South Africa faces one of the world's lowest organ donation rates at just 0.6%, while over 4 000 patients await life-saving transplants. The shortage isn't due to lack of medical expertise – South African surgeons performed the world's first heart transplant – but rather infrastructure limitations that prevent viable organs from reaching those who need them.</p><p>“Transplantation in South Africa is fairly stagnant," explains Prof Elmi Muller, Dean of the FMHS and past president of The Transplant Society. “We have, over the past 10 years, had more or less the same number of donors in the country, particularly deceased donors. Meanwhile, our patients that need transplants have been growing, and the waiting lists have become longer."</p><p>The Life Pod directly tackles this challenge by providing a dedicated space where brain-dead donors can be maintained without competing for scarce Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds needed by living patients. “Unfortunately, ICU beds are one of the most scarce medical resources in the country," says Jonty Wright, a fifth-year medical student and founder of Save7, the student organisation behind the initiative. “That often means that donors are left by the wayside, and seven people who would have been saved by that donor have to go find somebody else. And they often don't."</p><p>
<strong>From student initiative to medical infrastructure</strong></p><p>Founded in 2021 by FMHS medical students, Save7 has evolved from a simple awareness campaign to become the driving force behind South Africa's first dedicated donor support unit. </p><p>“Save7 started with a story," explains Wright. “Lynette Stuurman, a shopkeeper here at our Maties store was a 30-year-old woman born with a genetic kidney condition. Her sister had died two years previously, awaiting a life-saving kidney transplant that never came. Now she was sitting in the exact same position, quite literally waiting to die."</p><p>The then first-year medical students were touched by the story and decided to take action. “We got together and said we are not going to wait until we get our medical degrees to do something about this," says Wright. What began as awareness campaigns in lecture halls evolved into a comprehensive approach to addressing systemic barriers in organ transplantation.</p><p>The students identified that 60 viable organs were going to waste each week – organs that could save patients. Through mentorship with faculty members, particularly Prof Elmin Steyn, they recognised that the solution required more than awareness, it needed infrastructure.</p><p>
<strong>From vision to reality</strong></p><p>Raising the R400 000 needed for the Life Pod required innovative fundraising approaches. Four students – Henri van der Westhuizen, Gerhard Niewoudt, Alexander van Wyk, and Jonty Wright – competed in Ironman 70.3 triathlons as part of their “Tri for Life" campaign, combining athletic endurance with awareness-raising for organ donation.</p><p>The project received crucial support from The Health Foundation, which matched student fundraising efforts, and Tygerberg Hospital administration provided the physical space and operational backing. The students also secured donated equipment, including specialised beds, monitors, ventilators, and essential medical lines.</p><p>Sachen Naidu, Secretary General of Save7, describes the Life Pod as “a dedicated donor support room, designed specifically to maintain and nurse a brain-dead donor. It's kitted out with everything you would expect – from patient monitors to infusion sets to ventilators. We've got everything needed to support and take care of a donor."</p><p>
<strong>Expected impact</strong></p><p>Conservative estimates suggest the Life Pod will facilitate one to two donor cases per month, potentially saving over 100 lives annually. Each donor can provide up to seven organs, dramatically expanding the pool of available transplants for South African patients.</p><p>“This Life Pod represents a major advancement in our fight to save lives through organ donation," says Prof André van der Merwe, head of Transplant Surgery and Urology at Tygerberg Hospital. “Witnessing the next generation of medical professionals leading this vital project with such passion and determination is truly inspiring."</p><p>
<strong>Looking forward</strong></p><p>The Life Pod launch represents just the beginning of Save7's ambitions. The organisation plans to replicate the model in other provinces, with preliminary discussions already underway in Gauteng. Their ultimate goal is creating a national network of specialised donor facilities that can dramatically improve South Africa's transplant capacity.</p><p>“We hope this project will help promote engagement with families at the end of life to counsel them about the possibilities that exist to help others at what is always a time of loss and grief. We look forward to seeing how this project can be integrated into the existing health ecosystem, supporting the need for organ and tissue donation," says Dr David Thomson, Chairperson of the Western Cape Provincial Organ and Tissue Donation Committee within the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness.<br><br></p>
