| Dr Simon triumphs over hardships as he bags yet another SU degree | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11063 | | Dr Simon triumphs over hardships as he bags yet another SU degree | Corporate Communications and Marketing (Hannelie Booyens) | <p>When <strong>Dr Donald Simon</strong>, specialist physician and pulmonologist, received his PhD in molecular biology last week – his fourth degree at Stellenbosch University (SU) – it marked a significant milestone in an exceptional academic career spanning more than 20 years. His journey from an impoverished township outside Kimberley to becoming a clinician scientist is not just a testament to hard work and sacrifice, but also highlights the pivotal role SU played in his academic success.</p><p>Born into hardship, Simon grew up in an informal settlement with his mother, a domestic worker who had never attended school, and his father, a security guard who was epileptic. His older brother was stabbed to death when Simon was 15 years old. “It was a pretty violent neighbourhood. From early on, my mother made it clear to me the only way out of poverty would be through academic success," Simon recalls. “She worked her fingers to the bone to get me into a good school. I have always wanted to make her proud."</p><p>His mother's unwavering support became a cornerstone of his success after he started his medical studies at SU. “She made significant sacrifices by sending most of her meagre salary to me during those first three years when I didn't have a scholarship to support me." Tragically, both Simon's parents passed away within a year of each other while he was still a student. They didn't witness their son graduate as a medical doctor in 2007 – or receiving a Rector's Award for succeeding against the odds.</p><p><strong>Solid foundation at SU</strong></p><p>Simon credits SU for providing the foundation and support that propelled his career after the initial hardships. “During my undergraduate medicine years, a few of my lecturers really stood out. They impressed me massively and planted the seed of specialisation."</p><p>He singles out the emotional support he received from a faculty member following his mother's passing. “Out of the blue, one of the lecturers called me in and talked to me about my loss. She provided much-needed emotional support. This act of kindness really made an impression. The decision to come back to Stellenbosch to specialise was based on such positive experiences. I felt like a proper Matie."</p><p>This supportive environment at SU would continue to buoy Simon as he navigated the rigors of his medical training, eventually specialising in internal medicine and pulmonology. Along the way, he put his Afrikaans-speaking background to good use by tutoring his fellow students who struggled with the language.</p><p>While working as a research clinician in the Immunology Research Group at SU's Tygerberg campus, Simon began to merge his clinical expertise with his passion for research. This fusion of disciplines led to his PhD in Molecular Biology, made possible by an academic fellowship award by the Discovery Foundation and the Professor Bongani Mayosi Netcare Clinical Scholarship. </p><p>Simon's doctoral research focused on identifying protein signatures and using PET-CT imaging to determine which tuberculosis (TB) patients could benefit from shorter treatment courses. This work has the potential to revolutionise TB treatment, particularly in South Africa, where the disease remains a leading cause of death. “At present, all TB patients receive six months of treatment, but we know that up to 85% of these patients could actually benefit from just four months of treatment. My research aimed to identify those patients," he explains.</p><p>As a lung specialist, he is deeply committed to also addressing non-infective lung diseases, particularly interstitial lung diseases such as lung fibrosis. “These diseases are often neglected in South Africa, where priority is understandably given to infectious diseases," he says. His passion for this field was ignited during his internship in Kimberley, where he encountered former mine workers suffering from asbestos-related lung diseases. “Our economy was built on the backs of mine workers, yet their health is often overlooked," he notes.</p><p>Simon expresses deep gratitude for his main PhD supervisor Prof Gerhard Walzl, who has been instrumental in guiding him through his academic pursuits. “He has been a mentor for years and I think he will remain my mentor for many years to come. Before I embarked on this PhD journey, he believed in me and saw something in me that I did not see myself."</p><p>He is also incredibly grateful to his partner, Prof Paolo Denti, who works at the University of Cape Town. “He understands the demands of research. Medicine can be an extremely punishing career and one's family sacrifices a lot. Paolo and some wonderful friends and family kept me sane throughout my PhD journey."</p><p><strong>PhD dedicated to his mother</strong></p><p>Obtaining a PhD means Simon is now closer to becoming a clinician scientist. “It's a significant milestone in my career, marrying clinical medicine with research," he says. In a poignant gesture, Simon dedicated his PhD thesis to his late mother. “Although she died before my academic career came to fruition, the lessons she taught me and the sacrifices she made remained my biggest inspiration to succeed."