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Karen Bruns appointed to Executive Committee of Higher Education Fundraising Forum	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8178	Karen Bruns appointed to Executive Committee of Higher Education Fundraising Forum	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	<p></p><p>Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations at Stellenbosch University (SU), has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the newly created Higher Education Fundraising Forum (HEFF), a new Community of Practice established within Universities South Africa (USAf).</p><p>USAf's Communities of Practice are fora comprising of specialist professionals from various disciplines pertinent to running a university. These groups meet on a regular basis to share knowledge and information, to network and foster collaboration of public universities on national initiatives, and to support one another by discussing common concerns and devising collective solutions for specific problems.</p><p>The objective of the Fundraising Forum is to promote fundraising best practice in the South African higher education sector. This will be done through the sharing of information and knowledge resources; promoting collaboration between higher education institutions in South Africa; addressing local, regional and global challenges of research, innovation and development; and promoting joint academic projects.</p><p>"It is a great privilege to represent Stellenbosch University on this Forum. It affords me the opportunity to promote debate on national fundraising initiatives and issues and have a say in the development of policy and practices in response to national and international fundraising standards," said Bruns.</p><p>"In our current national and international context, greater collaboration is key - and this is exactly what this Forum will bring to the table," she added. </p><p>The establishment of this Forum has garnered positive responses from professionals operating within the local and international fundraising spheres. </p><p>Nazeema Mohamed, Executive Director of Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement in the institutional and non-profit sectors, said to have this Forum feature within USAf will assist in institutionalising good practice. “Well done on setting up the Higher Education Fundraising Forum as a USAf Community of Practice. This Forum is greatly needed in the sector." </p><p>Bill Moses, Managing Director for The Kresge Foundation's Education Programme, noted that he is glad to see the development of this group. “According to a recent Inyathelo survey, there are nearly 200 advancement professionals in South Africa today, so HEFF has a nice potential pool of members."</p><p>“It's so nice to see many familiar names [on the Executive]. Please keep us abreast of HEFF's activities in the future. There will likely be areas of collaboration, particularly around vehicles for fundraising platforms," said Hafeeza Rashed, Senior Advisor of Communications and Outreach at the King Baudouin Foundation in the United States. </p><ul><li><span style="text-decoration:underline;">USAf on the web:</span> <a href="https://www.usaf.ac.za/">https://www.usaf.ac.za/</a> <br></li></ul><p><br></p>
Maties remains committed to inclusive multilingualism	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8125	Maties remains committed to inclusive multilingualism	Wim de Villiers	<p><em>In an opinion editorial on </em>News24<em>, SU Rector Prof Wim de Villiers, says that language – more particularly Afrikaans – at SU has again been hotly discussed recently. He asks if there really is a problem or whether is it opportunism for political gain. <a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/columnists/guestcolumn/opinion-stellenbosch-university-remains-committed-to-inclusive-multilingualism-20210405" target="_blank">Click here </a>to see it on that site, or read submitted text below.</em></p><p>Language – more particularly Afrikaans – at Stellenbosch University (SU) has again been hotly discussed in the media over the past while. Is there an actual problem, or are we dealing with opportunism for political gain? I believe it's the latter, and I will be supporting this statement by relying on the facts about SU and language.<br></p><p>From the outset, I admit that things do go wrong sometimes. If students are being instructed not to use Afrikaans in a social context, it is wrong. It is equally wrong if students are being pressurised not to use Afrikaans in a course where Afrikaans is clearly accommodated in the course specifications. This is not our policy; it is not supposed to happen. I am sorry about it; we are investigating and rectifying the matter. </p><p>This, however, does not mean that the University is undermining Afrikaans. On the contrary, SU is doing more in and for Afrikaans than most other universities. That's a fact. </p><p>Let's look at more facts. Is SU an English university? No, even though we are inaccurately depicted as such. Is SU an isiXhosa university? Clearly not. We currently use fairly little isiXhosa, although we do try to develop it too as an academic language. Is SU an Afrikaans university? No, we haven't been for a long time, and we cannot be one either, no matter how much some would like to cling to the past. </p><p>SU is a leading research-intensive university – ranked among the top 1% in the world – that pursues inclusive multilingualism. We are one of very few higher education institutions in our multilingual country doing so. </p><p>We use English as one of our mediums of instruction because we want to serve the entire population, and not only a certain portion. We are funded from taxpayers' money to a significant extent, which means we need to be accessible to all.