| A love for numbers opens door to the world for SU lecturer | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10147 | | A love for numbers opens door to the world for SU lecturer | Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking [Anél Lewis] | <p>A fascination with numbers and a penchant for problem-solving helped a quiet boy from a poor village in northern Namibia become a world-respected financial mathematician who has visited and lectured at some of the world's leading universities. <br></p><p>Dr Mesias Alfeus, a senior lecturer in Financial Risk Management at Stellenbosch University (SU), was recently appointed as a local node leader for a global platform for responsible science – InSPiR2eS Centre for Responsible Science (IC4RS). He has travelled extensively and is a member of the <a href="https://nithecs.ac.za/"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0"><strong>National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences'</strong></span> </a>(NITheCS) Quantitative Finance Research Programme Steering Committee. Alfeus recently attended the Symposium in Quantitative Finance and Risk Analysis (QFRA) held in Crete, Greece. </p><p>His flourishing academic career had its humble roots in Okadila village, Namibia, where he was raised by his great-grandmother. “She taught me about God, and I gave my life to Him at an early age." A quiet child, he enjoyed playing the traditional game “Owela womanghete", which involves mathematic thinking, with his great-grandmother. Maths was not the most popular subject at the local school, but Alfeus excelled at it and by Grade 5 he was doing Grade 7 maths problems. By Grade 10, he was the top-performing maths student in the country.</p><p>“Unfortunately, I was spending too much time on my maths and performing poorly in language," he admits. His mathematics skills eclipsed any language shortcomings, fortunately, securing him a scholarship for an engineering degree after school at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. While doing engineering, Alfeus felt “mathematically starved" and decided to pursue a degree in BCom Mathematical Sciences at SU. Sadly, it was here that his lack of language proficiency proved to be a stumbling block and Alfeus deregistered from this course. </p><p>But Alfeus is not one to easily be deterred by a challenge and he returned to the University of Namibia. During his time there, he attended a conference in Spain – travelling for the first time on an international flight. A few years after leaving SU, he was invited to return to do a joint honours degree in financial mathematics with SU, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and the University of Cape Town. “Coming back was a joy," reveals Alfeus. He adds that this honours programme proved challenging, with only two of the eight students making it to graduation. Alfeus, however, completed the programme to graduate cum laude. He also received a merit award for his thesis.</p><p>He then accepted a sponsorship from the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) to enrol at SU for a master's degree in financial mathematics. Again, his thesis earned him a merit award. After a brief stint at NAMFISA, Alfeus applied for a PhD in quantitative finance at University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia. He chose UTS because of its multidisciplinary Quantitative Finance Research Centre, he explains. And it offered the exciting opportunity to live in a new country. </p><p>Alfeus settled well in a Christian community close to the university, and he completed his PhD in less than three years. “This was an opportunity for me to grow as an academic." During his PhD, Alfeus won the Young Investigator Training Programme (YITP) international award to attend the XIX Workshop on Quantitative Finance, held at the Roma Tre University in Italy. He also spent a month doing research at the <a href="https://www.math.unipd.it/en/"><strong>Dipartimento di Matematica</strong></a> at the University of Padua in Italy</p><p>He was then offered a full academic position at the University of Wollongong in Australia. While he enjoyed his time overseas, it was a matter of the heart that brought him back to local shores. He married his wife, a specialist urologist at Groote Schuur, in 2019 and returned to SU the following year as a lecturer in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science. </p><p>Now a senior lecturer at SU, Alfeus is also head of the NITheCS Quantitative Finance Research Programme. “I coordinate research in SA, provide students with funding and foster collaboration with other universities and industry partners." The objective is to provide practical solutions for industry-related challenges. Maths models can be developed to deal with the energy crisis and environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges as an example. Alfeus also supervises master's and PhD students. </p><p>Already widely acclaimed in his field and NRF rated, Alfeus says his next career goal is to host the first Bachelier Finance Society – an organisation in mathematical finance where academia and practitioners can meet and exchange ideas – World Congress in Africa at Stellenbosch. “I want to make sure that quantitative finance is known throughout SA."<br></p><p>Photographer: Stefan Els<br></p> |
