| SU declares 2020 as the Year for People with Disability | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6968 | | SU declares 2020 as the Year for People with Disability | Corporate Communication Division/Sandra Mulder | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) has declared that 2020 will be the year to drive transformation with a specific focus on disability inclusion. <br></p><p>In celebration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, SU's Rector and Vice-chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, announced today (3 December 2019) that 2020 will be the University's Year for Persons with Disability. SU's aspirations link up with the international day's theme of “full participation and equality". Prof De Villiers also promised his involvement, where possible, in some of the proposed activities for 2020. </p><p>This declaration flows from SU's commitment to inclusivity and equality for every person with academic merits to be able to fully participate on equal grounds in the academic journey at the University. The University and its departments, divisions and units will throughout the year engage in seminars, papers, general information and presentations. At these activities, the successes will be highlighted and there will be a focus on the work that still needs to be done to reach full participation and equality.</p><p>The Year for Persons with Disability will culminate in the sixth African Network for Evidence-to- Action in Disability (AfriNEAD) conference, a prestigious international network that will be hosted by SU from the 30 November to 3 December next year. </p><p>AfriNEAD is a regional disability research network initiated in SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences' Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies (CDRS). It is chaired by Prof Gubela Mji, who is also the head of the CDRS. AfriNEAD was founded in Cape Town in November 2007 as a research network of various disability advocacy groups, local and international academics and researchers, health service providers and representatives from various government departments. AfriNEAD's aim is to facilitate evidence-to-action in the disability field so as to impact real change in the quality of life of people with disabilities in Africa.</p><p>The 2020 AfriNEAD Conference entitled “Disability unplugged – Beyond Conventions and Charters: What really matters to persons with disabilities in Africa" has afforded a platform to the University to present an institutional commitment and an aspiration in advancing the debate of an inclusive university community. “It is with this endeavour that Stellenbosch University declares 2020 as a disability year here at SU, as we advance our commitment to disability inclusion on our campuses and promotes inclusivity," says Mji. </p><p>"At the same time, continuous work is done by SU's Disability Unit (DU) to not only broaden the accessibility of physical spaces and information but also to make people more aware of the rights of persons with disabilities, is a work in progress," says Dr Marcia Lyner-Cleophas, Head: DU.<br></p><p>According to Lyner-Cleophas, the University has been on a positive learning curve regarding the needs of persons with disabilities with the first students with disabilities entering the University even before the 1970s. </p><p>Today the University has an approved Disability Access Policy (2018) applicable to all people on campus, including visitors. “With the Disability Access Policy we want to ensure that we cover all aspects of people's functioning in each and every department on campus, so that we can implement plans to address disability in a holistic and truly inclusive way," she says.</p><p>Among the general student population on campus, the disclosed mental health conditions show an increase from 53 mental health disorders in 2018 to 73 mental health disorders in 2019. In general, the number of students who disclose disabilities and who seek support is increasing rapidly, says Lyner-Cleophas. These figures, however, do not reflect the actual numbers of students seeking support for psycho-social conditions. </p><p>“Statistics have shown that more and more students feel free to open up about their need for support with mental health conditions. The reality is also that most disabilities are not visible, such as students with specific learning disabilities, mental health and other health conditions.</p><p>“Although the DU has come a long way in tackling the challenges to make the campus more accessible, there remains much work to be done," says Lyner-Cleophas.</p><p>“Raising awareness and engagement with universal access, universal design and well as universal design for learning should become part of the social fabric of the University at all levels with the promotion of a culture of ethical conduct, respect and embracing diversity. This culture needs to start internally with the academic institution role modelling inclusion, democracy, equal rights and university citizenship for all persons, including persons with disabilities," says Mji. </p><p>“There are departments, centres and special units within our University that have assisted SU in improving its response towards the inclusion of students and staff with disabilities. After a marathon of 11 years of tabling regional conferences, AfriNEAD is coming back home to Stellenbosch University. AfriNEAD is also a research network that advances the debate on realising the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa," says Mji. </p><p>SU's Disability Access Policy, already implemented in April 2018, also guides the international trend of increasing universal access across all higher education institutions, said Lyner-Cleophas.