</p><p>At the same time, we have Afrikaans as our other medium of instruction to satisfy a particular need and demand, as far as we possibly can.</p><p>Yet this does not mean every module of every subject in every year of study is fully available in both English and Afrikaans. Multilingual learning and teaching is costly and complex. Nevertheless, when our current Language Policy was drafted in 2016, we consciously decided not to go down the route of unilingualism, but chose multilingualism instead. And that policy is being implemented.</p><p>At registration this year, 37,7% of undergraduates indicated Afrikaans as their home language, 49,2% of whom said they would prefer to be taught in English. Those with isiXhosa and other official South African languages other than English and Afrikaans as their home language account for 11,5% of the undergraduate student body this year. </p><p>These numbers reflect the diversity of our students, and the demand for tuition in Afrikaans remains significant, with 20% of all undergraduates expressing such a preference this year.</p><p>For the past five years, our academic offering in the three modes provided for in our Language Policy has remained more or less the same. In 2020, 17,8% of classes took place in parallel medium (separate English and Afrikaans streams), 63,2% in double medium (lectures in English, with a summary in Afrikaans) and 19% in single medium (English-only or Afrikaans-only lectures).</p><p>We are committed to multilingualism because it adds value and enriches students' learning experience. As an educational institution, our approach to language is pedagogical. That means we are first and foremost concerned with unlocking and transferring knowledge, with language as the medium through which knowledge is accessed.</p><p>But language as such is not our main focus. After all, it is not the primary duty of a university, as an institution, to promote any particular language (although academic departments who offer a language as a subject do have a responsibility in this regard). We do have language promotion initiatives, such as the SU Woordfees, our support for the <em>Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal</em>, and our co-sponsorship of the Jan H Marais prize for exceptional contributions to Afrikaans as an academic language. But our primary emphasis is on language as a medium of instruction.</p><p>Therefore, we make an effort to develop students' academic language skills, such as through the course offering of the SU Language Centre, one of the best in the South African higher education sector. Our Language Centre also does a lot of translation, interpreting and editing work, and develops trilingual subject terminologies. </p><p>Then why did Senate, SU's highest academic body, recently agree that lecturers could issue new learning material in English only, and not in Afrikaans as well, as provided for in our Language Policy? For a very specific reason, and only for a limited time. It only applies to the first semester of this year, and was approved because of the additional workload brought about by the shift to more online teaching due to COVID-19. </p><p>It is important to distinguish between the implementation of the current Language Policy (of 2016), and its review. The Senate decision relates to the former, not the latter. The review is taking place this year, as the policy itself requires this to happen every five years. It is a transparent, participatory process, and anyone can deliver input – both from within the University and from the broad public. (For more information, visit www.sun.ac.za/language.)</p><p>Our Department of Afrikaans and Dutch recently criticised the way in which language is being dealt with at SU, by way of an open letter in the media. It is a pity that existing communication channels at the University were not utilised for this, especially since the information requested is indeed available. Since the commencement of our current Language Policy in 2017, faculties have submitted Language Policy implementation plans twice a year, and three overall surveys have been conducted among students and staff. All this information is regularly shared and used to keep our policy implementation on track. </p><p>Still, we are a university – an institution where dialogue and debate are respected. I have invited the colleagues concerned for a discussion with management and look forward to constructive outcomes.</p><p>However, I am less positive about political parties and lobbies' mobilisation around SU's Language Policy. They pay no regard to the facts and are apparently oblivious to the complexities associated with implementing multilingualism at a large higher education institution. They incite, and sow discord. Are they doing this for political gain in an election year? Are they trying to canvass votes? Of particular concern to me is the polarisation this is causing. It is unacceptable for Maties, or any other university in South Africa, to be abused as a political football and punchbag.