True leaders do not need a title to lead | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11432 | | True leaders do not need a title to lead | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p><strong>True leaders do not need a title to lead</strong></p><p><em>Thembalethu Seyisi shares the stories that inspire him to greatness.</em><em> </em></p><p>“This book captures the essence of what it means to live with purpose."</p><p>These words of wisdom from Prof Thuli Madonsela, the Director at the Centre for Social Justice at Stellenbosch University (SU), capture the essence of a remarkable new book, <em>25 Life Lessons @ 25</em>, by a young and inspiring leader, Thembalethu Seyisi. A researcher at SU's Centre for Social Justice, he is also the co-founder of Academic Inclusion Drive (AID), a non-profit organisation to support the crowdfunding campaign #Action4Inclusion, aimed at alleviating student debt.</p><p>When you meet Thembalethu (his name stands for 'our hope' in isiXhosa), you will soon realise he is no ordinary 25-year-old. When he turned 21 on 2 December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he chose not to celebrate this milestone with a big bash; instead, he invested his time and energy into compiling and self-publishing his first book: <em>21 Life Lessons @ 21</em>. “I've been immensely privileged to have been inspired and mentored by exceptional South African women and men. I wanted other young people also to experience the love, grace and inspiration I have benefited from," he wrote.</p><p>Thembalethu says his first book was “born from a moment of crisis and compassion. At 21, I faced two heart-wrenching realities: A dear friend was unable to graduate from university due to historic debt, while another, who was battling what later turned out to be a misdiagnosis of a terminal illness, was struggling to cover her medical expenses. Drawing on the power of storytelling and community, I reached out to 21 remarkable individuals to share their life lessons and compiled their wisdom into a book whose proceeds supported my friends' needs and #Action4Inclusion. The experience taught me that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others."</p><p>For <em>25 Life Lessons @ 25,</em> Thembalethu followed the same recipe: he made a list of people he knows who inspire him and asked them to answer the question, "What is the one thing you wish you had known or done differently at 25?" “This book is a celebration of their journey, their process of becoming. As you read their stories, you'll see proof that no one walks alone; we are all shaped by the voices, experiences and the generosity of those around us," he writes.</p><p>Published by Uhlanga Books, this is one of those books that makes time stand still. It lures you in with words of wisdom from the inimitable Prof Madonsela, when she pays tribute to Thembalethu: “Through skillfully influencing and inspiring these extraordinary leaders to write on life lessons in celebration of his 25th birthday and support of #Action4Inclusion and AID, Themba has shown that true leaders do not need permission or a title to lead. The remarkable ability to bring these voices together reflects his exceptional leadership and gift for fostering dialogue across generations, backgrounds and experiences."</p><p>The award-winning journalist Athi Mtongana echoed these words when she wrote, "There is a genius in gathering influential voices from across society and weaving them into a single story." When that brilliance comes from a young person, it speaks volumes about what is possible when youthful energy is anchored in purpose".</p><p><em>25 Life Lessons @ 25 </em>takes you on an alphabetical journey through a diverse group of unique individuals who share their stories and wisdom. Thembalethu has skillfully woven the stories of adversity, triumph and transformation together: There is Erika, who ran away at 21 from a cult, the only world she'd ever known. You travel with Marlene on her journey with polio, and you hear the crowd roar 'Beeeaast' when Tendai Mtwarira shares his incredible belief in seizing the day and not becoming another statistic without dreams.</p><p>Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, the humble servant of South Africa's people through the organization he founded, Gift of the Givers, tells us to sweep the floors, pack food, and drive the truck. “There is no job beneath you when you serve." You run a marathon with Basani Maluleke and learn to embrace loneliness. At the same time, multi-award-winning poet, playwright, actor and producer Siphokazi Mthathi urges us to “Launch yourself at life like it is a plush couch, and you are a reckless toddler; unmask your fears and you'll discover that perfection is just not that interesting to you anymore."</p><p>Thembalethu unique ability to unite people from all walks of life was once again prevalent at his book launch on 27 June 2025 at the Vineyard Hotel in Newlands. Friends, family, colleagues, and some of the trailblazers he introduced in his book, all people who want to make a difference in others' lives, came together to celebrate.</p><p>“We're all here tonight because of one truly special person—and what a remarkable South African we have in Themba. He has the rare ability to bring people together around a shared vision: a vision of the kind of leadership, purpose, and future we want for our country," said SU's new Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, one of the contributors to the book, on the event.</p><p>For Prof Ramjugernath, Thembalethu is someone who sees purpose, recognises potential, and knows how to align both with intent. “The lessons he shares will continue to shape leadership in this country and influence the direction we take as a nation. South Africa needs passionate young leaders like Themba—leaders who are willing to step up, speak out, and help us become the remarkable country we all know we can be," he said.</p><p><em>25 Life Lessons @ 25</em> is hard to put down, so when you buy this, knowing that you are contributing to somebody else's future, make sure you sit comfortably, as you will be riveted for quite some time. </p><p>All proceeds from the sale of Themba's book will go to the Academic Inclusion Drive (AID) and #Action4Inclusion, as no student who still has an academic space at a university should ever be kicked out because of fees. This book is a powerful step toward that vision as Themba calls “it a commitment to uplifting others, to building a better world and to never stopping the search for wisdom".</p><p>To buy the book: <a href="https://uhlangabooks.co.za/">https://uhlangabooks.co.za</a></p><p>Or Contact: Zimkitha Macengulashe Zilo at 069 983 3838</p><p><br></p> |