</p><p>Besides the SU policy, other structures such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa and the South African National Development Plan 2030 also provide the impetus to envision and enact a prosperous and better life for all. A strong focus is placed on disability-inclusive environments in all aspects of life, including physical inclusion in all spaces, participation in education, in matters related to health and the economy. </p><p>According to Lyner-Cleophas, the Unit is still confronted with new challenges regarding the inclusion of students and staff with disabilities. The accessibility of buildings, campus areas and academic and general campus information via electronic format, Braille or screen readers are on their to-do list. In reality, this has to be on every person's to-do list, on campus. Inclusion is about everybody, not only the DU, says Lyner-Cleophas.</p><p>Year on year more students with disabilities register at SU. DU provides support services specific to the individual needs of each student. Lyner-Cleophas says it is important that they are informed about students' individual circumstances in order to respond appropriately. </p><p>The first point of disability disclosure is on application to the University, which means that the registration of disabilities is not done directly through the DU. Students register like all other at SU, and then decide if they need further support and engage with us further as partners to their successful study.</p><p>“We do not force students to disclose their disability and it is thus up to the student to engage with the Unit. However, we are integral to looking at relevant support as might be required from specific students with disabilities who come to us directly, via campus departments or via the Centre for Student Counselling and Development in Student Affairs," says Lyner-Cleophas. </p><p>Among the approximate 32 000 students at SU, are approximately 423 students with disabilities who disclosed their disabilities on application to SU. When examining disclosed disabilities received from the Admissions Office, it is found that 1,32% of students with disclosed disabilities are on campus. When examining the total number of students actually coming for support, SU has 2,66% receiving support (852 of the approximate 32 000 SU student population). These numbers are low compared to international figures, which indicate about 10%–15% and more people have disabilities, particularly in areas of low to mixed resources and access. We commit to striving towards increased inclusion and participation of students and staff at SU," says Lyner-Cleophas. <br></p><p><br><br></p> |
| Campus Health Service: Holiday Operating Hours | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6958 | | Campus Health Service: Holiday Operating Hours | CHS | <p>Please take note of the following operating hours for Campus Health Service (CHS) on Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses:<br></p><ul><li>CHS Tygerberg: will be closed from 4pm on Friday the <strong>13</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> December</strong> 2019 and reopen on Monday, <strong>January 6</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup> 2020 at 8am.<br></li><li>CHS Stellenbosch: will be closed from 12:45pm on Tuesday the<strong> 24</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> December</strong> 2019 and reopen on Thursday, <strong>January 2</strong><sup><strong>nd</strong></sup> 2020 at 8am.</li></ul><p>Please plan ahead in terms of any required repeat scripts or any medication needed from the Sisters (such as contraception).</p><p>For any emergency, please contact ER24 on 010 205 3032.</p><p>We wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Award-winning SU students encouraged to do new things | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6894 | | Award-winning SU students encouraged to do new things | Asiphe Nombewu /Corporate Communication | <p>In celebration of excellence, a total of 92 Stellenbosch University (SU) students were honoured at the annual Rector's Awards for Excellent Achievement on Wednesday night (30 October 2019).<br></p><p>The evening focussed on students who excelled in areas ranging from academics, sports and culture to social impact and co-curricular. In his opening address, Professor Arnold Schoonwinkel, Vice Rector: Learning and Teaching, said students played an important role in maintaining an excellent, thriving and inclusive culture at SU. </p><p>He said the aim of the night was to recognise excellence. “The competition was tough and tonight you will meet highly meritorious students. We will reward students who have made a positive difference at SU, and these students are likely to make a significant contribution in our South Africa."