​New students to Stellenbosch University (SU) received a heartwarming and encouraging welcome from the SU Rector, Faculty members, and student representatives during the Official Welcoming event at the Danie Craven Stadium at Coetzenburg on Thursday (25 January).

More than 5000 new students, their parents, and guardians filled the stadium. The SU Symphonic Wind Ensemble, directed by Pamela Kierman with Wendy-Joy Crowley as vocalist, started the proceedings with an impressive musical performance.

As part of the formal proceedings during the welcoming event, students were addressed by:

• Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector, and Vice-Chancellor
• Minette Sieberhagen, Vice-Chair of the Prim Committee
• Lwando Nkamisa, SRC Chair

​Highlights from the speeches

With the focus on SU's Centenary this year, the three main speakers encouraged new students to commemorate this momentous milestone with all others at the University.

In their address to the students and guests, the speakers reiterated SU's institutional strategies for enhancing social impact, maintaining excellence and advancing transformation.

Minette Sieberhagen, Vice-Chair of the Prim Committee, told students to dream big and help make a difference at Maties. “Stellenbosch University focuses on a value-driven management in our communities. Our values drive us to make decisions every day. They guide us in life and tell us when to stand up and speak even if you stand up alone. Dare to get involved somewhere, to have an opinion and to make a difference."

As part of the welcoming programme for new students, various residences and private student organisations (PSO) will have a Social Impact day, where students can become involved in social awareness and social impact projects in and around the Stellenbosch area.

SRC Chair, Lwando Nkamisa, encouraged new students to drive the Ubuntu spirit and to be united in the diversity at SU. “Given the fact that our University is the microcosm of our society, we as Stellenbosch University are a mini rainbow. We embody all aspects of life on campus, which culminates in a diverse and accepting student society."

Nkamisa also emphasised that students need to reach out and use the support networks around them such as mentors, classmates, lecturers, and friends to gather strength and to carry on. 

He added: “You must learn to be patient with yourself, forgive yourself when you fail. Do likewise to others when they wrong you. Therefore we need to stand together to fight racism, sexism, xenophobia, homophobia and all other kinds of discrimination. I also encourage you to have fun during your time here, it's a time to form friendships and to explore your new home for this is the first day of your future, so use your time here wisely.

SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, also had encouraging words for new students.

He said SU had received approximately 33 000 applications for this year but was only able to place 5 000. He reiterated that the new students are part of a special group, the Centenary intake.

He continued: “Year after year, Stellenbosch attracts top candidates from across the country and beyond, because it is a top university. We are known for our academic excellence. It's little wonder, then, that a substantial number of last year's 24 top matriculants nationally are now here at Stellenbosch."

The Rector urged new students to enjoy their time at SU and to reach out for support. “At the heart of the excellence that Stellenbosch has become known for during the past 100 years is a spirit of mutual support, friendship, and togetherness."

De Villiers also highlighted the fact that SU's Centenary will not only be celebrating the many successes and achievements of the past century, but at the same time, would acknowledge its contribution towards the injustices of the past.

He stated: “We apologise unreservedly to the communities and individuals who were excluded from the historical privileges that Stellenbosch University enjoyed. We also honour the critical Matie voices of that time who would not be silenced despite being ostracised. And in responsibility towards the present and future generations, Stellenbosch University commits itself unconditionally to the ideal of an inclusive, world-class university in and for Africa."

• ​​Click here for the rector's speech.