| Good governance is the foundation of a successful nation, says Auditor General | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10152 | | Good governance is the foundation of a successful nation, says Auditor General | Tendani Tshauambea | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">“Good governance is the foundation upon which a successful nation is built. It is not merely a buzzword."</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">These were the words of the Auditor General (AG) of South Africa, Ms Tsakani Maluleke, the guest speaker at the 11<sup>th</sup> Annual Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture, which was held at STIAS and online via YouTube. Maluleke is a registered chartered accountant (CA) with over 20 years of experience in auditing, consulting, and development finance and the first black woman to occupy the position of AG in the institutions 109-year history.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The FVZS lecture is hosted annually by the Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship (CSLEEC), and celebrates the work and life of the late Dr Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert, who was a political analyst, businessman, politician, and anti-apartheid activist.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Attendees included friends and family of Dr Van Zyl Slabbert, students, professional, administrative and support staff, and academics from Stellenbosch University (SU).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The theme of the lecture was '<em>Good governance, good citizenship? What do South Africans require for engaged citizenship?</em>'. Providing contextual background to the annual lecture, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Deputy Vice-Chancellor, highlighted the continued relevance of Dr Van Zyl Slabbert's legacy in South Africa's mission of democratisation through his commitment to ethical leadership, inclusive and democratic values.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“In a young democracy like South Africa's where the challenges of building a stable and equitable political system still persist, his [Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert's] commitment to democratic values serves as a guiding light for leaders and citizens," said Ramjugernath.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Honouring the contribution made by Dr Van Zyl Slabbert as an engaged citizen to society, the AG shared how the office of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA) contributes to good governance through their mandate of “enabling oversight, accountability and governance in public institutions through auditing".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Part of the AGSA mandate includes striving to ensure that the experience of democracy is a reality for all South Africans in their daily lives. Strong leadership and ethical governance, said Maluleke, can have a positive impact on citizens experience of democracy. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Far too many resources and funds do not go towards intended purposes, which exposes citizens to tremendous hardship. Roads and other infrastructure are not maintained properly, and citizens are harmed by inadequate access to quality health care. They are harmed by unpredictable access to clean water, as well as increasingly polluted environments," she added.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Auditing and accounting as professionals for us is not just about proffering an opinion [because] that's the easy part, our constitutional mandate goes beyond mere number crunching," she said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">As a Chapter 9 institution, the AGSA is subject only to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, ensuring that it fulfils its function as a supreme audit institution (SAI) independently and effectively in pursuit of its mandate. Using the independence, respectability, and success of AGSA as a public sector institution, she emphasised the value that strong public institutions can have in the lives of citizens in South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Good governance," said Maluleke, “is a commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible leadership in all seasons, good or bad."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to Maluleke it also demands accountability from public servants, institutions and the powers granted to them, and greater involvement from citizens in the work of building South Africa.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Highlighting the need for greater citizen involvement, Maluleke quoted Dr Van Zyl Slabbert's observation in his biography that “in South Africa, we have problems to solve for which the rest of the world has found no solutions. That in itself is a great challenge, far more disturbing are the expectations that people have of what a democracy can deliver, and which research shows it is incapable of doing. This in the South African context is the real burden of democracy."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">With the financial support of the Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), a foundation committed to achieving and maintaining peace, freedom, and justice through political education, CSLEEC aimed to use the lecture as a platform for critical engagement with current South African political and governance issues.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The programme for the evening also included a spoken word piece by <em>MfundiThePoet, </em>who used imagery to address issues of leadership, a lack of accountability and hopelessness amongst the youth.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Maluleke reminded the attendees that despite the challenges faced by the public sector, it remains populated with many public servants who are trying to work for the common good of society.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Protecting institutions is the only way we are going to sustain improvements and to ultimately deliver a better life for all.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The road to a stronger South Africa lies in the nexus of good governance and good citizenship. Together we can forge a path that ensures we uphold the values of transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law and all whilst realising our noble ambitions of building a democracy that delivers a better and more dignified life for all," Maluleke concluded. </p> |
