Human Resources
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

​​​​​​​​ Siyakhula​ means “we grow". Th​e Diversity Capacity Development Programme aims to equip staff to model, guide and support equity strategies, inclusion and staff wellbeing. The content and facilitation methods are developed and updated in partnership with the Equality Unit, the Transformation Office and the Disability Unit.

The Siyakhula programme is closely guided by SU’s Vision 2040, Strategic Framework 2019–2024 and Transformation Plan.​

This capacity development programme focus on three themes of competencies namely Socio-Cultural Awareness, Intergroup Engagement and Social Innovation and Design Thinking. Each theme consists of a number of workshops or structured discussions designed to address key Employment Equity, diversity and transformation challenges in Higher Education.​​​​


2024 Siyakhula workshops calendar 

​View PDF version 

To RSVP and book your place simply email Grizelda Adams of the Transformation Office on ​grizeldaa@sun.ac.za
Please also advise of any accessibility needs you require.
  1. THU
    23
    MAY

    Time: 10h00 – 12h30
    Venue: SU Museum, Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch​
    Topic: Strengthening Relational Capacity to Work Across ​Difference​​​
    Participants are invited to explore how embodied reflective practice can aid in cultivating deeper self-awareness and strengthen relational capacities (such as historical awareness, compassion, curiosity) to navigate working across difference within SU.​
    Facilitators: Ayanda Nyoka and Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd
    View more info ​​​

  2. THU
    20
    JUN

    Time: 10h00 – 12h30
    Venue: Van der Sterr building Room 2118 (Entrance 1), Stellenbosch Campus
    Topic: Decoloniality Dialogues: Thinking and Doing Decoloniality
    Decoloniality is often met with criticism that it is “too theoretical”. This workshop aims to provide inroads into the theory and practice of decoloniality. It also aims to assist participants to explore what the values central to decoloniality may mean in their own work.​
    Facilitator: Prof Ronelle Carolissen​

  3. THU
    25
    JUL

    Time: 10h30 – 12h30
    Venue: MSTeams
    Topic: ​Addressing Occupational Barriers
    In this session occupational therapist Dorita will take participants on an exploration of our senses and making sense of our senses in the workplace. The session will be an opportunity to reflect on our working environment and the occupational barriers that hinder colleagues from a meaningful and productive working experience.​
    Facilitator: Dorita Verloren van Themaat​

  4. THU
    22
    AUG

    Time: 10h30 – 12h30
    Venue: Equality Unit : Simon Nkoli House, 39 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch
    Topic: ​Exploring Society’s Relationship With Structural Violence and the Way Forward
    This session is an opportunity for participants to engage on the dynamics of structural violence and the often deeply unjust and violent ways it shows up in our institutions and everyday relations with one another. Structural violence finds expression through racism, sexism, classism which all hinders our capacity to live freely.
    ​​Facilitators: Dr Jill Ryan, and Dr Nana Adom-Aboagye​

  5. THU
    19
    SEP

    Time: 10h30 – 12h30
    Venue: Disability Unit: Simon Nkoli House, 39 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch​
    Topic: Disability Inclusion in Academia: A Journey From Student, to Staff, to Business
    Aspersions are often cast on studying for certain professions if one has particular disabilities. In this session, we engage with PhD candidate in AgriSciences Andries le Roux about his academic, work and business journey and how disability inclusion enabled his success and current studies as a PhD candidate in Agroclimatology at Stellenbosch University
    Facilitators: Andries Abrahman Le Roux