Driving societal transformation through community engagement | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11427 | | Driving societal transformation through community engagement | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p></p><p>Every year, staff and students at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) undertake numerous activities aimed at driving social change through projects designed to educate, empower, uplift, and build the communities they serve. These initiatives represent the faculty's unwavering commitment to creating meaningful impact beyond the classroom and clinic.</p><p>“At the FMHS we're committed to driving societal transformation and advancing health equity. Our mission is to create systemic, structural, and social change by addressing pressing health challenges and promoting access to quality healthcare for all," said Dr Therese Fish, Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact at the FMHS.</p><p>Fish emphasises the faculty's holistic approach to community engagement: “We believe that authentic social impact includes fostering meaningful community partnerships, promoting social justice, and empowering communities to lead healthier lives."</p><p>In 2024 alone, FMHS staff were involved in 39 community initiatives. These projects engaged 225 students and 43 community partners, providing more than 800 health procedures and 10 rural outreach activities. The initiatives span diverse areas including health and wellbeing interventions, addressing healthcare needs of people with disabilities, education, and food security, among others.</p><p><strong>Recognition through the 2024 Social Impact Awards</strong></p><p>The FMHS's dedication to community service was formally recognised in 2024 when the faculty received outstanding recognition from SU through Social Impact Awards. The FMHS received 27 nominations and five awards – a testament to the quality and breadth of their community engagement efforts.</p><p>SU's Social Impact Awards represents the highest honour granted by the university community to staff for outstanding contributions to social impact. The five winning projects from the FMHS included two individual awards: Prof Eileen Africa's KIDSMove project for improving gross motor skills of foundation phase children, and Tembela Boyana's culturally sensitive method for disclosing HIV status to young children.</p><p>Three team awards recognised collaborative efforts: the Desmond Tutu TB Centre's community health initiatives, the Rare Diseases Genomics Research Group for transforming healthcare through genetic testing accessibility and rare diseases advocacy, and Dr Therese Fish and Prof Karin Baatjes' Central Karoo InReach project addressing backlogs in cataract surgeries and dental services in the Garden Route and Central Karoo Districts.</p><p><strong>Social impact projects</strong></p><p>The comprehensive scope of the FMHS's community engagement is captured in their annual <a href="https://simplebooklet.com/fmhssocialimpact#page=1">Social Impact Report for 2024</a>. “Our social impact initiatives are rooted in community-based participatory action, ensuring cultural relevance and sustainability. These initiatives exemplify our commitment to social justice, equity, and the advancement of health for all," notes Fish.</p><p>Here are six key projects featured in the report:</p><p><strong>1. Group Empowerment and Training (GREAT) for People with Diabetes</strong></p><p>The GREAT Project addresses diabetes care challenges in underserved Cape Town Metropole communities by bringing services directly to people's daily lives. This community-driven initiative focuses on <strong>G</strong>rowing, <strong>R</strong>eaching, <strong>E</strong>mpowering, <strong>a</strong>nd <strong>T</strong>ransforming health outcomes through university-community partnerships. The project leverages interdisciplinary collaboration and capacity building to tackle non-communicable diseases, mental health, and social determinants of health while integrating direct healthcare services with education, research, and community empowerment for sustainable change.</p><p> </p><p><strong>2. Buddy's Support Group at FAMCRU</strong></p><p>Ms Tembela Boyana developed an innovative, culturally sensitive approach to HIV disclosure for young children, beginning around age seven with caregiver preparation. Remarkably, none of the 120 children assisted have experienced family rejection, depression, or treatment adherence issues. The Buddy's Group, launched in 2017, provides peer support for approximately 80 HIV-affected adolescents, creating safe spaces that strengthen emotional resilience, treatment adherence, and long-term wellbeing through education and empowerment.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>3. Framing Mobility: Frame Running for People with Disabilities</strong></p><p>Framing Mobility makes adaptive sports accessible to individuals with disabilities across South Africa through frame running – a three-wheeled assistive activity that enables participants to experience movement, improve health, and enhance social engagement. The programme provides equipment and creates inclusive weekly activity groups in Cape Town, Helderberg, and Stellenbosch. As both a registered social impact project and research platform, it integrates engaged teaching and community-based research while training students in adapted physical activity.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>4. Community-Based Rehabilitation Projects</strong></p><p>These WHO-guideline-based rehabilitation initiatives operate across Cape Metropole and Cape Winelands communities, improving healthcare access for people with disabilities through systematic three-phase implementation. The projects include comprehensive training for patients, community health workers, and rehabilitation professionals; health promotion through educational materials; and health systems development via patient registers and local service integration. This approach bridges the gap between rehabilitation needs and access in low-resource settings.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>5. Open Doors to Future Possibilities</strong></p><p>This community engagement programme connects the Department of Biomedical Sciences with Voorbrug Senior Secondary School in Delft, bringing disadvantaged learners to the Biomedical Research Institute. The initiative exposes high school students to career opportunities in medicine and health sciences while providing mentoring and relevant health education. By offering early exposure to health science careers, the programme aims to ignite aspirations and potentially change life trajectories for youth in underserved communities.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>6. MitoSAKen: Promoting Cardiovascular Health</strong></p><p>The MitoSAKen research group at CARMA bridges scientific research with community health improvement, investigating mitochondria's role in cardiometabolic disease among people with and without HIV. Their September 2024 outreach event at Esselen Park Senior Secondary School in Worcester enhanced community understanding of cardiovascular health, promoted preventative care practices, and strengthened relationships with study participants and the broader Worcester community, demonstrating how research initiatives can effectively engage and educate communities about critical health issues.<br><br></p><p><br></p> |