</p><p>Simon is poised to embark on an exciting post-doctoral fellowship next year at Erasmus University Medical Centre in Rotterdam, Netherlands – a prestigious opportunity that promises further growth and specialisation in lung medicine. He hopes to return to South Africa equipped with rare skills that can enhance clinical practice and research at local tertiary institutions.</p><p>Simon envisions a future where he continues to work as a clinician scientist, teaching students and addressing neglected areas of lung medicine in South Africa. “In a few years, I'd like to be affiliated with one of the tertiary centres here in South Africa, hopefully SU. My goal is to marry clinical work with research and inspire the next generation of medical professionals," he says.</p><p>Whatever the future holds, Simon will always be a loyal Matie. “I never wanted to go to another university. In my field of specialisation, SU is probably the best in the country. And notwithstanding its history, SU is academically extremely strong. In fact, it might just be the best research university on the continent!" he says with a proud smile. </p><p>As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, Simon remains grounded by the principles that have guided him thus far. When you take on academic challenges, the drive must come from deep within, he believes. “There will be many times when you question, why are you doing this? Should you do it? There must be something in you that drives you and motivates you to complete something as daunting as a PhD, so that when it becomes challenging, you have a place to draw strength from," Simon says. </p><p>“It has always been important to me to prove to myself and others that you can be whatever you want to be, regardless of circumstances. Just because you come from a shack as I do, does not mean that you cannot dream big," he adds.</p><p><strong>PHOTO: Stefan Els</strong></p><p><br></p> |
| SU study finds first-ever safe and effective treatment to prevent MDR-TB in children | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11061 | | SU study finds first-ever safe and effective treatment to prevent MDR-TB in children | FMHS Marketing & Communications | <p></p><p>A landmark clinical trial reported in the <em>New England Journal of Medicine</em> this week showed that an oral antibiotic, levofloxacin, taken for six months once-daily, substantially reduced the risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in children. Levofloxacin reduced the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB disease in children by 56%, researchers from Stellenbosch University reported. The trial also showed that levofloxacin given over six months, was safe and well tolerated.<br></p><p>The TB-CHAMP trial was conducted in South Africa, with high burden of TB and MDR-TB, focusing mainly on children below 5 years of age. These young children exposed to TB have high risk of progressing to active TB disease and of developing severe forms of disease.<br></p><p>In the trial, 453 children who had been exposed to an adult with MDR-TB in their household were given levofloxacin. Only 5 (1.1%) developed MDR-TB compared to 12 (2.6%) in the placebo control group.<br></p><p>There were very few side events from the medicine. Specifically joint pain and tendonitis, traditionally a concern, were very uncommon in children receiving levofloxacin with only 1 child overall developing low grade tendonitis. Levofloxacin was generally well accepted by children and caregivers.<br></p><p>“There have been major advances around treating MDR-TB disease more effectively and safely in adults and in children, in recent years. However, there has been no rigorous evidence from clinical trials on how to prevent drug-resistant TB," said Professor Anneke Hesseling, the Principal Investigator of the TB-CHAMP trial at Stellenbosch University. “We have now found a way to safely protect children when an adult in the household has infectious MDR-TB. The importance of safeguarding our children from drug-resistant disease cannot be underestimated. The benefit to children, their families and communities could be substantial."<br></p><p>Over 450,000 people develop MDR-TB each year. Drug-resistant TB can be devastating for patients and their families.<br></p><p>“MDR-TB remains challenging to treat, and children have always been the most neglected of all patients, with access to newer medicines lagging behind adults," said Professor James Seddon, Co-Principal Investigator on the trial. “In finding a new way to keep children safe when MDR-TB afflicts a family member, we help the whole family recover that much faster from the trauma that the disease inflicts, from a health perspective, and also from economic and mental health perspectives."<br></p><p>The TB-CHAMP trial included compelling work on cost and impact, showing not only cost-effectiveness, but cost savings to TB programmes. For every 1000 children offered this regimen, given a 2.5% risk of developing MDR-TB disease, there was a total health saving of $11.3 million (over R117 million), a total health gain of 30 healthy life years and a reduction of 15 MDR-TB cases and one death.<br></p><p>A similar study conducted in Viet Nam, the VQUIN trial, focusing on adults and adolescents, had similar findings and is also reported in the journal this week. In a unique collaboration, investigators from the TB CHAMP and V-QUIN trials combined the data from their trials across paediatric and adult populations to jointly inform new global guidelines on MDR-TB prevention. These joint combined trial findings are also reported this week in <em>NEJM Evidence</em>. Using both traditional meta-analysis and novel Bayesian methods developed at the Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at University College London, the teams analysed the combined data from the two trials, and showed levofloxacin was similarly effective in adults and children.