A showcase of colour and music at Prof Botman’s installation Marimba sounds, the words of a praise singer and choir music drifted through the Kruiskerk and Konservatorium to announce the installation of Prof Russel Botman, the first black Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU). The mosaic of music – from brilliant choir music and ethnic songs to the trumpet, a string quartet, drums, a jazz ensemble and the piano – symbolised the various influences that shaped the University up to this day as well as Prof Botman’s role in the transformation process of the University. The highlight of the programme was when the Chancellor, Prof Elize Botha, draped Prof Botman’s toga over his shoulders. The audience celebrated this historic moment by giving Prof Botman a standing ovation. Thereafter, the Minister of Education, Ms Naledi Pandor, extended a special message of congratulations to Prof Botman.  Guests included national and provincial ministers and leaders, representatives from various foreign missions, mayors, former rectors, representatives of other universities, members of the SU Council, honorary degree recipients, well-known personalities from the media and business world, community leaders and staff and students of Stellenbosch University.   Click here for Prof Botman’s speech.(pdf format) Click here for prof Botha’s speech. (pdf format) Click here for Minister Pandor’s speech. (pdf format)

The Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Russel Botman, was officially installed on Wednesday afternoon. He is congratulated by the Minister of Education, Ms Naledi Pandor. In the middle is the Chancellor, Prof Elize Botha Prof Russel Botman, Ms Beryl Botman, Ms Naledi Pandor, Minister of Education, Prof Elize Botha, Chancellor and Edwin Hertzog, Chairman of the US Council toast to Prof Botman's installation.