10 years of Homecoming: Be part of the celebration | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11422 | | 10 years of Homecoming: Be part of the celebration | Development & Alumni Relations | <p></p><p>This year, Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrates a special milestone – its tenth annual Homecoming Weekend, taking place from <strong>Thursday 11 September</strong> to <strong>Saturday 13 September 2025</strong>.</p><p>Karen Bruns, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations, reflects on how far the tradition has come. “Ten years ago, our Homecoming Weekend began as a simple idea: to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the bond we all share as Maties. Today, it's a tradition that continues to grow stronger every year. This 10-year milestone is more than just a date. It's a tribute to the memories we've made, the friendships we've cherished, and the pride we feel in calling SU home."</p><p>It will also mark Prof Deresh Ramjugernath's first Homecoming as Rector and Vice-Chancellor. “I'm looking forward to meeting the Matie community who continue to carry the spirit of Stellenbosch across the world," says Prof Ramjugernath. “Whether you graduated last year or many decades ago, this is your moment to come home – to reconnect, relive memories, and celebrate your journey as part of the Matie family."</p><p>A packed line-up of events promises to make this Homecoming unforgettable.</p><p>The Theatre Showcase will celebrate the performing arts with a production directed by alumna and Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards winner Nicole Holm, in collaboration with Drama Department lecturers Mmatumisang Motsisi and Schalk van der Merwe.</p><p>Golfers can look forward to the ever-popular Homecoming Golf Day, offering a relaxed and scenic setting at the Stellenbosch Golf Course, perfect for catching up with old friends and fellow alumni.</p><p>One of the highlights will be the Matie Winemakers Showcase, celebrating 100 years of Pinotage. More than 20 top Matie winemakers will present their finest wines in honour of this iconic varietal. Your ticket includes a tasting pass and a commemorative wine glass. Participating estates include Delheim, Kanonkop, Perdeberg, Die Laan, Bergsig, and Beyerskloof – an opportunity to experience the best of South African winemaking, all in one place.</p><p>At the heart of the weekend, the Matieland Concert returns for another memorable evening in the Endler Hall. This year's line-up includes celebrated storyteller and musical icon Nataniël, actress and comedienne Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck, acclaimed actor and singer Dean Smith, the Maties Jazz Society, alumni vocal ensemble Lyrica Nova, soprano Sashon Johnson, and pianist Karen Petersen.</p><p>Homecoming wouldn't be complete without the many residence and class reunions, where alumni gather to celebrate remarkable milestones. This year, we mark various significant anniversaries – among them, the 100th anniversary of both the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Department of Agricultural Economics, the 120th anniversary of Harmonie, and an incredible 150 years of Maties Rugby.</p><p><a href="https://console.vpaper.ca/stellenbosch-university/homecoming-2025/"><strong>Click here to view the full programme and book your tickets.</strong></a><strong> </strong>Don't miss the chance to be part of this milestone celebration - because no matter where life has taken you, you'll always have a place to come back to.</p> |
SU student receives prestigious award recognising young doctors | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11417 | | SU student receives prestigious award recognising young doctors | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p>Final-year MBChB student at Stellenbosch University (SU), Kayla Lourens has been recognised as one of South Africa's top final-year medical students, earning the Young Doctors Merit Award at the National Medical Awards, held during the recent 2025 Smart Health Summit gala evening in Pretoria.<br></p><p>The award, presented by the Alliance of South African Independent Practitioners Associations (ASAIPA), recognises final-year medical students across the country who excel in academics, leadership, and community engagement. Lourens shares the 2025 top honour with Estiaan Mellet from the University of Pretoria.</p><p>A standout student at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Lourens is no stranger to accolades. Last year she received the University's prestigious Rector's Award for Leadership and was also awarded honorary colours for leadership, culture, and service at SU, as well as a merit award for her contributions to the Tygerberg Student Union.</p><p>With a strong interest in cardiovascular medicine, Lourens has complemented her academic achievements with rich international experiences, including a German Summer School at the University of Tübingen and a clinical elective in acute cardiac care at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She also represented Friends of Doctors Without Borders at the MSF Southern Africa General Assembly in Harare.</p><p>Leadership and community service have remained central to her student journey. Lourens has chaired the Tygerberg Societies Council, the SU Medical Orchestra, and Friends of Doctors Without Borders, while also serving on key governance bodies such as the Tygerberg Student Representative Council and the Academic Affairs Council.</p><p>Reflecting on her ambitions, she says she is committed to patient-centred care and hopes to contribute to a more innovative, equitable and compassionate healthcare system.</p><p>“I believe that the future of South African healthcare relies on young doctors who are willing to stand up – not just to critique the system, but to be part of its transformation."</p><p>Lourens added that the ASAIPA Young Doctors Merit Awards resonate with her because it recognises more than academic achievement. “It celebrates the kind of doctor I strive to become – a doctor who leads with empathy, uplifts communities and uses every opportunity to grow and give back."<br><br></p> |