</p><p>Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said the Rector's Awards ceremony was one of his personal highlights in the SU calendar. “Tonight we recognise excellence; it is an honour and privilege for us to take this journey with you," he said. </p><p>Keynote speaker at the event Dr Nthabiseng Moleko received the SRC Award for Exceptional Alumni.</p><p>Moleko was appointed as a Commissioner for the Commission for Gender Equality by the former President of South Africa in 2017. She currently serves as the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission. Moleko was also the first black South African appointed as a faculty member at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) where she currently teaches Economics and Statistics.</p><p>Addressing the student achievers, Moleko said, “You are all leaders here tonight.</p><p>“Our country needs a different type of leadership, a leadership that is concerned and interested in the development of our country. We need leaders who will serve all South Africans; we need ethical leadership, a leadership that will ensure that we do not have a repeat of our past."</p><p>She added that redress was necessary in a country like South Africa.</p><p>Moleko said the responsibility to fix and repair South Africa was not only the government's responsibility, but also that of those who have the money and resources to do so.</p><p>“We desperately need leaders who will drive a different agenda, we need a new system – with inclusivity and a new class of thinkers. This is for both young and old as we have seen how old systems have failed and the outcomes are reflected in the state we find our communities in.</p><p>“My message to you tonight: Do not be afraid to do something that has never been done, we need alternative methods and systems of doing things in this country."</p><p>She said doing small projects at two or three schools would not remedy the state our country was in. “Apartheid was implemented and rolled out nationally, it was big. This means we have to do good in a similar or greater scale, the good needs to exceed the bad," she said.</p><p>Moleko holds an Honours degree in Business Science (Economics) from the University of Cape Town and an MPhil in Development Finance from the University of Stellenbosch Business School. She completed her PhD in Development Finance at USB in April.</p><p>She is also an author and avid poet. She has published three books: <em>Career Guidance and Technical Training: A solution for youth unemployment</em> and two anthologies of poetry (<em>Abundant Living</em> and <em>Been Chasing Destiny</em>). Since 2010, she has been actively involved in youth development mainly in rural areas and townships, using career guidance and poetry.<br><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Fit-for-purpose Huis ten Bosch reopens in 2021 | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6879 | | Fit-for-purpose Huis ten Bosch reopens in 2021 | Corporate Communication Division/Afdeling Korporatiewe Kommunikasie | <p>Repair and construction work to Stellenbosch University's Huis ten Bosch (HtB), which was extensively damaged by a fire earlier this year, will be transformed into a modern, fit-for-purpose residence. The residence will be open again in 2021. <br></p><p>Initially, it was hoped that the reconstruction would be completed in time for students to occupy the residence from January 2020. However, this will not be possible as the Stellenbosch Fire Department requires fire compartmentalisation and fire alarms for the whole residence as a pre-requisite for issuing a post-fire occupancy certificate. These requirements will take longer to implement than initially anticipated. <br></p><p>This repair and construction work began at the beginning of September 2019. The amount of around R62,5 million for the upgrade and repair work will ensure that Huis ten Bosch will not only comply with the most recent municipal regulations, but also be equipped with a modern kitchenettes for students on every floor, upgraded electrical and electronic equipment, a new IT fibre route and its own water connection are some of the many improvements planned. The whole roof will be replaced by a fire-rated ceiling and roof. All the rooms will be fitted with two-hour rated doors which allow for fire zones to be compartmentalised </p><p>HtB residents were informed at a recent meeting that the major upgrade and construction of Huis ten Bosch is expected to be completed by 23 October 2020. Consequently, alternative housing arrangements had to be made for Huis ten Bosch students in 2020. Students and their parents/ guardians were informed in writing.<br></p><p>The University has made the following five accommodation spaces available for Huis ten Bosch students in 2020:<br></p><ul><li><strong>Huis ten Bosch 2020:</strong> This will be operated as a separate building with a separate entrance between Huis Marais and Dagbreek which can accommodate 73 students. Kitchenettes, some parking and SU internet services are available and meal bookings and washing will be as per normal residence circumstances.