| Die Ontelbare 48 this September at the SU Adam Small Theatre in Stellenbosch | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10118 | | Die Ontelbare 48 this September at the SU Adam Small Theatre in Stellenbosch | Petro Mostert | <p><em style="text-align:justify;">Die Ontelbare 48</em><span style="text-align:justify;">, a one-man play with Wessel Pretorius, is coming to Stellenbosch University's Adam Small theatre complex in Ryneveld Street, Stellenbosch this September. It will be the second production as part of the Adam Small theatre project which kicked off earlier this year, to revive theatre in Stellenbosch.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">And what a fantastic show to follow on the first production, <em>Die Fel Omstrede Kroon</em> <em>van Edward 2 en Gaveston </em>by Marthinus Basson. <em>Die Ontelbare 48</em> with Wessel Pretorius (writer, director, and producer) received four Fiësta nominations, including best production, for this outstanding solo play.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>What is the play about?</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">It's Wednesday evening in a small town in the Lowveld. The school hall is set up for the monthly movie night. Forty-eight residents gather, each with their own story, to watch <em>The Sound of Music</em>. Between them sits a murderer with a cunning plan.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">"It is a microcosmic look at the everyday humanity that ultimately binds us all together, no matter how different we think or live. A satirical drama that celebrates human endurance," says Pretorius.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">There are four characters: a frustrated hockey coach and mother, a high school boy who becomes aware of his gay sexuality, a drama coach, and a five-year-old girl.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong>More about Wessel Pretorius</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">In 2015, Wessel Pretorius won the <em>Afrikaans Onbeperk</em> prize for <em>young voice</em>. He also received four Fiësta Awards and the Woordtrofeë for Best Drama Production for his solo play <em>Ont-</em>. <em>Ont</em>- was later translated by Hennie van Greunen to <em>Undone</em> and toured the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Afrovibes in the Netherlands, the Wiener Festwochen in Vienna, and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown where it received the Standard Bank Ovation (gold).</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Pretorius also wrote and produced the theatre play <em>Waterpas</em>, which received a Kanna award for best comedy, <em>Die dag is bros</em>, which won five Fiësta nominations and the ATKV-Woordveertjie award for best drama, <em>Sandton City Grootdoop</em>, <em>Klara Maas se hart is gebreek, en so meer: Die vloeistof trilogie, I love You Sally Field</em> <em>(and other stories)</em> and Renaissance.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><strong><em>Die Ontelbare 48</em></strong><strong> will be on stage between Tuesday 12 and Saturday 16 September 2023 at the SU Adam Small Theatre complex in Stellenbosch. Tickets are available through </strong><a href="https://www.quicket.co.za/events/229083-die-ontelbare-48/?ref=events-list#/"><strong>Quicket</strong></a><strong> and ticket prices start at R100 per person.</strong></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Very important, no u/13 (Language) will be admitted.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Visit the SU Adam Small Theater <a href="https://adamsmalltheatre.co.za/en/home/">website</a> and follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/adamsmalltheatre">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adamsmalltheatre/">Instagram</a> for the latest theatre news and events.</p><p style="text-align:center;">- END -</p><p> </p><p>Issued by Rentia Smal on behalf of the Central Events and Conferencing Office (CECO).</p><p>For all inquiries, contact <a href="mailto:events@sun.ac.za">events@sun.ac.za</a> or call 021 001 2958 during office hours.</p><p>Please visit our website at https://cecoevents.co.za<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Innovative online short course engages with real-life sustainability issues | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10091 | | Innovative online short course engages with real-life sustainability issues | Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking | <p>Stellenbosch University (SU) is once again hosting its innovative <a href="/english/SUInternational/future17-sustainable-development-goals-programme">Future17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Challenge short course</a> involving international students and global partners.<br></p><p>Students interested in learning about the key aspects of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to create a visible impact in their communities have until 13 August to apply for the course which runs from September to December this year. SU staff with PhDs can also apply to be academic mentors.</p><p>This is the fourth Future17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Challenge Literacy programme hosted by the <a href="https://susdev.sun.ac.za/">SDG/2063 Impact Hub</a> at SU. The first cohort finished in early June 2022, followed by a second offering in September and again in January 2023. The course encourages students from multiple disciplines to take part in real-life sustainability challenges with an industry partner, using the SDGs as a framework to create solutions.