Prof Louis Jenkins receives international medical award | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11414 | | Prof Louis Jenkins receives international medical award | FMHS Marketing & Communications - Sue Segar | <p>When Professor Louis Jenkins received an email announcing he'd won a prestigious international award for 'Excellence in Health Care', his first instinct was to delete it. The message seemed too good to be true – surely it was spam. But when he finally investigated further, this professor in Family and Emergency Medicine at Stellenbosch University discovered he had indeed been selected for the Africa Five Star Doctor Award from the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA).</p><p>“I was blown away," Jenkins admits.</p><p>The WONCA Five Star Doctor Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in family medicine, recognising doctors who excel across five critical domains: Care Provider, Decision Maker, Communicator, Community Leader, and Manager. These criteria, developed by Dr Charles Boelen during his 30-year tenure with the World Health Organisation, define what makes a truly exceptional physician in the modern healthcare landscape.</p><p>Jenkins' nomination came from Professor Bob Mash, Executive Head of Family Medicine at Stellenbosch University, though Jenkins himself remained modest about his chances. “I have so many amazing colleagues working across Africa that I didn't think too much of it. I'm surprised and humbled."<br></p><p>As the regional winner, Jenkins will represent Africa at the WONCA World Conference in Lisbon this September, where he'll be considered for the global Five Star Doctor Award while presenting his research to an international audience.</p><p><strong>A passion for family medicine</strong></p><p>Jenkins' passion for family medicine stems from its unique position at the intersection of comprehensive healthcare delivery. “It's a place where you get close to the people you're involved with in their lives from birth to death," he explains. “You're with people when they are born and when they are dying; you're involved in dealing with emergencies, chronic diseases and socio-cultural issues such as gender-based violence. You also do procedures and surgery."</p><p>This breadth of practice reflects Jenkins' belief in the critical role family physicians play, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Africa, family physicians serve as expert generalists capable of surgical, obstetrical and anaesthetic procedures while leading community-oriented primary care initiatives and training healthcare teams. It's a discipline that transcends traditional professional boundaries, requiring practitioners to be equally comfortable in operating theatres and community health centres.</p><p><strong>Transforming medical education and healthcare systems</strong></p><p>Jenkins' research interests focus on transforming medical education and healthcare systems. He's currently leading efforts to implement Work-Place Based Assessments (WPBA) in South Africa's postgraduate medical education system. This innovative approach captures learning and assessment data through e-portfolios over three to four years, moving away from traditional examination-based evaluation toward real-world competency assessment.</p><p>“In postgraduate medical education, there has been a global move towards WPBA, where registrars are assessed in the workplace," Jenkins explains. His work involves developing Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) – specific tasks that registrars must master before being trusted to perform them independently.</p><p><strong>Impact of his efforts</strong></p><p>The impact of Jenkins' mentorship extends far beyond South Africa's borders. He has supervised over 26 registrars completing their MMed research degrees, covering diverse topics from palliative care and tuberculosis to theatre efficiency and healthcare worker resilience. Through the African Research Collaboration, he's helping develop emerging family physicians across the continent.</p><p>One area particularly close to Jenkins' heart is palliative care research. “We are doing extensive research on how to improve home-based palliative care in communities," he notes, addressing a critical gap in healthcare delivery for patients with life-limiting conditions.</p><p>Jenkins' commitment to healthcare system improvement operates at multiple levels – from local management to national policy. He believes family physicians' broad perspective positions them uniquely to understand and improve complex healthcare systems. “The work of family physicians covers so many aspects, so their voices are increasingly being heard in understanding complex-adaptive systems to improve overall healthcare for patients in their communities."</p><p>Outside medicine, Jenkins finds balance through gardening on his smallholding outside George, where he particularly enjoys planting trees. He's also an avid reader of biographies and history, and treasures time with his wife and two daughters.</p><p>Reflecting on his recognition, Jenkins remains humble: “There are many exceptional doctors caring for communities and working very hard in Africa. I don't know how one can single out one colleague. None of us can work properly without a whole team of colleagues carrying one another."<br></p><p><br></p> |
A Decade of Impact: How the SU LaunchLab is powering innovation - and now Biotech | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11400 | | A Decade of Impact: How the SU LaunchLab is powering innovation - and now Biotech | Jeraldene Menon | <p><br></p><p>A decade ago, Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab was officially brought to life inside what was once a dusty furniture repair building. Today, the thriving SU business incubator has helped launch more than 35 spinout companies, attracted millions of rands in investment, and helped countless entrepreneurs grow their businesses - rightly earning its title as the top university incubator in Africa by University Business Incubator Global (UBI) from 2017 to 2020.</p><p>In a celebratory event marking this milestone, over a hundred stakeholders gathered to reflect on the journey, honour the people behind it, and look ahead to LaunchLab's next decade of innovation.</p><p>Through keynote reflections from Brandon Paschal, Deputy Director of Spinouts and Funds and Manager of LaunchLab; Anita Nel, Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation; Prof. Stan du Plessis, SU's Chief Operating Officer, and a lively panel moderated by Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, SU's Rector and Vice Chancellor, the evening traced LaunchLab's evolution from serendipitous coffee chats to a full-scale entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event also formally introduced the LaunchLab CERIBIO, a brand-new biotechnology laboratory built to accelerate Africa's next generation of biotech startups.