<figure><img src="/english/PublishingImages/2025/Save7LifePod_WEB.jpg" alt="SU-FMHS_students" style="width:100%;" /><figcaption>Core members of the Save7 team: Naazim Nagdee, Jonty Wright, Sachen Naidu and Suhayl Khalfey.<b>Photo: </b>Faculty f Medicine and Health Sciences</figcaption> </figure><br> |
| Sivenathi Booi: Delivering outstanding returns | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11341 | | Sivenathi Booi: Delivering outstanding returns | Development & Alumni Relations | <div><em>In celebration of <strong>Youth Month, the Young Alumni Programme (YAP) </strong>at Stellenbosch University (SU) is showcasing our incredible young alumni. Meet some of our remarkable Maties, all under the age of 35, who are using the knowledge and skills they gained at SU to push boundaries and make a real impact across various fields.</em></div><div><br>Sivenathi Booi is a woman who refuses to be defined by her circumstances. By overcoming adversity that could have derailed her ambition, she carved her own path through sheer determination and an unshakeable belief in her potential. Today, as a financial advisor at Liberty Group South Africa, she is not only thriving professionally but also using her journey to empower and uplift others.<br></div><div><br></div><p>Hailing from the Eastern Cape, Sivenathi grew up without her parents and even experienced periods of homelessness. But she did not allow these challenges to interfere with her vision. With relentless focus, she earned a Bachelor of Accounting degree from Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2018, a milestone that symbolised more than academic success – it was a victory over the odds stacked against her.</p><p>“It wasn't easy. I lived with different family members at different times. Fortunately, I excelled in my academics and was awarded not only the top district learner award in my matric year in 2013 but also a scholarship from the Department of Education to study at SU. I was determined to achieve my dream of becoming a powerful corporate woman.<br></p><p>“My headmaster convinced me to study for a chartered accountant as it would be a faster way to achieve my goal, even though I never did Accountancy at school. I thought I could do anything, but I ended up not really enjoying my studies and it eventually took me a year longer to finish my degree."<br></p><p>She said of that time: “I developed depression. I was working as a security guard at my residence and as a marketing assistant at the LaunchLab to earn money for food as my bursary only covered tuition. I was not sleeping and taking medication which compounded everything."<br></p><p>Ironically, it was her studies at SU and the people she interacted with that eventually turned her fortunes around and gave her hope.<br></p><p>“I remember one time during a holiday break; I could not afford the bus fare home to visit my family. One of the students at my residence, Jessica Edwards, found out about it and booked me a flight to the Eastern Cape. It was my first time on a plane but also the first time that someone came through for me and helped me without expecting anything in return. While working at the LaunchLab I also met someone who was involved with Blessing Bucks, a fund that assists students who were on bursaries but did not have enough money to buy food. She was able to secure funding for me and as a result I could quit the jobs I had to do for food and just focus on my studies. Their generosity has taught me to always go out of my way to help others where I can because I know how much that means.<br></p><p>“My course contained one module, Treasury, which focused on investments which I really enjoyed and excelled in. This is also the time cryptocurrency came on the scene and I took it on myself to teach others how to invest and how to understand markets. I became known as a sort of an investment guru to my peers and even people outside of university, and that sort of shaped my career path."<br></p><p>Sivenathi became a financial advisor with Liberty Group South Africa in 2022 after deciding to leave her articles at a major accounting firm “because if I did not quit, it would have destroyed my mental health". Before joining Liberty, she worked as an au pair and ran a successful wholesale bakery. <br></p><p>“My job as a financial advisor helps me to change people's lives. I always wanted to help alleviate poverty in Africa and to bring about sustainable economic solutions. My job helps me do that, even if it is on a smaller scale."<br></p><p>She urges young people to use Youth Month as an opportunity to prioritise their financial health.<br></p><p>“Our generation is outspoken. We speak up on mental health issues and issues that used to be taboo such as racism and sexism. We are also the generation of social media and instant gratification – everyone wants to make it so quickly and everyone judges themselves so harshly when they haven't achieved what they wanted. We do not portray financial wealth as a journey, we don't talk about putting money away. I'd like us to also be real about that and upfront about our financial wellbeing, instead of giving in to instant gratification."<br></p><p>Sivenathi dreams of becoming an independent financial advisor and opening her own brokerage firm later this year. “I really want to bring about sustainable development by teaching people how to optimise their finances. I am good at what I do, I just need that lucky break."<br></p><p><em>Photo: Jika Jika Media</em><br></p> |