</p><p></p><p>What makes this three-month online course unique is that it involves universities from several countries, says Corina du Toit, Programme Manager: SDG/2063 Impact Hub and academic lead for the course. “The international aspect of the programme adds another dimension to the course, and exposes students to a truly multi-cultural, trans-disciplinary cohort and learning experience." </p><p>The course is copresented by the University of Exeter, United Kingdom, Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, and a consortium of universities including SU, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of São Paulo (Brazil), Auckland University (NZ), the American University in Cairo (Egypt) and LUISS University in Rome (Italy).</p><p> The industry Challenge Partners include nongovernmental organisations, institutions and companies that have conceptualised various sustainability challenges. These can range from creating a digital strategy to promote the SDGs to university students, doing market research for urban farms, or recycling soap from hotel chains to create jobs for communities.</p><p> Students who have taken part in the course have found that in addition to the sustainability-related skills they acquired, they also learned intercultural communication as well as cross-cutting skills that will add to their employability. Some of the comments from students who have taken part in the short course include:<br><br></p><ul><li>Providing solutions to a company that works with women who have been rescued from human trafficking was great. It gave me a sense of purpose, I felt like I was working directly with these women daily. </li><li>Exploring the project field was the most fascinating part, I enjoyed researching how we can use it to reduce healthcare inequalities and ensure equal access and outcome specially to marginalised societies. I enjoyed being part of positive change makers. I learnt how to think creatively and, most importantly, to be outspoken and make my voice heard. I also enjoyed working with people from all over the world – it was a wonderful experience.</li><li>It was valuable to learn to let go of what I thought was the correct way of doing things and to find a middle ground between all the other ideas in the group. I gained very broad exposure to edtech innovations, particularly in Africa, which was very inspiring.</li><li>The engagement and collaboration with team members from diverse backgrounds and countries to develop a solution in the fight against cholera in Malawi was an immensely gratifying experience. It brought together various ideas, expertise and perspectives, ensuring that the solution accounted for the specific needs of Malawians.</li><li>I thoroughly enjoyed the entire course. I found the training prior to the course very useful, as it equipped me with useful knowledge that was essential in the group project phase. I really enjoyed the group that I was placed in, and our project was very interesting and helped expand my knowledge on different skill sets that I did not have prior to the Future17 SDG Challenge.<br></li></ul><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University funding applications opened on 1 August 2023 | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10094 | | Stellenbosch University funding applications opened on 1 August 2023 | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p>Applications for the 2024 Stellenbosch University (SU) Undergraduate Funding Opportunities open on Tuesday, 1 August 2023.</p><p>The University encourages all current and prospective undergraduate students to apply for SU-managed internal and external donor bursary allocations. All undergraduate students are encouraged to apply for financial support based on financial need and/or academic merit.</p><p>As at July 2023, SU awarded 3 088 bursaries from institutional and donor funding to the value of almost R109 million to students for the 2023 academic year.</p><p>SU's Centre for Undergraduate Bursaries and Loans (CUBL) deputy director, Lerato Mkhabela, says by harnessing new and exciting technologies, SU aims to create an inclusive experience that reaches and supports as many students as possible. “We've streamlined the application process, making it more accessible and user-friendly, and with the help of cutting-edge platforms and digital tools, we've eliminated unnecessary barriers to ensure every student has an equal chance to apply for funding."</p><p>Mkhabela says CUBL also manages and administers bursaries for external donors according to specific criteria, including financial need, academic performance, and leadership. To be considered for one of these bursaries, applicants will need to complete an additional unique application form and upload this when prompted during the online application process.</p><p>SU encourages all candidates for financial support to first review the <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/application-process">Application Process</a> tab on the CUBL website for detailed information on the support documents that are required to complete an application before clicking 'Apply Now'.</p><p>“CUBL's commitment to leveraging technology extends beyond efficiency and convenience. By understanding that different students have unique needs and financial circumstances, CUBL is continuously tailoring their approach to accommodate a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences."</p><p>“We look forward to receiving the 2024 funding applications and will continue our pursuit to support students in their academic journeys," Mkhabela concluded.</p><p>Prospective applicants can log SU funding queries with the Client Services Desk at 021 808 9111 or email them to <a href="mailto:info@sun.ac.za">info@sun.ac.za</a>. Should you prefer to send an email, then please remember to include the applicant's SU student number in the subject line, #/ SU24 funding query, to assist the team to respond efficiently.</p><p>The application process is online, and the form will take about 15 minutes to complete.</p><p>SU funding applications close at midnight on Saturday, 30 September 2023.