</p><p>What seems like another instance of politicking is the fact that Afrikaans is no longer regarded as an indigenous language in the new <em>Language Policy Framework for Public Higher Education Institutions</em>, which the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) promulgated in October 2020. To align with this move, the definition of official and indigenous languages from the DHET document has been incorporated into the first draft of our revised Language Policy. Yet back in 2018, in our feedback on the then draft DHET framework, we already pointed out that we strongly supported viewing Afrikaans as indigenous. All universities will also have to make allowance for the implications of the new framework. I have already brought the matter to the attention of Universities South Africa.</p><p>SU undoubtedly is an asset to the country and to all our people. This was proven yet again at our recent autumn graduation ceremonies, which marked the official end to our 2020 academic year. In extremely challenging circumstances last year, we managed to confer sought-after SU qualifications, including 270 doctorates, on 9 079 students – among the highest numbers in the country. We are proud of our contribution to human development and are keen to move forward in this manner, along with all our stakeholders.</p><p><em>* Prof Wim de Villiers is Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.</em></p><p><br> </p>
SciMathUS welcomes Class of 2021	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8072	SciMathUS welcomes Class of 2021	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	<p>You are at the right place to make your dreams come true. This was the message to 100 new students who embarked on their 2021 SciMathUS journey at Stellenbosch University (SU) on Monday, 15 March. <br></p><p>The SciMathUS programme forms part of a variety of units within the Faculty of Education at SU and specifically in the Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP). The programme annually offers 100 learners, who have already passed Grade 12, but do not qualify for higher education selection, a second opportunity to improve their NSC results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Accounting to enable them to re-apply for university programmes, specifically those focusing on STEM related fields.</p><p>Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, told the new cohort that even though they're at the right place, there is a but... "YOU have to take control of your own destiny. The SciMathUS staff – and their colleagues in SUNCEP and elsewhere at the University – are there to teach you and mentor you and help and support you – but you have to do the work. I have no doubt you will do your best."</p><p>He added: “Our top student from last year's SciMathUS class, Thabo Mthombeni, said it best in an interview: 'Work hard, work smart. Sit down every day and study. Know what your dream is. After the year at SciMathUS, Thabo scored 91% for Mathematics and 98% for Physical Sciences. That will open any door! "</p><p>In her address to the Class of 2021 and their parents, Nokwanda Siyengo, Director of SciMathUS, said that her team is looking forward to a year of achievement. "Let me tell you that in 2020 the average for Mathematics was 71.2% while Physical Sciences was 75.9%. This then means that you as group need to keep this level of performance or even go above it."</p><p>Quoting American thought leader, Christian D Larson, she said: "Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside that is greater than any obstacle that you may face."</p><p>Siyengo added that the students' success is central to the mission at SciMathUS. "Please reach out to us whenever you have questions. We are here to support you every step of the way in this journey that you are starting today."</p><p>SciMathus celebrates 20<sup>th</sup> year of changing lives this year, and continues to produce success stories, commented Siyengo. Since 2001, many SciMathUS students have succeeded to obtain university degrees in medicine, engineering, science and business studies.</p><p>The 20-year celebrations will among others take the form of an online campaign, called #ChangingLives. The aim is to make sure that the programme, with support from all stakeholders, continues to create even more opportunities for students to reach their full academic potential over the next 20 years.</p><p>Please follow SciMathUS' social media pages over the next few months, where the spotlight will shine on the programme as well as alumni who have since graduated and made great strides in their respective fields.</p><ul><li>Facebook - Stellenbosch Alumni / SciMathUS</li><li>Instagram - @MatiesAlumni / @scimathus</li><li>Twitter - @SU_Alumni / @SUNCEP</li><li>Join Maties Connect: <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://matiesconnect.com/groups/53/feed&data=04%7c01%7c%7caeb6c13c82b74b8eaef708d8e3ab37ac%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c637509671795293447%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c1000&sdata=/0Eiwc/Z/MNAYYGv9z/cVNMh10xyhPLINIKxAfGRPYQ%3D&reserved=0">https://matiesconnect.com/groups/53/feed</a></li></ul><p><br></p>
