​The newly elected executive committee of the Institutional Forum (IF) will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Stellenbosch University (SU) is anchored in creating and sustaining an environment of inclusivity, transformation, innovation, and maintaining excellence.

The IF is one of the University's main statutory bodies – the other being the Council, Senate, the Convocation and the Student Representative Council.  Consisting of 32 members who represent the various sectors of the SU, the IF's key function is to advise the Council on issues affecting the University.

At the helm of the newly elected executive committee is Dr Celeste Nel, who is joined by Deputy Chair, Farah Fredericks and Secretary, Wayde Davidse. The other members include Denisha Padachey who represents the student sector, Le Roux Burrows who represents staff, Sello Molapo who represents the management and governance sector, and Adelbert Scholtz who represents the community sector. 

Holding various strategic positions at SU, the executive committee has extensive experience in the higher education sector and comes highly qualified to guide the IF and its mandate, which has been set by the Higher Education Act.

“We are looking forward to advice Council on relevant matters, representing the voice of management, staff, students and the community, with a specific focus on transformation," says Nel, who is also the Director of the Centre for Admissions and Residence Placement in the Division for Student Access at SU.

The IF is tasked to advise the Council on race and gender equity policies; the selection of candidates for senior management positions; codes of conduct, mediation and dispute resolution procedures; the fostering of an institutional culture that promotes tolerance and respect for fundamental human rights and creates an appropriate environment for teaching,  and research and learning. They are also required to ensure the implementation of the Higher education Act and the national policy on higher education.

Nel says the IF, which meets four times during the academic year, is already hard at work, engaging on policy impact and making sure that robust debate moves SU forward.

“We aim for a participative culture where members work collectively to build consensus on issues, rather than a representative culture where members represent their individual constituencies or form lobby groups."

Click here for more information on the IF.

From left to right is: Wayde Davidse, Denisha Padachey, Celeste Nel, Sello Molapo, Farah Fredericks and Le Roux Burrows (not pictured: Adelbert Scholtz)