| Menelaos Meli: Sparking SA's power revolution | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11342 | | Menelaos Meli: Sparking SA's power revolution | Development & Alumni Relations | <div><em>In celebration of <strong>Youth Month, the Young Alumni Programme (YAP)</strong> at Stellenbosch University (SU) is showcasing our incredible young alumni. Meet some of our remarkable Maties, all under the age of 35, who are using the knowledge and skills they gained at SU to push boundaries and make a real impact across various fields.</em></div><div><br>When it comes to powering South Africa's future, 30-year-old Menelaos Meli isn't waiting for change – he's making it happen!<br></div><div><br></div><p>From a small KwaZulu-Natal town to leading the charge in mobile renewable energy innovation in the country, Menelaos is transforming big ideas into tangible solutions he hopes will empower communities to regain control over their energy. </p><p>Menelaos says he's always been a tinkerer. “I was always curious about how things worked – I'd take things apart just to figure them out, even if I couldn't always put them back together. At the time, I didn't know what engineering was, but I knew I wanted to be involved in creating solutions that were useful – I guess I wanted to be an 'inventor'." </p><p>After completing his Master's in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Stellenbosch University in 2021, he's now the Chief Technology Officer at Zero Carbon Charge, where he's helping build South Africa's first off-grid, mobile solar-powered electric charging network. His invention, the Melivan, was developed as part of international collaborative research with the Technical University of Munich and others, on the LEAP-RE SolChargE project. The Melivan is a portable solar charger designed specifically for the unique challenges of Africa's diverse and challenging landscape. </p><p>But Menelaos isn't just a tech guy. “My goal is to keep growing – not just technically, but by understanding the business and strategic side better. Being versatile is what makes long-term impact possible," he says, adding this mix of skills will help him create solutions that actually work for people and communities.</p><p>For him, it's about more than just technology. “It's about independence. When communities can control their own infrastructure, they move forward on their own terms. That's where the real shift happens." He believes energy should be something people can take into their own hands, not just wait for big companies or governments.</p><p>Menelaos wants more South Africans to feel involved in shaping the future. “I'd like to see more people feel like they can take part in shaping the future, and not just from the sidelines. Especially in sectors like energy and mobility that are still evolving." He shares what he's learned and hopes to help others build skills because “impact scales through people, not just projects".</p><p>His advice for anyone wanting to make a difference? “Don't wait for perfect conditions. Start with the basics, build something, and learn by doing. You'll figure out more by trying and fixing than by planning endlessly."</p><p>Looking at his generation, Menelaos says, “We have a responsibility to tackle South Africa's challenges with urgency and creativity and stop clinging to old ways. My role is to ask better questions, challenge assumptions, and build practical solutions that move us forward." </p><p>To him, real, tangible progress depends on everyone working together. “If we want a better future, collaboration has to matter more than competition."</p> |
| A journey from clinician to educator | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11337 | | A journey from clinician to educator | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p>Mr Adnil Titus has been a lecturer in the Division of Physiotherapy at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences for over 15 years. His journey from hospital clinician to university educator reveals how sometimes the career paths we initially resist turn out to be exactly where we belong.<br></p><p>When Adnil joined the faculty in December 2009, he brought with him seven years of clinical experience from Tygerberg Hospital and a somewhat ironic career trajectory. Growing up in George as the son of two teachers—a school principal and a Grade 1 teacher—he was adamant about one thing: he didn't want to follow in their footsteps.</p><p>“Ironically, I always said that I don't want to become a teacher, because my parents were teachers," he admits. “But here I am, a glorified teacher."</p><p>His path to physiotherapy began with an interest in the medical field, influenced by media portrayals and later solidified by a personal experience with a physiotherapist following an injury. What struck him most was discovering that physiotherapy involved much more than the massages and exercises most people associate with the profession.