Thuli Madonsela, SRC challenge you to contribute to the initiative of scrapping student debt	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8063	Thuli Madonsela, SRC challenge you to contribute to the initiative of scrapping student debt	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	<p>Professor Thuli Madonsela, who holds Stellenbosch University's Law Trust Chair in Social Justice, has gifted R27 000 to #Action4Inclusion in celebration of the 27 Years of Democracy. Together with the Stellenbosch University (SU) Student Representative Council (SRC), she challenges SU alumni, members of the public, companies, and captains of industry to contribute to the initiative of scrapping student debt and specifically, to help Maties to access their academic results, that cannot be made available due to outstanding fees.</p><p>#Action4Inclusion is a SU student funding initiative aimed at ensuring academic inclusion by settling outstanding study fees for students in need. The initiative was established by the SRC and Madonsela, with the support of the university's Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR) to ensure that no student is left behind due to their financial circumstances.</p><p>“This year marks 27 years of healing the divisions of the past and freeing the potential of all. As unemployment and poverty explode, we do not want angry young people seething over stolen dreams," says Madonsela. </p><p>Madonsela adds that she “challenges all to give a 'democracy dividend' to young people striving to get a university qualification. In addition to alleviating student's financial stresses related to their possibilities of re-registration, donations to #Action4Inclusion will help Maties access their academic results that cannot be made available due to outstanding fees. Getting them over the final hurdle will in turn enhance students' social mobility in pursuit of social justice while capitalising them as essential assets for sustainable economic growth and development".</p><p>According to Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations at SU, this initiative will indeed complement existing efforts to raise much-needed funds for Matie students. “It is heartening to see our students and staff coming together to support one another as we work towards ensuring equal opportunities for all."</p><p><strong>Removing Maties students' biggest obstacle</strong></p><p>“Outstanding student debt is regarded as one of the most significant challenges faced by many SU students from poor and working-class families," explains Xola Njengele, the SRC Chairperson at Maties. “It is increasingly becoming the biggest obstacle on their way to success. Being overburdened is also potentially due to the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating financial difficulties for such students in the past year," he adds.<img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/SNAPSCAN_ENG_sized.jpg" alt="SNAPSCAN_ENG_sized.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-1" style="margin:5px;" /> <br></p><p>The SRC is very grateful toward Prof Madonsela, who drives the campaign and partakes in various "fun-with-a-purpose" activities, such as sponsored hikes and walkathons to raise awareness on the global impediment created by student debt. In addition to raising awareness, Prof Madonsela utilises her broad platform by reaching out to colleagues, professionals, and businesses in order to acquire contributions. Moreover, the SRC recognises the various efforts by the University to assist students with financial difficulties, but a special effort is now needed to assist students in these challenging times. </p><p><strong>Digital donation drive set in motion</strong></p><p>The SRC, in collaboration with Prof Madonsela and DAR, now implore SU alumni, members of the public, companies and captains of industry to contribute, match or exceed her donation to this worthy cause. The #Action4Inclusion campaign, hosted on <a href="http://www.matiesalumni.com/" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>www.matiesalumni.com</strong></a>, went live on the GivenGain donating platform in October 2020 and is hoping to get support not only from Maties alumni but also ordinary South Africans – here and abroad.</p><p>Asked why he felt the need to support #Action4Inclusion, Jean Meiring, SU alumnus and Council member who matched Madonsela says, “At all stages of my life, education and access to money to obtain an education were a given for me. How I might pay for my education was not something I ever lost any sleep over. The same does not apply to many SU students, who struggle to find the money to stay at this institution, not least in a world beset by many new challenges and threats. It's important that those of us who were privileged to be able to take education for granted, help today's students not so privileged."</p><p><strong>TARGETS</strong></p><p><em>Affected students would be unable to register by 15 March, if a first target amount is not raised – so the first target amount (owed from 2019) is R2 million needed for students to register by 15 March. </em></p><p><em>The second target is R2.7 million by 27 April, and the final target is R10 million by 16 June for 2020 debt. </em></p><p>#Action4Inclusion on Maties Alumni website: </p><p style="text-decoration:underline;"><a href="https://www.matiesalumni.com/action4inclusion/"><strong>https://www.matiesalumni.com/action4inclusion/</strong></a> </p><p>#Action4Inclusion on GivenGain website: </p><p><a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/</strong></a> <br></p><p><br></p>