<br><br></p><p>To apply, click <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/application-process">here</a><br><br></p><p>Aansoeke vir die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) se 2023 voorgraadse befondsingsgeleenthede het op Dinsdag, 1 Augustus 2023 oopgemaak.</p><p>Die Universiteit moedig alle huidige en voornemende voorgraadse studente aan om aansoek te doen vir die interne en eksterne skenkerbeurstoekennings wat die instansie bestuur. Die US moedig alle voorgraadse studente aan om aansoek te doen vir finansiële ondersteuning op grond van finansiële behoeftes en/of akademiese meriete.</p><p>Tot en met Julie 2023 het die US het beurse uit institusionele en donateur-befondsing ter waarde van nagenoeg R109 miljoen aan studente in die 2023 akademiese jaar toegeken.</p><p>Die US se Sentrum vir Voorgraadse Beurse en Lenings (SVBL) se adjunkdirekteur, Lerato Mkhabela, sê deur nuwe en opwindende tegnologie in te span, beoog die US om 'n inklusiewe ondervinding te skep wat soveel studente as moontlik kan bereik en ondersteun. “Ons het die aansoekproses vaartbelyn, meer toeganklik en gebruikersvriendelik gemaak. Met behulp van uistekende platforms en digitale hulpmiddels het ons onnodige struikelblokke uit die weg geruim om te verseker dat elke student 'n gelyke kans het om vir befondsing aansoek te doen."</p><p>Mkhabela sê CUBL bestuur en administreer ook beurse vir eksterne skenkers volgens spesifieke kriteria, soos onder meer finansiële behoefte, akademiese prestasie en leierskap. Om vir een van hierdie beurse oorweeg te word, sal aansoekers 'n bykomende unieke aansoekvorm moet voltooi en dit oplaai wanneer hulle tydens die aanlyn-aansoekproses daarvoor gevra word.</p><p>Die US moedig alle kandidate vir finansiële ondersteuning aan om eers die <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/af/application-process">Aansoekproses</a> op die SVBL-webwerf deeglik na te gaan vir gedetailleerde inligting oor die ondersteuningsdokumente wat hulle nodig het om 'n aansoek te voltooi. Eers wanneer jy al die dokumentasie opgelaai het, kan jy op 'Doen nou aansoek' klik.</p><p>“SVBL se verbintenis tot die benutting van tegnologie strek verder as doeltreffendheid en gerief. Ons weet ons studente het unieke behoeftes en finansiële omstandighede, daarom pas SVBL voortdurend ons benadering aan om 'n uiteenlopende reeks agtergronde en ervarings te akkommodeer in ons keuringsproses."</p><p>“Ons sien uit daarna om die 2024-befondsingsaansoeke te ontvang en sal voortgaan met ons strewe om studente in hul akademiese reise te ondersteun," het Mkhabela afgesluit.</p><p>Voornemende aansoekers kan US-befondsingsnavrae rig aan die Kliëntedienstoonbank by 021 808 9111 of e-pos sou versoeke na info@sun.ac.za. Indien jy verkies om 'n e-pos te stuur, onthou asseblief om die aansoeker se US-studentenommer in die onderwerplyn, #/ SU24-befondsingsnavraag, in te sluit om die span te help om doeltreffend te reageer.</p><p>Die aansoekproses is aanlyn en dit neem ongeveer 15 minute om die aansoek te voltooi.</p><p>Alle US-befondsingsaansoeke sluit om middernag op Saterdag, 30 September 2023.<br><br></p><p>Om aansoek te doen, klik <a href="https://finaid.sun.ac.za/af/application-process">hier</a><br><br></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p><br></p> |
| SU students undertake a transformative journey across the Gariep | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10086 | | SU students undertake a transformative journey across the Gariep | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">While the rest of campus went into hibernation mode for the June-July holidays, 20 students from Stellenbosch University (SU) joined their peers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Sol Plaatje University (SPU) for a transformative journey through the TransGariep Leadership Programme. <br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">As part of the collaboration between the three universities, 20 students from each university were selected to participate in the programme from 2 to 13 July and visit the campuses of each university over the two-week period. The group of 60 students included undergraduate and postgraduate students from several faculties and student communities, as well as positional and non-positional leaders. They were joined by staff members from the three universities who supported the students with sense-making, through their reflections, and provided mentorship during the students learning journey. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">Mr Yeki Mosomothane, Multicultural Educator and Coordinator in the Centre for Student Communities (CSC) in the Division Student Affairs (DSAf) at SU and the SU head of the programme, said the TransGariep Leadership Programme<em> </em>sought to create a new type of immersive experiential engagement.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“This type of immersive experiential engagement focuses on self-rediscovery, transformative human encounters, critical diversity, awareness, and unleashing leadership potential amongst students from the partner institutions taking part in the initiative."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The CSC, explains Mosomothane, is focused on creating “a culture where students not only have pleasant social experiences but are also serious about being effective role players within and beyond the borders of Stellenbosch". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The TransGariep Leadership Programme is an appropriate example of how this mission is being fulfilled through trans-cultural, transformative experiences. Because of these experiences, students can become transformed through embracing their unique identities while being open to learning from their peers."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">An essential part of the programme was the trans-cultural component during which students could learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the communities they visited.