<br></p><p>“By carefully planning this work in advance, we have been able to present these important findings alongside the main results of the two trials, with even greater impact on global guidelines and policy" said Trinh Duong, TB-CHAMP trial statistician, who led for the combined analyses, from MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL. This efficient collaborative analysis strategy highlights the advantages of proactive data sharing and innovative methods to pool data, ensuring that evidence obtained from adults and children could simultaneously impact on global guidelines and access in the field to all of those at risk of developing MDR-TB.<br></p><p>Based on a review of this trial evidence, the World Health Organisation recommended levofloxacin for MDR-TB preventive treatment in children, adolescents and adults, in September 2024.<br></p><p>“Research to prevent and treat tuberculosis in children has been treated as an afterthought for far too long," said Dr Philippe Duneton, Executive Director of Unitaid, the largest multilateral funder of TB research and development globally. “Unitaid is pleased to be a part of efforts to address children's needs. This first of its kind evidence into the prevention of drug-resistant TB in children is a major advance that has the potential to protect millions of children."<br></p><p>TB remains one of the top causes of death in children globally and is a one of the top killers of children below 5 years of age. Fewer than 20% of children with MDR-TB are currently diagnosed and treated, making them one of the most neglected populations affected by TB. Many of these children with MDR-TB have been in close contact with someone with infectious MDR-TB. Identifying these children and the rest of their households, screening them for TB and offering them preventive treatment will be critical to find more cases and to prevent MDR-TB.<br></p><p>The TB-CHAMP trial was funded by Unitaid, under the BENEFIT Kids project at Stellenbosch University. Unitaid accelerates access to innovative health products and lays the foundations for their scale-up by countries and partners. The trial was also funded by the South African Medical Research Council and the UKRI Medical Research Council through a grant to Stellenbosch University, with support from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, the Global Challenges Research Fund, the Medical Research Council and Wellcome, as part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by the European Union.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Miraculous interventions after horror crash lead to a PhD for SU academic | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11039 | | Miraculous interventions after horror crash lead to a PhD for SU academic | Corporate Communications and Marketing (Hannelie Booyens) | <p>Upon graduation, academics sometimes describe the arduous process of having completed a PhD as a “miracle". But when Dr Chris Jurgens, a civil engineering lecturer at Stellenbosch University (SU), received his PhD this week, he gave new meaning to the phrase “a walking miracle". <br></p><p>Jurgens sustained severe injuries in a motorcycle accident early last year, but an almost unbelievable fortuitous chain of events and “miracle workers" saved his life. After the accident, Jurgens' renewed sense of purpose, faith and appreciation of life played a key part in his recovery and academic success.</p><p>On Thursday 9 February 2023, the trajectory of Jurgens' life changed in an instant. He had been on his motorcycle, heading to Stellenbosch along the R44, a route he'd travelled countless times. However, on this fateful morning, a visitor from Namibia who was lost had made an illegal crossing right in front of him. Just as Jurgens swerved to avoid an accident, the vehicle accelerated in the same direction. </p><p>He struck the rear door of the car, sustaining horrific injuries: a fractured skull, severe bleeding on the brain, a shattered wrist, a broken shoulder, torn knee ligaments and a collapsed lung. <br></p><p>Jurgens recalls the accident with vivid clarity, not from personal memory – he has no recollection of the incident due to the traumatic brain injury – but through the meticulous details shared by investigators, eyewitnesses and medical staff. “Luckily, I didn't speed, and I was wearing all the correct safety equipment – a helmet, neck brace and a padded jacket. I think that played a big part in me being here today," he says.</p><p><strong>A chain of miracles</strong></p><p>Jurgens' survival hinged on a series of events so exact they seemed orchestrated by a higher power. No wonder the aftermath of his ordeal has deepened his faith.</p><p>The first person on the scene was a nurse from the nearby LifeShine Wellness Centre, who held Jurgens' hand and made him comfortable. Her being there drew the attention of passing motorists. Moments later, an optometrist, who is also a motorcycle rider, stopped and together the doctor and nurse began administering emergency care.