SU continues upward trend; among best universities in emerging economies	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8056	SU continues upward trend; among best universities in emerging economies	Corporate Communication & Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie & Bemarking [Alec Basson]	<p>While the Covid-19 pandemic might have caused major disruptions in higher education, it couldn't dent Stellenbosch University's (SU) reputation as one of the best tertiary institutions in the world. This is confirmed by the 2021 <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/emerging-economies-university-rankings-2021-methodology&data=04%7c01%7c%7ca32478313d274f3fcb8208d8e3087712%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c637508972778805202%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7c1000&sdata=myProiSbgdYuWuxjj4VbBXOT/1K/qp3Pp4PWrcC7TYw%3D&reserved=0"><strong class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0">Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies Universities Rankings</strong></a>, released on Tuesday (9 March 2021). </p><p>SU is ranked number 23 out of 606 institutions from countries or regions classified as “advanced emerging", “secondary emerging" or “frontier" – having improved steadily since 2017 when it came in at number 42. Six of the country's institutions are ranked among the top 100. </p><p>Described as the “most competitive THE Emerging Economies Universities Rankings so far" by THE's Chief Knowledge Officer Phil Baty, the 2021 ranking includes a record number of institutions, representing a 14% increase from 2020 (533).</p><p>According to THE, universities are ranked according to their core missions of teaching (the learning environment), research (volume, income and reputation), knowledge transfer (industry income) and international outlook (staff, students and research) to provide the most comprehensive and balanced comparisons. In terms of research, SU occupies the 3<sup>rd</sup> position among South African universities.</p><p>According to THE, the 2021 ranking demonstrates that emerging universities are improving faster than those in developed countries or regions around the rest of the world.<br></p><p>Commenting on SU's most recent achievement, Prof Hester Klopper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Internationalisation at SU, said the University is steadily improving its positions on various world rankings. “This underscores one of our core strategic themes, namely 'Research for Impact'. The fact that Stellenbosch is able to improve its ranking during the Covid-19 pandemic is no mean feat." </p><p>She adds that it is proof of SU's research impact across the globe and the recognition afforded to the calibre and stature of its researchers.</p><p>“While we are cognisant of the importance of rankings in the overall perception of an institution's (global) academic and research standing, our focus is on academic and research excellence that will shape a better world for all," she reiterates. “It is, however, hugely gratifying when we gain international recognition in our quest to deliver solutions to societal problems through world-class research and scientific programmes."</p><p>In 2020, SU cemented its place among the top universities in the world when it appeared on three major global university rankings, namely the Academic Ranking of World Universities (also known as the Shanghai Rankings), the THE World University Rankings, and the US News & World Report Best Global Universities Ranking.<br></p><p><br></p>
Join Prof Thuli Madonsela to help students in financial need	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7819	Join Prof Thuli Madonsela to help students in financial need	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	<p>Prof Thuli Madonsela, Chair in Social Justice at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Law, is taking action to raise funds for students from working class and middle-class income households who are struggling to keep their higher education dreams alive due to a lack of funds. </p><p>On <strong>Sunday, 22 November 2020</strong> Prof Madonsela and the Student Representative Council (SRC) Chairperson, Xola Njengele, are leading a climb up Table Mountain and on <strong>Saturday, 28 November</strong> they will be leading a walkathon in Pniel, just outside Stellenbosch. </p><p>These events form part of the #Action4Inclusion Campaign, a student funding initiative established earlier this year by the SRC and Prof Madonsela, in an effort to ensure that no student is left behind due to their financial circumstances. All funds raised will go towards the scrapping of debt for working class and middle-class income household students who are struggling to pay their fees. </p><p>"Student debt is a global impediment to access to higher education for many students with some of the students forced to abandon their studies when they are about to complete their degrees. The problem primarily affects students from the so-called missing middle and students from poor working-class backgrounds that have fallen off the NSFAS criteria, often for reasons beyond their control," Madonsela explains.<br></p><p>“The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown us a curveball this year, but with the relaxed restrictions, we are now ready to embark on our planned activities – of course with the necessary safety precautions in place," she adds.</p><p>According to Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development and Alumni Relations, this initiative will indeed complement existing efforts to raise much-need funds for Matie students. "It is heartening to see our students and staff coming together to support one another as we work towards ensuring equal opportunities for all."</p><p>Tickets cost R54 per person for the Table Mountain Climb and R150 per person for the Walkathon and can be purchased on the day of the event or be deposited into the following #ActionforInclusion account: </p><p>Bank: Standard Bank<br> Branch: Stellenbosch<br> Branch code: 05 06 10<br> Account name: University of Stellenbosch<br> Account number: 073006955<br> Reference: R9861 </p><p>Please send proof of payment to <a href="mailto:socialjustice@sun.ac.za">socialjustice@sun.ac.za</a> with your contact details. A ticket will then be issued to you via email, for you to bring with on the day.