</p><p>Prof. Du Plessis, the evening's guest speaker, recounted the University's innovation journey. Having served on LaunchLab's board since its inception, Prof. du Plessis noted that "in ten years, we've achieved more than what was even possible at Wharton in their early years."</p><p>Sharing his final address as COO of SU at the, Prof. Du Plessis reflected on the ten-year journey from an economic perspective. Drawing on ideas from Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx, he emphasised the importance of creating spaces like LaunchLab, where innovation can flourish through structure, freedom, and creative enterprise. He also paid tribute to Paschal, recognising his commitment and hands-on leadership in shaping the incubator's culture and guiding its ventures forward.</p><p>“We celebrate your outstanding first decade, LaunchLab, and we expect an even more astonishing second decade," he said. Prof. Du Plessis' legacy, like that of the incubator he helped guide, is one of bold vision and quiet resolve.</p><p>Taking the stage together, Nel and Paschal delivered a dual keynote that captured both the heart and the hustle behind LaunchLab. While Anita reflected on its improbable beginnings - pleading for seed funding and advertising the incubator on Facebook with the caption “Incubator open, anyone can come" - Brandon delved into the statistics and outcomes that followed, acknowledging the startups that filled the space, the millions raised, the global partnerships formed, and the ideas that turned into investable businesses.</p><p>Nostalgia aside, the duo revealed much about the deliberate choices, scrappy beginnings, and sheer determination that have shaped LaunchLab into what it is today.</p><p>“What surprised me most over the past ten years?" said Nel, “is that it's never about processes or money alone, it's always about the people. People are what made all of this a success." Gesturing towards the entrepreneurs in the room, she advised, “we must never stop supporting them, because a win for them is a win for us all."</p><p>Paschal, whose leadership and vision have been central to LaunchLab's evolution, delivered a candid reflection on their ten year journey, reminding the audience that the heart of incubation isn't found in flashy headlines but in the daily grind.</p><p>He traced the timeline from the LaunchLab's occupancy in 2015, featuring CubeSpace's first built-in cleanroom, and ButtaNutt's bold leap into incubation, after selling R300 000 worth of nut butter at the Slow Market, through years of collaborative innovation with corporates like Mercedes-Benz, ATTACQ, and Santam.</p><p>By 2019, LaunchLab had been named Africa's top university incubator by UBI Global for the second time, launched the <a href="https://www.stellenboschnetwork.co.za/">Stellenbosch Network</a>, and saw its spinout portfolio surge. Then came the quiet grind of 2020–2023, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the University Technology Fund (UTF), and a shift from a private entity back into SU's internal structure. All of this was strategically designed to refocus on the success and growth of SU's portfolio companies.</p><p>However, 2024 and 2025 marked a significant step forward. Paschal proudly shared how SU LaunchLab, in partnership with Stellenbosch Network, began curating industry-specific innovation networks through events like Cape Agritech Connect, helping startups find customers and build meaningful partnerships. He announced that the Instant Startup, which was first piloted in 2021, has now been licensed internationally. Meanwhile, the UTF II has officially launched, following the successful deployment of Fund I, and is ready to fuel a new generation of spinouts with critical early-stage capital.</p><p>"Ten years in, we're still learning, still iterating, but the impact is undeniable," said Paschal. “The numbers speak volumes, with over 400 businesses supported, R857 million raised by incubatees and spinouts, and an estimated R1 billion in revenue generated by incubated companies in 2024 alone. But the true legacy lies in the community LaunchLab has cultivated," he concluded.</p><p><strong>LaunchLab CERIBIO: Africa's Biotech Launchpad</strong></p><p>The evening's second act proved LaunchLab's unofficial mantra of “just doing it" is alive and well. With a ceremonial snip of a red ribbon, SU unveiled LaunchLab CERIBIO, a biotechnology laboratory and incubator created in partnership with the <a href="https://ceri.org.za/">Centre for Epidemic Response & Innovation (CERI).</a></p><p>The LaunchLab CERIBIO is<strong> </strong>a state-of-the-art laboratory and co-working space equipped for molecular biology, enzyme production, and diagnostic prototyping, paired with LaunchLab's signature business building support.</p><p>The lab is not a nice-to-have; it was identified as a need for early-stage biotech ventures that currently face two critical barriers: the high cost of lab infrastructure and the lack of skillset to commercialise research. Flagship SU spinouts <a href="https://www.fluorobiotech.com/">Fluorobiotech</a>, <a href="https://www.biocode.co.za/">Biocode Technologies</a>, and <a href="https://www.phagoflux.com/">Phagoflux</a> will be the first residents, sharing equipment and expertise while pioneering advancements in diagnostics, enzyme manufacturing, and autophagy therapy.</p><p>Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Director of CERI and SU's School for Data Science, noted that while South Africa excelled in genomic surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic, it lagged in accessing locally produced diagnostics and vaccines. “CERIBIO is how we change that narrative by producing African-owned biotech IP at industrial scale."</p><p>Prof. de Oliveira recalled how an unplanned office relocation near the SU LaunchLab triggered a chain reaction. “What started as coffee catch-ups turned into an entire ecosystem," he said, describing how early conversations with Dr. Richard Gordon soon evolved into a shared ambition to build a biotech innovation engine for the continent. “LaunchLab provides the perfect environment for valuable partnerships, attracting funders and a determination that refuses to wait for perfect conditions before taking action."</p><p>That readiness to do, rather than merely discuss, is shared by Este Burger, CEO of Biocode Technologies. Speaking on the panel discussion led by Prof. Ramjugernath, Burger described bringing to market a novel blood test that detects vascular damage in long-COVID patients even when standard diagnostics miss it.