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Victoria 69:</strong> This premises is situated on Victoria Street, just below Irene residence and has three single and two double rooms available. Cleaning services, security, parking and Wi-Fi are available. </li></ul><ul><li><strong>Armentum:</strong> This premises, which is situated close to the Helshoogte Spar on 23 Cluver Road, Universiteitsoord, can accommodate 18 students. It is about 10–15 minutes' walk from campus. Unfortunately, there is no Maties Wi-Fi available, although each student will be provided with ten gigabytes of free data per month. The facility has general lounges and kitchenettes, cleaning services, laundry facilities and good security and parking.</li></ul><ul><li><strong>Other SU residences:</strong> Thirty available places are spread over other SU residences: Sonop, Lydia, Monica, Minerva, Harmonie, Irene, Heemstede, Erica, Nemesia, Serruria, Nerina and Metanoia (women). Although the HtB residents will live in various spaces, they will remain part of the Huis ten Bosch community. A recreation hall in one of the other women's residences as well as a dining hall in their original cluster will be made available to the HtB community. If a student would like to relocate permanently to another residence, they need to inform the placement office in Admin A.</li></ul><p>Please monitor the University's website, including our <a href="/english/Pages/huistenboschfire.aspx">dedicated HtB web page</a>, and our social media platforms for more news. We will communicate further details as these become available. Parents and guardians with urgent queries can contact Mr Grant Williams of our Centre for Student Communities: Tel +27 21 808 3064 or email him at <a href="mailto:ssg@sun.ac.za">ssg@sun.ac.za</a>.<br> <br></p><p><br></p> |
| SU plans to bring business school back to Stellenbosch | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6854 | | SU plans to bring business school back to Stellenbosch | Operations and Finance | <p><em>New Stellenbosch University Business School to be developed on a part of the Oude Libertas site that Distell donated to Stellenbosch University.</em></p><p>· <em>A thriving and innovative Stellenbosch University to create a truly collaborative learning destination.</em></p><p>Stellenbosch University (SU) will be bringing its world-renowned Business School back to Stellenbosch where it will find a new home within a truly unique and collaborative destination to be developed on a part of the Oude Libertas site.<br></p><p>SU's Council recently (25 September 2019) accepted the donation of a part of the Oude Libertas land from Distell. <br></p><p>“This donation is a vote of confidence from Distell who are committed to Stellenbosch University and its ongoing success as a centre for education and innovation. The company also shares our vision of becoming Africa's leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society," says SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers.<br></p><p>In a statement, Distell said the company is very supportive of initiatives that have the potential to bring fundamental change and improved opportunity in Stellenbosch and they are confident to make this transformational donation to an institution that so profoundly impacts both the local and global community. <br></p><p>“Stellenbosch has emerged as a leading entrepreneurial business town in South Africa where a business school such as the USB can add significant value. Relocating the USB to Stellenbosch will unlock opportunities for academic collaboration with the university's main campus, which also hosts its business incubator, the Nedbank and SU LaunchLab. The move will also allow the USB, the only business school on the continent with full triple accreditation, to unlock further value from the location and brand of the Stellenbosch campus and the town."<br></p><p>Prof De Villiers said recent market analysis, current competitors' trends and SU's vision for the USB made a compelling case for relocating to Stellenbosch. <br></p><p>“The development of a new campus for the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) close to the town of Stellenbosch and the Western Cape region will have significant and positive economic impacts as both will benefit substantially from this investment," says Prof De Villiers.<br></p><p>The new site, which will accommodate the USB and the executive development company USB-ED as well as the Institute for Futures Research, is strategically located within the planned redevelopment of the Adam Tas Corridor (ATC), an area stretching along the R310 and R44 along the foot of Papegaaiberg, from the disused Cape Sawmills site in the west to Kayamandi and Cloetesville in the north. The ATC is conceived specifically to catalyse and accelerate the Municipality of Stellenbosch's vision for achieving a spatially integrated and transformed Stellenbosch. For Distell this development is the first step in the development of some of their properties which falls within the ATC. <br></p><p>Says Prof de Villiers: “All top business schools in the world know that their reputation must be reflected in an appropriate location and top-class facilities. We believe that creating a landmark modern business school overlooking vineyards and reflecting the historic Stellenbosch and SU urban design features, will further differentiate Stellenbosch University from all other SA universities and enable it to take its place amongst leading global learning experiences."