</p><p>After completing his BSc degree at the University of the Western Cape, Adnil spent 15 months working in Welkom, a mining town in the Northern Free State. The experience was culturally different from his coastal upbringing, but it provided valuable lessons about adaptability and professional growth. His parents had instilled in him the importance of taking responsibility and working hard—values that would serve him well throughout his career.</p><p>Returning to Cape Town, he spent seven years as a physiotherapist clinician at Tygerberg Hospital, eventually developing a special interest in adult neurology. It was during this time that a moment of reflection changed everything. At a regional CPD meeting, he watched a colleague retire at 65 and found himself questioning whether he wanted to spend his entire career “running up and down hospital passages."</p><p>The answer came in the form of a job advertisement for a junior lecturer position in adult neurology—perfectly aligned with his clinical expertise. </p><p>“At that point I had no formal teaching experience, but working in teaching hospitals like Tygerberg, you are always teaching students how to protect your back when lifting patients, or working with nursing students, radiography students," he explains. “So there was, in a manner of speaking, teaching responsibilities and student supervision."</p><p>Since joining the university, Adnil has found his niche, particularly as the second-year coordinator for Physiotherapy Science since 2017. He acknowledges that second year is notoriously difficult for students, but he's found ways to connect with students during this challenging period.</p><p>What drives him most is those breakthrough moments with students. “You know that moment when the penny drops for someone? That's enough for me," he says. “It doesn't matter where it is, whether it's in class, or next to a bed in the hospital—seeing that penny drop, that 'aha moment,' that's a lovely thing for me to witness."</p><p>His teaching combines classroom instruction with clinical bedside teaching, where he focuses on role modelling and guiding them through practical processes. This blend allows him to maintain his connection to clinical practice while developing the next generation of physiotherapists.</p><p>Beyond teaching, Adnil serves on the Undergraduate Research Ethics Committee, a role he finds meaningful given the importance of ethical practice in healthcare. He also participates in the Faculty and Departmental Transformation Committee, where his perspective on transformation extends beyond traditional interpretations.</p><p>Having grown up in the 1980s when educational opportunities were limited, Adnil understands transformation as something deeper than representation.</p><p>“For me, transformation is now slightly different. It's not about the visual representation," he explains. “Students don't learn the same way anymore, so it's about transforming how we think and how we challenge and how we ask and how we teach and how we make them think."</p><p>This philosophy is particularly relevant in an era where AI can easily generate assignments and reports. For Adnil, transformation means thinking differently about education itself—adapting teaching methods, approaching students from different cultural backgrounds, and preparing lessons in ways that encourage critical thinking rather than rote learning.</p><p>His approach to student development reflects this broader perspective on transformation. He encourages students to maintain their individuality while learning to balance different aspects of their lives.</p><p></p><p>Adnil completed his Master's degree in Physiotherapy focusing on gait analysis in stroke patients, using the motion capture laboratory to study . The research combined his clinical interests with academic inquiry, though he admits he's still figuring out how he feels about the label “academic."</p><p>“I would say I'm a little bit of both—teacher and clinician," he reflects. “Research is very important, and so is teaching and fostering students to conduct research."<br></p><p>Looking back on his career transition, Adnil recognises that timing played a crucial role. “I'm quite a reflective person, and sitting back and thinking about what I was meant to do—the opportunity came when I least expected it. It comes at the right time and we must just often be patient."</p><p>Today, after more than 15 years in academia, it's clear that despite his initial resistance to following his parents into teaching, Adnil has found exactly where he belongs—helping students navigate both academic challenges and personal growth, one “penny drop" moment at a time.<br><br></p> |