</p><p>“We're able to commercialise cutting-edge SU research because LaunchLab and Innovus believed in us long before anyone else did," she said. “Anita and Brandon gave us the network, the lab benches, and the confidence to push global health impact from right here in Stellenbosch."</p><p>Echoing that theme of confidence was Chiedza Vushe, Chair of Matie Entrepreneurs and founder of FineApple Pixels. Vushe told the audience how a single email she sent, after hearing a speaker from LaunchLab during Industry Week at SU, had rewired her aspirations: “I stopped seeing myself as just a student and started acting as an innovator."</p><p>Commenting, Prof. Ramjugernath noted that Vushe's testimony crystallised SU's “transformative student experience" mandate by giving young talent the mindset, the mentors, and the means to create jobs and narrow inequality.</p><p>Closing the panel, Prof. Ramjugernath reminded the attendees that universities often wrestle with their role in economic development. “Some may argue it isn't our job," he said, “but tonight proves otherwise. What we build here, the companies, careers and solutions – it reverberates through the economy and into communities."</p><p>LaunchLab now enters its second decade with two clear assets: a proven record in nurturing deep tech ventures, and a brand new biotech engine ready to propel African science onto the world stage.</p><p>For Anita Nel, the task is as bold today as it was in 2014: “We started by asking: Why don't we have an incubator? Now the question is: How far can we go?"<br></p><p><br></p> |
Luke Vorhies: 'We are stronger together' | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11402 | | Luke Vorhies: 'We are stronger together' | Development & Alumni Relations | <div><em>In celebration of Youth Month, the <strong>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><br></div><div><p></p><p>For Stellenbosch University (SU) alumnus Luke Vorhies, mathematics has always been more than just a subject. “I studied mathematics up to Honours level and then stayed on for a couple of years doing some research and assisting in the Mathematics Department," he explains. “I have always been fascinated by mathematics, mainly by its strong logical and puzzle-solving aspect."</p><p>His academic journey not only shaped his intellectual growth but also helped him form meaningful connections. One such connection was with fellow student Brandon Laing, who became a close friend and a vital support system. Today, Luke lives in the United Kingdom and remains active in the Oxford Chapter of Stellenbosch University's alumni network - keeping the Matie spirit alive across borders.<br></p><p>“Brandon was the first person I met when I arrived at Stellenbosch for Honours. He brought me fully into the department and helped me adjust. He was always there to motivate me through academic difficulties and helped me build and maintain a strong social network.<br></p><p>“It's a great privilege to connect with fellow Maties even far from Stellenbosch and to celebrate our shared experiences regularly."<br></p><p>Professionally, Luke is the Strategic Systems Manager at Oxford Royale Academy, an educational organisation based in Oxford. Beyond his academic background—from SU, King's College London, and the University of Oxford—he has contributed to education and global causes through teaching, research, and volunteering. His international work includes volunteering at an archaeological dig site in Greece, assisting with excavation and cataloguing; serving as a teaching assistant at a high school in South Africa; and joining a church-sponsored outreach group in Malawi, focused on supporting medical services in rural communities.<br></p><p>Luke now stands on the cusp of a new and exciting chapter in his life: marriage. “It's honestly one of the most thrilling and joyful experiences of my life," he says.<br></p><p>He sees his generation as custodians of an unfinished vision. <br></p><p>“It's more than thirty years since South Africa was called the Rainbow Nation, and I think now more than ever, the philosophy and ideology behind that is important. It is our responsibility to build a nation of peace and prosperity, so that the dream can continue into our generation and beyond."<br></p><p>What continues to drive Luke, especially in complex or uncertain moments, is a grounded sense of perspective. “I remember that the world has been spinning for a long time and has faced many catastrophes and crises. And yet, the world is still spinning. We are still here," he says. This enduring outlook, coupled with a belief in shared strength and purpose, shapes his personal and professional life.<br></p><p>Reflecting on how Stellenbosch helped to mould him, Luke credits the university's emphasis on collaboration. “Stellenbosch helped me develop a strong feeling for the benefit of working with others and valuing a broad group of contributors. The academic structure encouraged us to reach out to peers, to help one another, and to work collectively toward success.<br></p><p>"That sense of community proved vital during the global pandemic in 2020. Even while working remotely for long periods, I relied heavily on my colleagues and friends and tried to make myself as supportive and available to them too."<br></p><p>For Luke, motivation comes from recognising the resolve of those who came before him. “If our ancestors could weather all those terrible storms, then we can too," he says. This historical perspective, coupled with his appreciation for teamwork and support networks, continue to shape how he approaches challenges. Whether in his academic life, personal growth, or professional ambitions, Luke sees collaboration as a strength and a necessity in building a better world.<br></p><p>When asked what values he believes young professionals in South Africa should embrace, Luke is clear: “Hard work and teamwork. Nothing worth doing is easy, and we must work hard to improve the world. But we do not have to do it alone. We are stronger together."<br></p></div> |