</p><p>For those who are not able to take part in the planned activities, the option is there to make a donation on the online giving platform, GivenGain. All contributions, no matter how small, are welcomed and will be greatly appreciated. <br></p><p><strong>Programme of Activities:</strong></p><p><strong>Table Mountain Climb</strong></p><p>Date: Sunday, 22 November 2020</p><p>Start: 06:30</p><p>End: 10:00</p><p>Place: Table Mountain (Main Gate)</p><p><strong>Walkathon</strong></p><p>Date: Saturday, 28 November 2020<br></p><p>Start: 06:30</p><p>End: 10:00</p><p>Place: Pniel Museum </p><p><strong>On the web: </strong></p><ul><li>#Action4Inclusion website: <a href="https://www.matiesalumni.com/action4inclusion/">https://www.matiesalumni.com/action4inclusion/</a></li><li>#Action4Inclusion on GivenGain: <a href="https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/">https://www.givengain.com/cc/action4inclusion/</a><br></li></ul><p><br></p>
SU Convocation: Call for nominations	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7773	SU Convocation: Call for nominations	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	<p>Members of Stellenbosch University's (SU) Convocation have been invited to nominate candidates to serve on the executive committee for a term of three years after three vacancies had arisen on the executive committee of the Convocation. <br></p><p>These vacancies had occurred after the resignation of the President, the secretary and one of the additional members. </p><p>Nominations are open for 30 days and will close on <strong>Thursday, 26 November 2020. </strong>Nominations must be submitted via e-mail to <a href="mailto:konvokasie@sun.ac.za"><strong>konvokasie@sun.ac.za</strong></a> on or before the closing date. </p><p>A member can be nominated for election by one proposer, and four other members must second the nomination. The nomination must be accompanied with a declaration by the nominee that he/she accepts the nomination and will abide by the rules for the election and must include a vision statement of no more than 50 words. <br></p><ul><li><h4><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">CLICK </strong><a href="/english/donors/Documents/Nomination_Form_2020.docx" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>HERE</strong></a> for the nomination form. </h4></li><li><h4><a href="/english/donors/Documents/ProcedureE.pdf" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:underline;"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a> to read more on the procedure to nominate and elect the Executive Committee of the Convocation.<br></h4></li></ul><p><br></p>
Matie entrepreneurs off to Las Vegas	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7741	Matie entrepreneurs off to Las Vegas	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	<p>A journey that started in Stellenbosch University’s Metanoia residence in 2017 has culminated in an invitation to attend Agenda Las Vegas, a streetwear tradeshow in the USA in 2021.<br></p><p>Stellenbosch University (SU) graduate Abdu-Shakoer Baderoen and his two best friends Chad Mockey (also an SU alumnus) and Ethan Beukes conceptualised and established the brand BRAhSSE while they were still students.</p><p>Baderoen graduated with a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing in 2018, while Mockey obtained his BA degree in Geography and Environmental Studies in 2019. Beukes studies at the Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.</p><p>According to Baderoen, they started BRAhSSE to make a meaningful contribution to post-apartheid South Africa by creating a clothing and accessories brand that celebrates unity in diversity.</p><p>"Brasse is the slang word we use for friends in the Cape coloured community," says Baderoen. To differentiate their brand from the original word, they inserted a lowercase h in the middle, which stands for heritage.</p><p>"Our brand represents a fresh, authentic and honest reflection of contemporary South African culture."</p><p>Street fashion offers the opportunity to use what you have to express yourself, he explains. Some of their designs are inspired by the colours of the Bo-Kaap and the 'Klopse' and popular items include bucket hats, T-shirts and hoodies. In 2018, BRAhSSE formed a collaboration with the soft drink brand Jive to use BRAhSSE clothing in Jive’s advertising and promotional material.</p><p>Every now and again they also create an item to encourage critical engagement about certain issues. Last year they released a T-shirt with the image of a gun shooting flowers, to initiate conversations about issues like gang violence. When COVID-19 hit, they started making masks too.</p><p>Baderoen comes from the Strand, where he matriculated from Gordon High School.</p><p>"I come from a disadvantaged background and stay with my single mother and my sister. When I came to Stellenbosch in 2014, I told myself to make the most of the opportunity that I got to study at Stellenbosch University and try my best to change my circumstances."</p><p>Baderoen was a resident and later house committee member of Metanoia, where he was exposed to a many people from different backgrounds, heritages and cultures.</p><p>"I made so many friends and learned a lot from them. This gave me the inspiration for the brand."