<br></p><p>“The fact that the USB and USB-ED can conceptualise a new building will allow them to incorporate the latest spatial design and technology-enabled learning spaces. The site and new buildings simultaneously facilitate face-to-face learning in a natural ambience conducive to mindfulness and executive education delivery of the highest order."<br></p><p>According to Prof De Villiers, the SU will mainly fund the development out of fundraising activities which will be the determining factor for this move to take effect. Apart from funding, the relocation will be subject to normal approval and public participation processes, as well as consultation with affected stakeholders. <br></p><p>The existing campus in Bellville will continue to function with expanded activities from other university departments. Existing and planned upgrades to the current campus are ongoing, and the SU is planning to expand the academic footprint on the Bellville campus even further in the years to come. <br></p><p>SU and Distell will be working together to facilitate the site's subdivision where after impact studies and rezoning will take place.<br></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Media enquiries</strong></p><p>Stellenbosch University: Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer (<a href="mailto:stan@sun.ac.za">stan@sun.ac.za</a>; 021 808 2600)</p><p> </p><p><em>About the USB</em></p><p><em>The USB is a leading business school in South Africa with a proud history stretching back more than 50 years. It is the only business school in the country with full-term accreditation from</em><em> </em><em>three leading international accreditation associations (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS) and one of a few</em><em> </em><em> </em><em>international business schools to hold all three accreditations amongst the more than 16 000 schools world-wide where business degrees are offered.</em><em> </em></p><p><em>Within Stellenbosch University the USB finds its academic home in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, SU's largest faculty and home to a wide diversity of academic disciplines in the Broad Economic and Management Sciences. Almost half of the faculty's 8000 students are at various postgraduate levels, with the USB as a postgraduate business school accounting for a large share of that portfolio.</em><em> </em></p><p><em>The USB was founded in Stellenbosch and relocated to Bellville in the early 1970s to service the business community in Cape Town's Northern suburbs and as part of the SU's strategy to expand part-time education. In 1986 the USB moved to its current premises at Bellville Park Campus. </em><em> </em></p> |
| SU first university in SA to go cashless with SnapScan in-app payments | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6833 | | SU first university in SA to go cashless with SnapScan in-app payments | Finance and Operations | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) is the first university in South Africa to make use of the SnapScan in-app payment solutions for payments on its campuses, so that students no longer have to carry cash with them for certain payments.<br></p><p>SnapScap is a mobile application that enables cashless payments. Initially two of SnapScan's in-app payment mechanisms will be available for students to do bill payments for their student fees, as well as for pre-paid internet and printer credits. These payments previously had to be made (in cash or with card) at the University's cashiers in the central administration building.<br></p><p>“The University is constantly renewing itself by adopting smart technology to create a better, simpler and safer environment for students and the broader campus community," says Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer of SU. “Apart from SnapScan, we will be rolling out more cashless options in the next few months. We encourage our students to make use of these payment options to reduce risk and help us to make studying at the SU a safer experience."<br></p><p>SU is one of more than 50 000 merchants and vendors in South Africa to embrace the SnapScan technology. SnapScan integrates with the University's financial systems to ensure that less cash is in circulation on its campuses. <br></p><p>Using the SnapScan app is quick and effortless. It is free to use, and just requires data or wifi. Students need to download the SnapScan app to their smart phones from their app store and complete a quick registration process to add their card details. Thereafter, they need to scan a QR code (a square barcode) that is linked to a merchant's SnapScan account or use the in-app payment options (bills or prepaid payments), enter payment details (the amount and a PIN) and the transaction is done. SnapScan only works with most ecommerce enabled debit or credit cards from any South African bank, as well as most international credit cards. <br></p><p>Apart from SnapScan in-app payments, students also have an online option on the <span lang="EN-GB" style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://web-apps.sun.ac.za/student-fees-pay/#/home">SU's website</a> </span>where they have the options of pre-paids (for internet, meals, washing, printing credits and rides) and bill payments (for student fees).