Audrey Chidawanyika: Jumpstarting dreams | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11403 | | Audrey Chidawanyika: Jumpstarting dreams | Development & Alumni Relations | <div><em>In celebration of Youth Month, the <strong>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><br></div><div><br></div><p>Audrey Simbiso Chidawanyika is a force in Africa's innovation and leadership space. Known by her self-manifested moniker, "The African Wildfire<em>"</em>, she has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries and sparking meaningful change. With roots in Zimbabwe and a focus on unlocking Africa's full potential, she is building systems, shifting mindsets, and empowering the next generation of changemakers.<br></p><p>Audrey founded Simbiso Jumpstart in August 2019 as a response to the urgent need for accessible, practical, and community-rooted support for African micro and small-sized enterprises. <br></p><p>Additionally, she does work with AfriLabs, which is an innovation-focused organisation that equips entrepreneurs and innovators with the skills and resources needed to drive sustainable development and growth within the continent's tech and innovation landscape.<br></p><p>She serves as Chief of Staff to the Executive Director at AfriLabs, where her days move between policy design, stakeholder engagement, and strategic innovation. “What excites me most is the continental canvas I get to co-create on, shaping policy narratives that mirror African realities and ambitions," she says. “AfriLabs is home. It's an extraordinary organisation that constantly nurtures growth, creativity, and bold vision."<br></p><p>Audrey's energy is unmistakable whether she's driving policy reform at AfriLabs, mentoring youth through her Simbiso Jumpstart organisation, or engaging high-level global stakeholders. <br></p><p>“The African Wildfire isn't just a moniker – it's a movement," she says. “It speaks to an ever-burning inner flame that refuses to be boxed in, dimmed, or tamed. I aim to spark, spread, and sustain transformation, especially across Africa's innovation, enterprise, and leadership landscapes."<br></p><p>In 2022, Audrey joined the Make-IT in Africa Women in Leadership Programme at the Stellenbosch Business School – an experience that added depth to her leadership journey. “I wasn't just seeking knowledge, I was seeking alignment," she reflects. “The Stellenbosch Business School gave me a sharper lens to navigate power, politics, and partnerships, not just as a woman in leadership, but as an African architect of the future."<br></p><p>But Audrey's mission extends far beyond institutional corridors. Through Simbiso Jumpstart, she's worked with more than 15 000 young innovators across agritech, fintech, edtech and medtech. “I created the platform to dismantle barriers and to jumpstart dreams," she explains. “But what I'm most proud of is the mindset shift. We've helped young people stop waiting for permission and start building."<br></p><p>Recognition has followed; she's a Mandela Washington Fellow, a JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons honouree, and was named Africa Startup Ecosystem Builder of the Year. Yet, for Audrey, accolades are not the destination. “The true reward is in the transformation: seeing a young founder access capital, watching a community empowered through digital tools, or witnessing policy reform take root."<br></p><p>As a young African woman navigating innovation and enterprise growth, Audrey is no stranger to resistance. “There's a constant undercurrent of underestimation," she says. “But I've turned every dismissal into kindling." Her leadership is anchored in purpose, service, and generational impact. “My generation isn't here to inherit broken systems – we are here to redesign them."<br></p><p>Audrey sees the next chapter as one of “scale, structure, and sovereignty". Through AfriLabs, she advocates for policy environments where African startups can thrive. Through Simbiso Jumpstart, she's equipping grassroots entrepreneurs to lead without compromise. And with bold steps into media, investment, and tech-policy bridges, she's shaping a continent ready to rise.<br></p><p>“I am not done," she says. “And neither is Africa."</p> |
Prof Karen Welman’s vision for movement science and community health | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11387 | | Prof Karen Welman’s vision for movement science and community health | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p><br><br></p><p>As Executive Head of the Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine and currently Head of two of its divisions, the Division of Movement Science and Exercise Therapy and the Division of Sport Science, Associate Professor Karen Welman brings a deeply humane and collaborative approach to leadership. <br></p><p>“For me, there's nothing more meaningful than walking alongside someone as they grow into who they can be," she says, “and my role is to help build systems that support people – whether they are students, staff or communities – so they can thrive."<br></p><p>Welman has a clear vision for the Department going forward: “I would like for us to empower individuals and communities to achieve optimal health, performance and wellbeing through evidence-based physical activity interventions." </p><p>The clinical and physical activity promotion services offered by the Department's three divisions play an important role in achieving this objective and she intends to grow the influence of these initiatives through collaborating with others.<strong> </strong></p><p>To bring her vision to life, the Department is deeply committed to integrating research, teaching and service as a powerful force for positive change. “Most of what we do is evidence-based, therefore research is a very strong driving force in the Department," she explains. </p><p>“And then we bring all that back into the classroom and to communities. For me, they are not different silos: research, teaching and service speak to one another. I believe you will have more impact if you integrate all these components." </p><p><strong>Academic journey</strong> </p><p>Her own academic journey began at Stellenbosch University (SU), where she completed her BSc Honours in Biokinetics, followed by a Master's and PhD in Sport Science, specialising in exercise physiology. </p><p>In 2007, she joined SU's then Department of Sport Science as a part-time assistant lecturer and exercise physiologist before being appointed as a full-time lecturer in 2010. “I began lecturing in motor control and motor learning," she recalls. “This really deepened my interest in movement neuroscience and shaped my academic direction." </p><p>In 2011, she started The Movement Laboratory at the Department to support research and care in this area. “I predominantly focus on how exercise can change the nervous system, which is why I work a lot with people who have neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and dementia. I am interested in how we can use movement not only as therapy, but also as a window into what is happening in the nervous system,"<em> </em>says Welman. </p><p>She explains that her own research integrates basic sciences into practical applications. “I look not only at exercise and neuroplasticity – the intervention tool to change the nervous system – but also at potential physical biomarkers. I want to identify physical activities or movements that give us insight into what's going on in the brain and the rest of the nervous system."