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“This cultural exchange also recognises the journey undertaken by the students across the two provinces and the historic Gariep (Orange) river to be immersed in different communities."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The content of the programme reflected this primary purpose, guided by the individual theme chosen by each university: UCT's was “agenda of the soul", Stellenbosch “the transformative, transcultural experience" and SPU chose “future-focused leadership". These themes determined the activities and experiences the students engaged in at the specific university and its surrounding community.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Some of the sessions discussed topics such as 'liberating the soul-embracing self', 'ethical leadership' and 'relational transparency'. In Cape Town, the students visited the Slave Lodge and District Six Museum, while in Stellenbosch, they visited Lückhoff High School and the Pniel Museum, watched <em>Woman King</em>, an educational movie speaking to present issues around identity, and reflected on the SU Restitution Statement with Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd and Ms Ayanda Nyoka from SU's Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">In Kimberly, where SPU is located, the students engaged in a comprehensive parliamentary education programme, which expanded their understanding of Parliament and its role as an important institution of democracy, accountability, and representation. </p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Part of this education programme included the students 'joining' political parties and undertaking work done by political party members who are parliamentary representatives. This included 'oversight' visits, attending 'committee meetings' and a 'plenary session' at the Northern Cape Legislature, which was addressed by the Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature." </p><p style="text-align:justify;">While in Kimberly, the students also had an opportunity to have some downtime and visited the McGregor Museum, the Big Hole and had a celebratory gala dinner to close off the programme.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The whole purpose of the TransGariep Leadership Programme was the development of students and their capacity to lead themselves and their communities towards the realisation of human flourishing," added Mosomothane.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Ms Charmaine Louw, a third-year SU student who participated in the programme said: “TransGariep allowed me to tap into my inner self, to determine who am I and what type of leader I aspire to be...the programme allowed me to broaden my horizons in terms of how important it is to have values embedded in yourself as a leader and how those values will then carry out into your tasks, your management skills and leadership style."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Ms Monica du Toit, ResEd Coordinator within CSC and Residence Head of Monica Residence at SU, said that one of the things that stuck with her after the journey was how students from the different institutions were able to be “powerful witnesses and fresh eyes to observe, notice and celebrate one another's growth and accomplishments". </p><p style="text-align:justify;">This observation by Du Toit, explains Mosomothane, speaks to the supportive environment the programme aimed to create while at the same time developing the inherent capabilities of the student participants.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“As an experiential education opportunity, the TransGariep Leadership Programme<em> </em>created a bridge which allowed students to foster networks, cohesion and an understanding of the regional challenges within the greater sphere of leadership, as well as provided every participant with a sound understanding of the contextual matters affecting leadership development in South Africa."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Reflecting further on her experience, Louw said that her biggest takeaway from the experience was “the power of being present, being in the moment and the importance of cultural intelligence as well as ethical leadership". <br></p> |
| SUNFin is live | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10079 | | SUNFin is live | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p>The work that started four years and three months ago, culminated in Stellenbosch University switching over its financial system from its 35-year-old legacy system Tera Term to its new platform Oracle Cloud Financials on 26 July 2023.</p><p>The SUNFin project team, consisting mostly of staff from the Finance and Information Technology divisions has been working around the clock to reach this milestone: implementing the largest system of its kind at the University.</p><p>“Going live with OCF, was the start of a new era at SU, with a system that offers the opportunities to support the University's financial processing effectively and efficiently, while recognising and working towards minimising the challenges that this significant change will impose on users of the system," says Manie Lombard, Chief Director: Finance.</p><p>Over the past years, the project has been postponed at stages as the team encountered obstacles caused by a very customised and complicated legacy system, engrained in the woodwork of the Institution. Despite many challenges, late nights, and sacrifices from a magnificent team, the go-live went seamlessly, thanks to a carefully planned sequentially cutover process aligned with the user training.</p><p>"It is chaos, but great chaos. Somehow everything is working and we are solving issues and learning as we go along," was the words of Annemi Murray, Director: Financial Planning and Budgeting, one of the champions of this project and someone who has burnt a few candles on both ends over the past years to ensure this project takes flight.