<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Nominations awaited for Joint Working Groups against gender-based violence at SU | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6803 | | Nominations awaited for Joint Working Groups against gender-based violence at SU | Corporate Communication / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie | <p>Joint Working Groups are being set up to combat gender-based violence (GBV) at Stellenbosch University (SU). They will address issues identified in the <a href="/english/Documents/2019/GBV%20Memorandum.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">memorandum</span></a> of the Anti-GBV Movement SU, and management's subsequent <a href="/english/Documents/SU-management-response-to-anti-GBV-memo-20190918.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">response</span></a>. </p><p>This was the outcome of the fourth anti-GBV meeting the past month between management and students, which took place on Tuesday afternoon (8 October 2019). It was attended by members of the Rectorate, the Anti-GBV Movement SU, Students' Representative Council (SRC), Tygerberg Student Council (TSR) and Prim Committee.</p><p>“We condemn GBV and will not tolerate it. That is why we are mustering all the resources at our disposal. Good progress has already been made on several fronts, for instance security. We want to keep our momentum," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers, who chaired the meeting, said. </p><p>Six working groups have been identified:</p><ol><li>Values and Principles</li><li>Safety and Security</li><li>Training and Awareness</li><li>Residences and Structures</li><li>Procedures and Processes</li><li>Mental Health, and Alcohol and Substance Abuse</li></ol><p>Detailed terms of reference are currently being drafted. The overall project leader will be Dr Choice Makhetha, Senior Director: Student Affairs. Each working group will be overseen by a member of the Rectorate, and will have representation from University structures most relevant to the topics under discussion, as well as from students. </p><p>“The dialogue between us is extremely valuable and should continue. We are collaborating as a University community to go forward together against gender-based violence," Prof De Villiers said.</p><p><strong>Nominations:</strong></p><p>Both formal structures and<em> </em>ad-hoc groupings among staff and students are being asked to nominate working group members. Nominations should be sent to <a href="mailto:antigbv@sun.ac.za" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;"><font color="#0066cc">antigbv@sun.ac.za </font></span></a> (CC: <a href="mailto:studentaffairs@sun.ac.za" target="_blank">studentaffairs@sun.ac.za</a>). This should include the name and surname of the nominee, their contact details, as well as a short motivation referring to the person's previous experience in the field covered by the particular working group, and their intended contribution. The deadline is Friday, 25 October.</p> |
| Gender-based violence: Talks continue | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6789 | | Gender-based violence: Talks continue | Corporate Communication / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie | <p>The next meeting between Stellenbosch University (SU) management and students to discuss measures to combat gender-based violence (GBV) is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon, 2 October 2019.</p><p>The first meeting took place on 9 September, when the Anti-GBV Movement SU handed over its memorandum (<a href="/english/Documents/2019/GBV%20Memorandum.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">click here</span></a>) and the second on 18 September, when management's comprehensive response (<a href="/english/Documents/SU-management-response-to-anti-GBV-memo-20190918.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration:underline;">click here</span></a>) was tabled.</p><p>“Gender-based violence elicits righteous anger, and combating it is a righteous cause. We all agree that enough is enough. This is a collective effort," Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers said.</p> |
| Edwin Cameron new Stellenbosch University Chancellor | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6772 | | Edwin Cameron new Stellenbosch University Chancellor | Corporate Communication Division / Afdeling Korporatiewe Kommunikasie | <p>Justice Edwin Cameron, academic, jurist, author and recently retired Constitutional Court judge, was elected to the office of Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) today (25 September 2019). <br></p><p>An electoral college comprising members of Council, members of the Executive Committee of Senate as well as the president and vice-president of the SU Convocation gathered this morning to elect the institution's 15<sup>th</sup> Chancellor.