</p><p>Just as Jurgens' heart stopped beating, the perfect hero arrived on the scene: Ryan Wills, Mediclinic's training manager for emergency care, rarely responds to roadside emergencies himself but happened to have his medical kit for training purposes in his car that day. With this equipment, Wills got Jurgens' heart beating again and called for an ambulance. </p><p>In the ambulance, Wills and the ER24 paramedic inserted a breathing tube and placed Jurgens on a ventilator. This ensured the injuries sustained to his head, face and chest would not impact his airway and breathing. On their way to the hospital, another intervention ensured that he would receive timely treatment. </p><p>“While they were stabilising me, my wife Alet phoned me quite by chance. The ambulance driver answered my cell phone and told her what had happened. He asked her to go to Mediclinic Vergelegen immediately and start filling in the forms so that everything would be in place for me to be admitted. When the ambulance arrived at the hospital, all the doctors were waiting, all suited up. Those precious seconds helped to save my life."</p><p>Doctors first performed emergency surgery to relieve the pressure on his brain. His shattered wrist was deemed unsalvageable by a hand specialist but was ultimately saved by an orthopaedic surgeon's bold intervention. “The X-ray of my wrist looked like someone had tossed a handful of macaroni on a table," Jurgens explains holding up his hand. “But the orthopaedic surgeon hammered in a nail, pulled my wrist straight and today I can still use my hand and all five fingers," Jurgens demonstrates with a big smile.</p><p>“It was unbelievable. The right people at the right time…" he marvels. “Statistically, the chances of all those things happening in perfect chronology are incredibly small. I have no doubt it was divine intervention." </p><p><strong>The long road to recovery</strong></p><p>Doctors had warned Alet that her husband's chances of survival were slim. For a week, she went to the hospital every day, unsure if it would be the last time she'd see him alive. Miraculously, Jurgens pulled through, but the road to recovery was arduous. “I was in ICU for a week, about a month in another ward and then a step-down facility. It was a very traumatic ordeal for my family." </p><p>When he finally regained consciousness six weeks later, he had no memory of the accident. Even worse - he had no memory of his small children. </p><p>“I woke up at night, saw the hospital bed, and thought, 'What happened? I was on my way to work this morning.' The following morning I only recognised my wife; I could not remember my two daughters nor their names. Luckily, they had not visited me yet. It took about another three weeks for my memories of them to return."</p><p>As Jurgens slowly regained his physical and cognitive abilities, his family rallied around him. His wife and children, parents and parents-in-law as well as the unwavering support of the SU community, were instrumental in his rehabilitation, Jurgens emphasises. </p><p>“It must have been very tough for my wife; I think she suffered much more than I did when I was in a coma. Support from the University was also incredible. My supervisor, Prof Jan Wium, the head of civil engineering and my SU colleagues visited me in the hospital. At a Rector's Breakfast earlier this year, I had the opportunity to also thank Prof Wim de Villiers personally. I told him how Stellenbosch University played a big role in my drive to recover. That support was invaluable."</p><p>Jurgens faced months of grueling rehabilitation. His occupational therapist devised a plan to rebuild his cognitive abilities. “She told me to read a lot, summarise and then verbally relay the information," Jurgens recalls. “My poor wife… she had to listen to every detail of Elon Musk's biography and every other book I read!" These exercises, paired with puzzles and mental games, gradually restored his concentration.</p><p>Despite lingering physical limitations – a stiff wrist, reduced shoulder mobility and an inability to jog – Jurgens considers himself very fortunate. “Compared to the alternative of not being here, I'm very happy to live with such minor difficulties."</p><p><strong>A new lease on life</strong></p><p>The accident was a “complete reset" and a necessary intervention, Jurgens believes. “It had to happen. The Lord gave me a clear message: 'You're not on the right track. You need to fix things for your sake and for your family's sake'."</p><p>While devastating, the accident gave Jurgens a profound sense of clarity. “Before it happened, I struggled with procrastination," he admits. “My to-do lists were endless. In the hospital I reflected: 'What would they have written on my gravestone? Here lies Chris, a nice guy who never finished anything?' That's not who I want to be."<br></p><p>Determined to change, Jurgens returned to SU in July 2023, just five months after the accident. “I told myself I would walk into the office with the students for the second semester, and by God's grace, I did."</p><p>With newfound purpose, Jurgens immersed himself in completing his PhD which focuses on technology adoption in the construction industry. “Before the accident, I just wanted to finish my dissertation," he says. “Now, I'm extremely proud of what I've accomplished with my research. I worked twice as hard to produce something I'm truly proud of. I've also realised that I really, really love Stellenbosch University. I enjoy working with students and helping them on their journeys of progression."