<br></p><p><strong>Community projects</strong> </p><p>In addition to teaching and research, Welman participates in various community projects. “I like to put initiatives in action," she points out. “I don't want to be all talk and not deliver anything." </p><p>Welman established her first community engagement, <em>Let's Move</em>, in 2014. This initiative targets neurological and movement disorders, and aims to create lasting educational platforms and exercise groups. </p><p>In 2015, she introduced community service rotations into the Biokinetics programme at SU, making it one of the first Biokinetics programmes in the country to offer structured, community-based learning opportunities. “We are not just delivering services," she says. “Working together, we are helping people see what is possible through movement and supporting them." </p><p>Her next multidisciplinary collaboration initiative was the Paediatric Exercise Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, established in 2021, which provides physical activity education and exercise therapy to children with rheumatological, immunological and neurological conditions. </p><p>The clinic has since expanded to include children with pulmonary conditions, broadening its reach and impact. As the first of its kind, the clinic marked a significant step in bringing Biokinetics into the public health space, creating a model for integrated care in a government hospital setting. </p><p>“We also have a Biokinetics Clinic, which is more for adults," Welman adds. “It's something that we are piloting this year, so it is very new. It started as a collaboration with Emergency Medicine and looks at non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and obesity. We are looking at the impact that exercise can have as a benefit for people with chronic diseases." </p><p>Another collaborative engagement she is part of is Cancer-Fit, which was launched last year. “We provide exercises to people who are currently receiving treatment for various types of cancers." Welman explains. </p><p><strong>Movement as medicine</strong> </p><p>These initiatives are in line with her vision for the Department – “to showcase how movement is medicine, and how it can transform lives for the better". More generally, she wants to foster a physical activity culture in South Africa and globally to prevent, treat and maintain quality of life to achieve what she describes as life-long vitality. </p><p>Outside of work, Welman finds balance in nature walks and hikes, family time and experimenting with home-made ice cream flavours. “When I was a child, my father used to say we have an extra stomach for ice cream. I think he was right; there is always space for more." </p><p>She is known for her selflessness, her steady sense of responsibility and a quiet but determined belief that physical activity can, and should, be a standard part of how we care for people. </p><p>Above all, she leads with a steady sense of care and responsibility. “I am just the person in this role at this point in time," she reflects. “But it is the people around me who make the real difference. I am here to support that." </p><p>While her new position may bring added challenges, she has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to manage multiple responsibilities with ease throughout her career.<br></p> |
Rochelle Hellens: A fresh take on driving success | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11388 | | Rochelle Hellens: A fresh take on driving success | Development & Alumni Relations | <p><em>In celebration of Youth Month, the <strong>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></p><p>Meet Rochelle Hellens – the soft skills superhero who's flipping the script on business as usual, proving that empathy and connection are the true power moves.<br></p><p>After surviving the corporate rollercoaster and facing retrenchment, Rochelle launched Soft Serve Consulting in February 2024 – with a fresh, people-first approach. This is helping her clients focus on their core functions – oil, gas, offshore wind energy and sugar cane – while she tackles the creative side of things, helping them thrive. She does all this with her husband as her sounding board and brainstorming partner, she says.</p><p>Rochelle's journey began at Stellenbosch University, where she initially studied Sports Science before switching to a BA and graduating in 2011. Those university years laid the foundation for her love of learning and understanding people – skills she now uses every day in her business, she says.</p><p>Growing up in Pietermaritzburg, Rochelle jokes she's “from the place you stop for a Coke on your way to the beach". But that small-town vibe gave her a big heart and a deep love for community. After years away, she moved back to KwaZulu-Natal, craving the warmth and connection she grew up with. “Since moving back, my life feels like it's both settled and taking off at the same time," she says. That balance of calm and momentum is exactly how she runs her business – grounded, yet always pushing forward.<br></p><p>Soft Serve Consulting is more than a job for Rochelle – it's her mission. “I want people to feel heard, to take a big exhale, and know things are in good hands," she says. Her secret sauce? A background as a mental health professional and yoga therapist. This knowledge helps her read between the lines. “Thoughts create momentum and behaviour, which dictate our actions," she explains. This means she doesn't just manage resources – she connects founders and creative teams in ways that make sense and spark real results.</p><p>Rochelle's journey hasn't been smooth sailing. Fourteen years in corporate roles ended with a retrenchment during a global market crash. But instead of folding, she leaned in. “It took a lot of grit, trust, and humility to get here," she admits. That experience fuels her passion to help founders grow their business “by focusing on what they do best, while clearing the path for them". Because when teams communicate better and stress less, productivity and innovation soar, she believes. “By helping businesses manage their resources more effectively, I believe we're contributing to a healthier South African economy," Rochelle says.</p><p>She sees her generation as shaped by extremes but ready to build a future full of hope. “The future belongs to those who move forward with positivity." Her hope? To create a cycle where success breeds more success, with entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs, she says. </p><p>And for anyone thinking about starting out, Rochelle's advice is simple: “You're not on fire. Don't wait for perfect conditions. Start, evolve, ask for help, and keep your chin up."<br></p><div><em>Photographer: Tarryn Jordan/Coastal Media</em></div> |