| Comrades 2025: Help our Maties go the distance | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11317 | | Comrades 2025: Help our Maties go the distance | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) is calling on all Maties and friends of Maties running the 2025 Comrades Marathon to join the #Move4Maties community and raise funds for students in financial need.<br></p><p>According to Alwin Mabuza, fundraiser in SU's Development and Alumni Relations Division and coordinator of #Move4Maties, more than 50 SU staff members, students, and alumni are expected to take part in the gruelling 90km race from Durban to Pietermaritzburg on 8 June. As in previous years, participants are encouraged to join the #Move4Maties team and use their Comrades journey to raise funds for the #CaughtInTheMiddle campaign. This campaign supports students who fall into the “missing middle"— those who don't qualify for assistance from government's National Student Financial Aid Scheme, yet cannot afford the cost of university.<br></p><p>“Our aim is to raise R100 000, which could make a meaningful difference in the lives of several students. By joining the #Move4Maties community, runners can add a powerful purpose to their participation, helping fellow students while pursuing a personal challenge," says Mabuza.<br></p><p>Zoleka Keva, Financial Officer: Debt Collection at SU, says this will be her second time running the Comrades to raise funds for this SU initiative.<br></p><p>“I decided to become a fundraiser because I realised my passion for running could be channelled into creating a lasting impact. When you're out there for hours on the road, you have time to reflect on what truly matters and helping others through this platform felt like the perfect way to give my race a deeper purpose. The sense of accomplishment when you are part of something bigger than yourself, combined with the amazing support you get from the community, is deeply satisfying."<br></p><p>She encourages Maties who are running the Comrades but have not yet signed up as fundraisers to do so.</p><p>“To my fellow Maties taking part in the Comrades, you've already invested an incredible amount of effort and dedication. Why not go the extra mile? Becoming a fundraiser adds another dimension to your race day experience. And for those who want to support (the campaign) but aren't running, your donation can literally change lives. You become part of our Comrades journey, and together we can achieve something great."<br></p><p>SU alumnus Siboniso Zungu, who will take part in his eighth Comrades, says he signed up as a fundraiser because “the little that I can contribute may help save the life of someone who might consider committing suicide because of depression brought on by financial difficulties".<br></p><p>Zungu, who is currently employed by the City of uMhlathuze in Richards Bay as a senior engineer in charge of key infrastructure projects under Water and Sanitation Services, also encourages his fellow Matie runners to sign up as fundraisers or to donate to the campaign.<br></p><p>“Let us strive to be the change that society needs and let us help where we can. In Zulu there is a saying 'Izandla Ziyagezana' which means 'one hand washes another'. Let us unite in helping those in need."<br></p><p>Zareena Badsha, who obtained a postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management at SU in 2021 and who works as an HR manager for a collective management organisation, says she will run her fourth Comrades as a fundraiser because #CaughtInTheMiddle resonates with her.<br></p><p>“Growing up my parents and I fell into this category and now, as a working adult, I still fall into this category in terms of funding. So, I would be more than happy if I am able to impact just one student's life and make it a bit easier for them. I am also blessed to have been able to obtain many qualifications from a few South African universities and therefore would always want to give back."<br></p><p>She adds: “I would just like to remind my fellow Matie runners that the commitment, determination and resilience we show towards training for Comrades are the very same qualities that these students exhibit on a daily basis in their studies. By raising funds for them we make it a bit easier for them to persevere and to complete their studies and that in itself is as rewarding and life changing as finishing a Comrades Marathon." <br></p><p>Matie Comrades runners who want to support #CaughtInTheMiddle are encouraged to sign up by 31 May 2025. Here's how you can get involved:<strong> </strong></p><ul><li>Sign up <a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Azv6pjwKWEKEM6Eg3_zTSLw7mqmeq_5CsNjdYGIJcVdUMkVMMVFPQ1dCWlZFRERSWFpHNFpJRkJDQy4u"><strong>HERE</strong></a> to join the campaign as a fundraiser.<br></li><li>Visit our <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.givengain.com/event/team-move4maties-takes-on-comrades-marathon-2025&data=05%7c02%7c%7c4c823e151d244a35ecf508dd96c9033d%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638832512270076237%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=Cg4s/CnddVeK881KoUVc1iAa1ouXpXdi2HwjeJjdxHM%3D&reserved=0"><strong>GivenGain campaign</strong></a> page to set up your profile or support other champions.</li><li>Join our <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://chat.whatsapp.com/LAxAu5I9qlpF4fOoHXVHEU&data=05%7c02%7c%7c4c823e151d244a35ecf508dd96c9033d%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638832512270089462%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=SnyUM3HnmUVFrYzGvZnxlCVfP6j/i/q42%2BTqWMJSOI4%3D&reserved=0"><strong>WhatsApp community</strong></a></li></ul><div>Photographers:</div><div>Yvette Harris</div><div>Action Photo SA<br></div><div>Siboniso Zungu<br></div><p><em></em><br></p> |