</p><p>Nine months after his accident, Jurgens went to visit all seven people who were instrumental in his survival to personally thank them. “I owe everything to these highly skilled and passionate people who came into my life at exactly the right time." His experience has also given him a new appreciation for mental wellness. “Occupational therapists, psychologists and supportive physiotherapists – they brought me back to life. Looking after your inner person is as important as eating healthy or exercising." </p><p>Jurgens plans to send each of them a graduation photo in his red doctoral gown as a small token of his gratitude. </p><p>Although he misses riding his motorcycle, he has promised his wife never to get on a motorcycle again. “She told me: 'If you ever touch a motorcycle again, I'm divorcing you!'" Jurgens laughs. “But seriously, I owe her a very, very big debt of gratitude. She's always been excited to travel internationally whereas I prefer exploring South Africa. Next year I'm taking her and the kids on a holiday overseas. They deserve to be spoilt after the turmoil of the past two years."</p><p><strong>PHOTO: Stefan Els</strong></p><p><br></p> |
| The power of staying connected to your alma mater | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11057 | | The power of staying connected to your alma mater | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>When was the last time you updated Stellenbosch University with your current e-mail address, physical address, and mobile number? If you're not sure, you're not alone. Many alumni don't realise the importance of keeping their contact details current. But did you know the Alumni Office sends targeted e-mails based on your listed residential address? If your details are outdated, you could be missing out on invitations to events, networking opportunities, and region-specific news.<br></p><p>Staying connected to your alma mater and local alumni chapter isn't just about nostalgia, it's about being part of a global network that thrives on mutual support and shared opportunities. Imagine receiving invitations to exclusive alumni gatherings, academic talks, and cultural events right in your area. By keeping your information updated, you help strengthen the Stellenbosch alumni community and ensure you're part of a connected, thriving global Maties network.</p><p>One of the best ways to experience this connection is through our alumni chapters. These chapters act as hubs for networking, professional growth, and social engagement. Whether it's a formal event with a guest speaker, a casual meetup, or a community initiative, chapters bring alumni together in meaningful ways. This is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, share experiences, and expand your professional and personal horizons.</p><p>For those looking to stay even more closely connected – did you know we have Alumni WhatsApp groups in various regions around the world? These groups are a great way to stay updated and engage with other Maties nearby. To join, simply e-mail alumni@sun.ac.za with your student number, name, surname, mobile number, and current address so our data team can update your profile.<br></p><p>If you're looking to reconnect with former classmates, roommates, or other alumni, our internal platform <strong>Maties Connect</strong> is just for you. Think of it as our very own LinkedIn for Maties. On <a href="http://www.matiesconnect.com/"><strong>www.matiesconnect.com</strong></a>, you can reach out to old friends, network with fellow alumni, advertise job vacancies, or even search for your next role. The best part? It's completely free for all Stellenbosch alumni.<br></p><p>By staying updated and connected, you're not just benefiting yourself – you're contributing to a stronger, more cohesive alumni network. Together, we can build a global community that celebrates our shared heritage, fosters collaboration, and creates opportunities for every Matie.</p><p>Don't let your connection to Stellenbosch and its incredible alumni network fade. Please update your details, join a chapter or WhatsApp group, and explore the opportunities waiting for you on Maties Connect. Let's keep the Maties spirit alive and growing, wherever in the world we may be.<br></p><div><ul><li>Please update your details by sending an email to <strong>alumni@sun.ac.za</strong>. Be sure to include your SU number and current address.<br></li></ul></div> |
| Invest in the future – student support bursaries and projects | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11058 | | Invest in the future – student support bursaries and projects | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>South Africa faces a youth unemployment crisis, and education remains one of the most powerful tools to combat that. Stellenbosch University graduates are consistently among the most employable in the country, with our alma mater ranked in the top 250 universities globally for graduate employability. Supporting student bursaries means you're not only helping a young person achieve their dreams but also making a tangible impact in building a brighter future for South Africa.<br></p><p>For many talented students, financial barriers are the biggest obstacle to accessing a quality education. Your support can change that. By funding a bursary, you open doors for deserving students, allowing them the opportunity to gain the world-class education our University offers. If you have a specific area of interest, we can help you tailor your donation. Contributing to a particular project, supporting a faculty, or even funding bursaries for students from former residences, SU can help turn your generosity into impactful, meaningful change.