</p><p>Baderoen and Mockey have not only built a business together – for the past few years they were also together on the rugby field as SU’s well-known mascot "Pokkel" and the Varsity Cup mascot "Prof".</p><p>"It’s been very special to contribute to the gees at Varsity Cup games, as well as people's happiness and enjoyment of the event. Pokkel and Prof were always up to something. We have some great memories," laughs Baderoen.</p><p>It’s been a tough journey for these young entrepreneurs. The business consumes all their free time but Baderoen can’t afford to leave his day job, as he has to support himself and his family. This has made it difficult for the young, small start-up to get funding from government sources.</p><p>"It’s been very hard to balance everything. Sometimes I want to give up," says Baderoen as his voice breaks. "But I think we also inspire other young people, and that makes me happy."</p><p>They are currently raising funds to attend the Agenda Las Vegas show in March next year.</p><p>"We want to go there and do business so that we can create employment and opportunities for other businesses here. We want to show the youth that anything is possible if you just go after your dreams and try your utmost best to make things happen. Hard work will forever be the key to success.</p><p>“We want to make BRAhSSE a proudly South African brand.”</p><p><strong>To support them, visit:</strong></p><p><a href="https://thundafund.com/project/brahssexagendalasvegas" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>https://thundafund.com/project/brahssexagendalasvegas</strong></a><strong></strong><br></p><p><br></p>
SU partners with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to drive student success	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7683	SU partners with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to drive student success	Corporate Communication and Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking	<p>Stellenbosch University (SU), in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, is excited to announce the launch of the Dell Young Leaders programme, enabling Stellenbosch University students from low-income backgrounds to receive increased support towards university graduation. <br></p><p>This month, Stellenbosch University will open applications for qualifying first-year students and select 100 Dell Young Leaders for the inaugural class. Over five years, the programme seeks to benefit 1,000 Maties. </p><p>Dell Young Leaders come from low-income communities and are the first in their families to attend university, so earning a degree is an essential step towards prosperity. The Dell Young Leaders programme offers support to students in the areas most needed, helping them overcome their individual challenges so they can graduate from university and move onto a meaningful career. To date, 97% of <a href="https://www.dellyoungleaders.org/">Dell Young Leaders</a> have either graduated or are still actively pursuing their studies, and 98% of graduates are employed or are pursuing further study. </p><p>The Dell Young Leaders programme — which has been running for 10 years in South Africa — will select low-income students enrolled in professional degrees at Stellenbosch University for a top-up scholarship that will cover the gap in their full cost of attendance at university. Students will also receive ongoing targeted and personalised advice and resources on campus from dedicated programme staff. This includes mentorship, academic support, wellness resources, leadership development, career coaching, and graduate job placement. The programme ultimately helps students with challenges they encounter on their journeys to graduation and into the world of work.</p><p>“We are continuously inspired by the driven students in our programme, who overcome immense odds to make not only their life, but the lives of their families and communities, better," said Helen Vaughan, Program Manager of University Success in South Africa, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. “We are excited for the opportunity to collaborate with Stellenbosch University, assisting more students as they graduate, secure meaningful employment, and become leaders in their chosen professions." </p><p>In the spirit of ensuring more students thrive, Stellenbosch University has committed to allocating increased scholarship funds of its own to grow the number of students who will benefit from this programme, thereby doubling up on student success. </p><p>“We are excited at the possibility of extending our scholarship offering for students from low-income backgrounds at our university through a comprehensive, multi-layered support programme in partnership with Michael & Susan Dell Foundation's Dell Young Leaders programme," says Prof Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University. “The Dell Young Leaders programme is a vehicle to help SU fulfil its core strategic objectives. At SU, we value our students and are committed to delivering a transformative student experience to each one of them."