</p><p>“The success we are experiencing now, is because of our users who are taking ownership of the system," says Elizebeth de Beer, who is championing the OCF training – which is ongoing for a few weeks now. “I am amazed to see the willingness and excitement of the staff who are embracing this new way of doing financial accounting at the University."</p><p>SUNFin business owner, Brendon Grindlay-Whieldon ensured that a SUNFin service desk is in place to provide a communication channel where you can log on to the systems' major business processes.</p><p>Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer, congratulated and thank the team for celebrating going live on Wednesday, 26 July 2023. “I only hear great things from people using the system. We are grateful to the SUNFin team who pulled out all the stops to make this deadline."</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University and St Stithians College collaborate on green energy solutions | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10057 | | Stellenbosch University and St Stithians College collaborate on green energy solutions | Petro Mostert | <p>A delegation from St Stithians College, one of South Africa's most prestigious schools from Johannesburg, visited Stellenbosch University in July for a working session on finding green energy solutions for the school's 105 ha campus. Innovus-spinout company GreenX Engineering, which has been instrumental in helping schools in the Western Cape save on their energy bills while providing energy solutions was part of the SU delegation.<br></p><p>Dr Jason Samuels, managing director of GreenX, said they have been in discussions with St Stithians for some time now working together to find energy-saving solutions. “The College has identified a piece of land on their campus suitable for an alternative energy solution that is able to meet the school's 3GWh demand ."</p><p>Thando Bili, Head of Operations of St Stithians College, said they are excited to collaborate with Stellenbosch University on ways to be less reliant on the Eskom grid and become more sustainable. “We have as many as 8 000 people on campus daily, and this number can grow to as many as 60 000 when we host a festival. It is crucial that we find sustainable energy solutions to also augment our water-saving solutions for our college," says Bili. He says the College aims to be completely self-sustainable by 2030. </p><p>This will not be the first project GreenX worked on with the College. Following an electricity energy and spatial analysis audit, the GreenX team issued an energy performance certificate (EPC) for one part of the college. This is the first time GreenX awarded an EPC to a South African School.. The first of the Colleges' buildings to get an EPC was the Girls' College and Girls' prep sections. They received a B-rating for energy consumption with a 33 kWh/m2.<br></p><p>Last year, GreenX Engineerings' initiatives helped equip Cloetesville Primary School, in Stellenbosch, with energy-saving technology, ensuring that it became the first school in South Africa to receive an energy performance certificate (EPC). The school received an A-rating for the electrical consumption of the system, with 17 kWh/m2.</p><p>“The achievement of the first EPC cements St Stithians commitment to energy efficient solutions and is aligned with the long-term sustainability plan of our College," said Bili.</p><p>According to Samuels, more energy management and energy efficiency projects are in the pipeline for St Stithians and GreenX.</p><p>In the coming months, SU, GreenX, and St Stithians (together with their engineering partner, Madonse Consulting Engineers) will work together on creating a feasible solution for the school, which could include a cost-saving solution for their energy systems such as a potential solar PV and a loadshedding solution that integrates diesel generators and an energy storage system, for instance, batteries.</p><p>“Our journey of establishing a PV plant for the College is central to the core business of the day: ensuring the continuity of Teaching and Learning," said Bili.</p><p>Samuels says he hopes this work is the start of a fantastic energy journey for the College as they pioneer being energy resilient.<br><br></p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/GreenX%20EPC%20copy.jpg" alt="GreenX EPC copy.jpg" style="margin:5px;" /><br></p><p><em>Caption for photo</em></p><p>In the photo, Thando Bili, Head of Operations of St Stithians College (right), receives the EPC certificate from Jason Samuels, managing director of GreenX Engineering. <br></p><p><br></p><p>Media inquiries</p><p>Petro Mostert</p><p><a href="mailto:petromostert@sun.ac.za">petromostert@sun.ac.za</a><br></p><p>M 082 334 6193<br></p><div><br><br></div><p><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Maties on a mission to make fashion sustainable and accessible | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10031 | | Maties on a mission to make fashion sustainable and accessible | Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking [Anél Lewis] | <p>It's been the “craziest" six months of their lives, but Stellenbosch University (SU) students Wihan Joubert and Bernard Combrink are leading a thrift revolution with their startup Drip Markets, a buy-and-sell platform for preloved clothing. <br></p><p>Both are full-time, third-year students – Joubert is studying Investment Management and Combrink is doing Accounting. But they have managed, through creative time management and plenty of passion, to develop Drip Markets as a successful app with more than 3 000 users looking to buy and sell pre-loved clothing. </p><p>The idea for an online thrift marketplace was sparked when Joubert returned to South Africa after attending high school in the United Kingdom. Accustomed to buying