</p><p>For alumni in the US, Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium, donating to SU comes with added advantages. Tax-deductible donations are available in these regions, allowing you to make a difference while benefiting from local tax incentives. To explore tax-beneficial donating in your territory, reach out to Darryn Havenga at <strong>darrynh@sun.ac.za</strong>.</p><p>For alumni still paying taxes in South Africa, your donations may qualify for a Section 18A tax deduction. This ensures that your contributions not only support the next generation of Maties but also reduce your tax liability.</p><p>By supporting a bursary or a special project, you're helping to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder their ambition and talent. Every contribution, big or small, helps empower students to thrive in their studies and go on to lead impactful lives.</p><p>Let's work together to strengthen the global Maties network and uplift future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. If you're ready to make a difference, or if you'd like to discuss a specific project, we're here to guide you every step of the way.<br></p> |
| Faith, family and courage help Dr David achieve her dreams | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11052 | | Faith, family and courage help Dr David achieve her dreams | Corporate Communications and Marketing (Hannelie Booyens) | <p>When <strong>Dr Teresa David</strong> came to Stellenbosch University (SU) in 2015, she could say only one phrase in English: “Good morning." Born and raised in Angola where Portuguese is the official language, David had never studied in anything other than her native tongue.<br></p><p>While communication initially proved to be a big challenge at SU, she committed herself to become fluent in English in record time. Through sheer determination and the support of unexpected mentors, she became the first in her family to graduate. She's also the first Angolan woman to obtain a PhD in New Testament studies.<br></p><p>Born in Huambo in central Angola, David is the fifth sibling in a family of eight brothers and sisters who grew up deeply involved in the Evangelical Pentecostal Church. She followed in the pastoral footsteps of her father, Nascimento David, by deciding to study theology. </p><p>“My father is my rock. He has always been my greatest role model and supporter," David says. “He said he wanted me to have a good education so that I could build a career and take care of myself. Although he would have preferred if I studied law, he never discouraged me."</p><p>Her academic journey began with her studies at the Evangelical Theology Higher Institute in Lubango-ISTEL in Angola where she earned a Bachelor of Theology in 2013.</p><p>The idea to come to SU was born when her father travelled to Johannesburg in 2014 to visit a pastor friend. “After a conversation with his friend, my father phoned to ask whether I would like to do a postgrad qualification in South Africa. I said, yes, there is a university that my lecturers had often spoken about in a place called Stellenbosch," David explains.</p><p><strong>Mastering English</strong></p><p>“I didn't know where Stellenbosch was, so my father decided to visit the town. He immediately fell in love with Stellenbosch. He said it would be the perfect place for me because I'm young and eager to challenge myself with learning other languages."</p><p>Her family had saved enough money to cover David's first year of study at SU. Before she registered for her postgraduate diploma in Theology, she completed the year-long intensive English programme offered by the Language Centre at SU. “It was very challenging, but doing the English programme was the best decision I made," David states. “The course is excellent. Initially, no one could understand me, so I had to force myself to listen and to try and communicate."</p><p>Unfortunately, by the end of 2015 her family had suffered hardships that almost derailed her studies. David's mother Valeriana had been diagnosed with a brain tumour and her brother had tuberculosis. </p><p>“My father asked me to come back to Angola. As a result of my mother and brother's health problems, there was no money for my studies. But then something amazing happened. A man named João Baptista, whom I had met at the airport when I first came to South Africa, had kept contact and often enquired about my academic progress. He became a friend to our family. When he phoned to find out how I was doing after my first year, the conversation took a fortuitous turn. Out of nowhere, he offered to lend us some money if my father was struggling to support me. We were shocked. I asked my father if I could first pray and think about it."</p><p>After a few days of contemplation, David decided to accept financial assistance from Baptista. This enabled her to renew her visa and pay for registration at SU. By the end of the 2015, she had made such phenomenal progress, she started doing lucrative freelance translation work from English to Portuguese. This income enabled her to register for the next academic year and pay back the money that was borrowed form the generous benefactor. Luckily, by then the family learnt that her mother had been misdiagnosed and did not have a brain tumour. Her brother was also doing well.