</p><p>An SU alumnus and a recipient of an honorary doctorate from the institution in 2015, Justice Cameron was elected by an overwhelming majority. </p><p>“I am honoured and humbled to have this chance to serve SU and its communities, and look forward to my new tasks," Justice Cameron said. </p><p>Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, and chairperson of the electoral college, said: “It is a privilege to have someone of the stature of Judge Edwin Cameron as Chancellor of the University. He is a champion for human rights and boasts a distinguished legal career. I look forward to working with him. We also thank our current Chancellor, Dr Johann Rupert, for his hard work and assistance during his term, which expires at the end of the year." </p><p>Mr George Steyn, SU Council chair, too welcomed Justice Cameron's election, while Ms Carli van Wyk, outgoing Students' Representative Council (SRC) chair and Council member, described the announcement as very good news and highlighted the fact that Justice Cameron had served on the SRC during his student days at SU. </p><p>In 2015, SU conferred an honorary doctorate on Justice Cameron in acknowledgement of his “unstinting professional and personal advocacy for the recognition of every person's dignity, freedom and equality – foundational values he has helped entrenched in our legal system and beyond". He has helped develop South African law so as to truly reflect the fundamental values of the Constitution. Moreover, his role in securing the inclusion of sexual orientation as a prohibited ground of discrimination in the Bill of Rights, as well as his advocacy for persons with HIV/Aids, has made him a key player in South African and international law.</p><p>Justice Cameron studied at the universities of Stellenbosch, Oxford and South Africa. He started out his career at, among others, the University of the Witwatersrand's Centre for Applied Legal Studies before he was appointed as senior counsel (SC) in 1994, and as an acting judge of the high court by President Nelson Mandela later that same year. He was appointed a judge of the high court in 1995, judge of the Supreme Court of Appeal in 2001, and justice of the Constitutional Court in 2009. </p><p>As the first South African in a high-profile public office speaking openly about his HIV status and experience taking antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), Justice Cameron has made a credible and crucial contribution to more accessible ARV treatment for all HIV-positive South Africans. </p><p>His international impact as top jurist with nearly 200 judgments against his name, acclaimed author and popular speaker is evident from the numerous awards he has received. These range from recognition by the Bar of England and Wales for his contribution to international jurisprudence and the protection of human rights, to the prestigious <em>Grand Prix du Conseil Québécois des Gais et Lesbiennes</em> award bestowed on him in Montreal. </p><p>Justice Cameron is the recipient of various honorary doctorates and a patron to children's homes, clinics and associations.<br></p><ul><li>The Chancellor is the titular head of the University, chairs graduation ceremonies and awards all degrees, diplomas and certificates in the name of the University. The Chancellor's term is five years and is eligible for re-election for one more five-year term. <br></li></ul><p><br><br> </p> |
| Enough is indeed enough - management's response to anti-GBV memorandum | http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=6749 | | Enough is indeed enough - management's response to anti-GBV memorandum | Corporate Communication / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie | <p><span style="color:dimgray;">Dear Students and Colleagues<br>
<br> Enough is indeed enough. Gender-based violence is a serious problem affecting all sections of society, including Stellenbosch University (SU).<br>
<br> My fellow members of the Stellenbosch University Rectorate who attended the gathering on the Rooiplein on 6 September informed me of your calls to action in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).<br>
<br> We subsequently received a memorandum (<a href="/english/Documents/2019/GBV%20Memorandum.pdf" target="_blank"><strong class="ms-rteForeColor-8" style="text-decoration:underline;">click here</strong></a>) from the Anti-GBV Movement SU on 9 September, and constructive discussions took place. Taking cognisance of the calls, the five-page summary extract from management’s response provided on 16 September highlighted specific actions.<br>
<br> We are now releasing our comprehensive response (</span><a href="/english/Documents/SU-management-response-to-anti-GBV-memo-20190918.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-auth="NotApplicable" style="text-decoration:underline;"><span class="ms-rteForeColor-8" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>click here</strong></span></a><span style="color:dimgray;">), which contains background and more information. We refer to initiatives and services that are already in place, and include some concrete, tangible steps that will be taken in the short, medium and long term. A follow-up discussion is scheduled for this afternoon.<br>
<br> The Rectorate would like to express our appreciation for the work done by the Anti-GBV Movement SU to not only raise concerns and grievances, but to also make constructive suggestions. We are committed to work together with our students and staff to intensify our institutional efforts against GBV.<br>
<br> All stakeholders should therefore urgently and ceaselessly work towards solutions. SU recognises the importance of its role in the fight against gender-based violence and commits itself to eliminating its presence on all of our campuses.</span></p><p>
<span style="color:dimgray;">Prof Wim de Villiers<br> Rector and Vice-Chancellor</span><br></p> |