</p><p>The Dell Young Leaders programme will add to several of Stellenbosch University's ongoing initiatives to drive student success. The addition is part of the university's overall efforts to ensure that the university is accessible to qualifying students from all backgrounds, particularly to those facing barriers to success in university education. The university regards this as a journey — from the first contact with prospective students until they graduate and embrace the role of alumni. </p><p>Karen Bruns, senior director of development and alumni relations at Stellenbosch University noted the perfect fit of the partnership: “This partnership will surely improve outcomes for students who become Dell Young Leaders, and in the long-term benefit their families. This resonates strongly with our intention as a university of having a positive social impact and of ensuring that our students feed into growing the economy of the country with appropriate skills, both from the curricula and alongside formal education."</p><ul><li><strong>The inaugural class of Dell Young Leaders will be announced on November 6. Learn more about the Dell Young Leaders programme on </strong><a href="http://www.dellyoungleaders.org/"><strong>dellyoungleaders.org</strong></a><strong>.</strong></li></ul><p><br></p>
Anton Lubowski 'the embodiment of the fight for social justice'	https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7684	Anton Lubowski 'the embodiment of the fight for social justice'	Development & Alumni / Ontwikkeling & Alumni	The second Anton Lubowski Memorial Lecture which paid tribute to the anti-apartheid activist and advocate under the theme Social Justice, Quo Vadis - Is Social Justice happening?<em> </em>was held online on Saturday, 12 September 2020.<div><br><p>The event was presented by Stellenbosch University's (SU) Development and Alumni Relations Division in partnership with the Faculty of Law and Simonsberg Men's Residence.<br></p><p style="font-size:14px;color:#333333;font-family:calibri, verdana, trebuchet, helvetica, arial, sans-serif, "helvetica neue";background-color:#ffffff;">Lubowski was a Stellenbosch student and a Simonsberg resident in the seventies. He initially enrolled at SU in 1972 for a BCom degree but transferred to a BA Law degree in 1973 and graduated in March 1976. <br></p><p>Speakers featured at the event included jurist, academic and media personality Judge Dennis Davis; psychologist and holder of the research chair in Historical Trauma and Transformation studies at SU, Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela; and Dr Ismail Lagardien, a prominent author and commentator. Max du Preez, author, commentator and editor of <em>Vrye Weekblad, </em>was the moderator.<br></p><p>Du Preez, a good friend of Lubowski, said although Anton was a fervent Namibian patriot, he inspired many young South Africans.<br></p><p>“The driving force behind Anton's passionate commitment toward the struggle in Namibia was his fundamental sense of justice. He was prepared to risk his life in the pursuit of social, economic and political justice, and the human dignity of ordinary Namibians."<br></p><p>Du Preez compared Lubowski to another famous lawyer and activists George Bizos who passed away on 9 September 2020.<br></p><p>“They were both motivated by a sense of justice rather than ideology. They were proof that you could indeed have a pale skin and be a red-blooded African."<br></p><p>He lamented the fact that, 31 years after his assassination, the criminal justice systems of Namibia and South Africa have still not provided the Lubowski family with proper closure on why Anton was killed and by whom.<br></p><p>Davis, who was Lubowski's lecturer at the University of Cape Town in 1977, said he has mixed emotions when reflecting on the life of the brave hero.<br></p><p>“I have a considerable amount of pride that in my very first year as a law teacher, I came across Anton as one of my students. It is also true that I have a considerable admiration for him. He was charismatic, he filled a room. <br></p><p>“But there is also a sense of frustration. Here we are in South Africa struggling to develop a new conception of identity to transcend the divisions of race, gender and sexual orientation. If we want to pursue social justice for all, we have to heed the lessons from the life of Anton who understood perfectly well that justice does not have boundaries of colour or gender."<br></p><p>Gobodo-Madikizela said the examples of Lubowski and others like him are the embodiment of the kind of fight for social justice that inspires responsible citizenship. <br></p><p>“Yet today, as the country suffers under COVID-19, we witness again the continuing injustice of an ANC government's lack of accountability. Our country is reeling with rape, murder and inhuman acts that cause untold suffering and which are tolerated by government."<br></p><p>She said the commitment to love and solidarity as exemplified by Lubowski, is what is needed now. <br></p><p>“Love has everything to do with social justice. It is the absence of love and care for the other that results in their dehumanisation. The shining legacy of Anton is his love of humanity. This is the distinctive feature of people like him."<br></p><p>Lagardien expanded on the definitions of social justice and argued that dignity and respect should be added to the list.<br></p><p>“We need greater equality to goods and services, equal and effective industrial and political rights and the knowledge and language to defend oneself in a court of law. Then you have to include dignity and respect in that."<br></p><p>He added that greater effort should go into correcting the machinery of social injustice.<br></p><p>“The institutions that we create in a society have the power to reproduce inequality. We need to look at the institutions that reproduce it and fix it. So many of the losses inflicted on the poorest people are a result of deliberate policies."<br></p><p><br></p></div>