​Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Department of Defence (DOD) recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to reinforce the relationship between the two institutions dating from the 1960’s.  

The event was held at Defence Headquarters in Pretoria on 5 October 2017

The intention of the MOA – a revision of an MOA that was signed by the two parties in 2012 – is to facilitate a closer working relationship between SU and the DOD. Revisions include a clarification of higher education services that SU will provide to the DOD as well as creating conducive learning environments where students and staff alike will flourish.

Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Sam Gulube, Secretary of Defence, and Lieutenant General Vusumuzi Masondo (on behalf of the Chief of the SANDF, General SZ Shoke), signed the agreement on behalf of the parties.

“I am glad to say that the relationship between Stellenbosch University and the Department of Defence (DOD) is strong and healthy. This is evidenced by the revised agreement between us, cementing the long-standing relationship between our Faculty of Military Science and the SANDF’s Military Academy,” De Villiers said.

“Our partnership lays the strongest possible academic foundation for the professionalization of military education. SU is the only university in the country offering military science, and a leading research-intensive higher-education institution on the African continent. The revised agreement between SU and the DOD will take us into the future.

“Stellenbosch University is honoured to be the preferred higher education partner of the DOD and the SANDF. We are committed to strengthening the quest of the SANDF to promote comprehensive security on the continent, helping to make Africa ‘more peaceful and secure’, as expressed by the African Union in Agenda 2063 – the Africa we want,” he said.  

Major General Lawrence Mbatha, General Officer Commanding of Training Command, Human Resource Division, SA National Defence Force said: “This partnership with Stellenbosch University is a continued and important investment in the most valued resource of the SANDF – its people. Education will be the key to develop the cognitive flexibility of the SANDF’s leaders and their ability to deal with unforeseen and complex security challenges across the spectrum of conflict.”

The agreement stipulates, among others, the roles and obligations of the two parties such as the financial obligations of the DOD and that of the University with regard to academic quality of its Faculty of Military Science.

The MOA also makes reference to appointments, remuneration and service conditions, admission and treatment of military science students as well the establishment of a Joint Advisory Committee accountable to the parties simultaneously. The Joint Advisory Committee will advise the University and the Department on the policies, management and implementation of the Agreement.

The signing was also attended by Major General Ansu Fakir, Chief Director Human Resource Development; Prof Nico Koopman, SU Vice-Rector: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel; Adv Simphiwe Damane-Mkosane; Counsel to the Secretary for Defence; and, Prof Sam Tshehla, Dean of the Faculty of Military Science.

Photo: Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor and Dr Sam Gulube, Secretary of Defence (photo by Katiso Mabuza, Directorate Corporate Communications, SANDF)