clothing on one of the UK's popular apps, Depop, Joubert identified a need for something similar in SA. Joubert met Combrink at Paul Roos Gymnasium in 2020 during their matric year, and the two decided to develop a local equivalent. </p><p>Over the next two years, they worked on the concept and tried to develop a web application that could host Drip Markets. After considerable trial and error, the pair took part in the annual Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Educations (EDHE) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition, with the support of SU's LaunchLab. </p><p>The experience was a turning point for the enterprising friends, leading to a collaboration with other entrepreneurs. One of these was Arnold Hattingh, an electrical engineering student who developed Djol, an app that finds the best dinner and drinks specials in Stellenbosch. Within a few months, the duo was able to launch Drip Markets as an app-based platform on Apple and Google Play. </p><p>“It's part of student life to buy cool vintage clothing, but we soon realised that the impact of this application was far broader," says Joubert. “Drip Markets is not just about creating a platform to sell second-hand clothing; it is also an opportunity to tap into sustainable fashion." Every sale made on the platform removes the need to consume additional resources. So, for example, every time a second-hand T-shirt is bought instead of a new one, 713 litres of water are saved. </p><p>Drip is also about empowering people to make money and start their own businesses, he adds. Anyone can sell their clothing via the app, which is open to buyers and sellers around the country. What distinguishes Drip from other similar platforms is that is founded by locals, for locals. “We believe in involving South Africa's youth and marketing ourselves as a proudly South African business, while providing users with an excellent service," says Joubert. </p><p>Meanwhile, the pair are learning how to balance the rigorous demands of a startup with their own academic obligations. Combrink is also involved in the leadership of his residence, Dagbreek. Both have their families' full support – Combrink's grandfather was a former Dean of the Faculty of Theology. </p><p>No matter what the future holds for these Maties on a mission to develop a thriving business with social impact, they both agree that the journey has been a massive learning curve. </p><p>Combrink's advice to aspirant entrepreneurs is: “Dream big and be imaginative. You have more time on your hands than you think, and the best time to learn, make mistakes and grow is in your years of studying. Don't be afraid to ask questions, even when it may be embarrassing. Lastly, enjoy the process and make sure you are having fun throughout your journey."</p><p>The startup was named by Stellenbosch Network as Entrepreneur of the Month in June and the company now has its eye on tripling the number of users within the next few months. “We have learned the reality of how much time and sacrifice is required (to start a business)," says Joubert. </p><p>And, also how rewarding it can be. <br><br></p><p><br></p> |
| SU to host international Pre-World Cup Netball Conference | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10026 | | SU to host international Pre-World Cup Netball Conference | Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking | <p>The Division of Sport Science at Stellenbosch University (SU) will soon, for the first time, host an international netball conference. The event is particularly relevant because of the 2023 Netball World Cup to be hosted in Cape Town at the end of July 2023 – the first time a Netball World Cup event will be hosted on the African continent.<br></p><p>The conference will be held in-person at the Division of Sport Science situated at the Coetzenburg Sports Grounds on the Stellenbosch campus on 20 and 21 July 2023. </p><p>Themed “Beyond the Court: Exploring Netball Science and Applications", the conference is organised by a steering committee of the Division of Sport Science in collaboration with the Western Cape Government.</p><p>The conference theme aims to capture the essence of netball as a dynamic sport that combines scientific research with real-world applications. Keynote speakers, workshops and discussions at the conference would focus on a variety of netball-specific topics. Attendees would have the opportunity to delve into the latest advancements in netball research, gain insights into player management to reduce injury risk, and discover technologies to enhance player performance. By bringing together researchers, coaches, players and administrators, this conference aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration and inspiration, ultimately leading to the advancement of netball as a sport.</p><p>The Western Cape's Minister of Sport, Anroux Marais, is to open the conference at 09:00 in lecture room A in the Department at Coetzenburg in Stellenbosch on 20 July 2023. </p><p>Topics to be covered include:<em> Nutritional strategies for netball players; Reducing injury risk and illness in netball players; Off-court conditioning modalities to enhance performance and reduce injury risk such as backward/retro-training, barefoot training, neuromuscular warm-ups; Safe landings in netball; Nutritional deficiency in netball players; History of netball; and Elite sport systems for player development in South Africa.</em> </p><p>Workshops on performance analysis, GPS-based training, goal shooting and lower-limb injury risk assessment are included.</p><ul><li>For more information on the conference, visit <a href="http://www.netballconference.co.za/">www.netballconference.co.za</a>.</li><li>Liaise with Carien Uys at 021 808 4723 or <a href="mailto:carienjvr@sun.ac.za">carienjvr@sun.ac.za</a> or Ranel Venter at <a href="mailto:rev@sun.ac.za">rev@sun.ac.za</a> for more information. <br></li></ul><p><br></p> |