</p><p><strong>A gifted scholar</strong></p><p>In December 2017, David married Baptista Alberto Panda – the same year she started her master's degree in theology at SU. In 2019, she completed her master's with flying colours. “After I returned to Angola, my lecturers kept in touch and often enquired about my plans to continue with a PhD. I left a draft proposal with my supervisor before I left, and he had already started with corrections. This motivated me to come back."</p><p>The decision to register for her PhD was complicated by the fact that she became pregnant in 2019. David received news that she'd been awarded a doctoral scholarship a week after she gave birth to her son Alberto Weyale David Panda. Again, it was her father's advice that convinced David to take on the challenge. “Go and continue your studies. As a woman, you don't have to settle for less. Whatever you need, we're here to support you," he told her.</p><p>In 2021, David returned to SU with her eight-month-old baby, initially without her husband. “It was hard, also because of the Covid-19 pandemic. I had to leave my baby at daycare while I spent every day in the library. Luckily, by then I had a good support system – friends who became like family to me. My son also thrived. He now speaks English and Afrikaans. I'm still trying to teach him Portuguese!" she laughs.</p><p>Her husband later joined David in Stellenbosch. He also started studying theology at SU and will be completing his master's degree next year.</p><p>In his supervisor report, Prof Jeremy Punt of SU's Faculty of Theology describes David as a “gifted and keen scholar". He praises the academic rigour with which she interrogated corruption, nepotism and leadership dynamics in Angola through a biblical perspective for her thesis. </p><p>Her research delved into how nepotism and favouritism, rather than merit, often drive decision-making in religious institutions – a particularly relevant issue in Angola. “When people are promoted in public institutions based on their connections rather than their qualifications, it compromises social justice," David explains.</p><p><strong>Grateful to SU</strong></p><p>She says she will always be grateful to SU for the opportunities she received and the doors the University opened for her. “I've heard people make assumptions about Stellenbosch saying that it is a racist place or only for rich people. I speak from my own experience and can say from the bottom of my heart that there are many good people here. </p><p>“Study leaders such as Prof Jurgens Hendriks made a massive difference in my life. He became like a father figure to me. He was quite strict, but he pushed me to excel and to fulfil my potential," David says. “I'm also very grateful to the Faculty of Theology through the Netact Office that gave me the opportunity to work as a house administrator at 14 Weidenhof, the international residence for students. This experience enriched my academic journey and helped pay for my accommodation." David has been so moved by the help and support she received in Stellenbosch she's decided to write a book called 'The Angels in My Life'.</p><p>She hopes to continue doing research. “Academic engagement makes me happy. I would love to become a lecturer or a researcher somewhere, but right now, I'm hoping to get a postdoc opportunity to establish myself as a researcher."</p><p>The highlight of celebrating her academic achievements at SU was finally welcoming her parents to Stellenbosch and having them in the audience during graduation. “It's a wonderful feeling. I'm the first in my family to get a master's or a PhD. After I obtained my first degree, my father and my mother and my siblings also obtained theirs. I think my boldness encouraged and inspired my family. Challenging myself to be different has been very rewarding for all of us."</p><p><strong>PHOTO: Stefan Els</strong></p><p><br></p> |
| From ministry to a master’s at 74 – pastor breaks barriers for women in theology | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11054 | | From ministry to a master’s at 74 – pastor breaks barriers for women in theology | Corporate Communications and Marketing (Hannelie Booyens) | <p>At 74, the Reverend <strong>Antoinette Erasmus</strong> is proving it's never too late to pursue your passion. Graduating cum laude with a master's degree in theology, her academic accomplishment at Stellenbosch University (SU) represents more than an exceptional personal milestone. It reflects a decades-long journey of rethinking theological assumptions, broadening perspectives and challenging the status quo on women's roles in ministry.</p><p>Erasmus has spent a lifetime in service of her faith, first as the daughter of a pastor, then as the wife of one, and eventually as a trailblazing female leader in the Apostolic Faith Mission. Her master's degree comes in a landmark year: She and her husband Dennis recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their four children and grandchildren.</p><p>Erasmus credits her spouse and family for providing unconditional support while she was working on her master's degree. “I have an amazing husband. From the start of our relationship, Dennis insisted that we were equals. He and the children have meant so much to me during my academic journey of the past few years," Erasmus says. </p><p>Although she admits her body “didn't always cooperate" with waking up at four in the morning to start reading and writing, she describes the opportunity to complete her master's degree as “a great privilege".</p><p>While Erasmus had long contemplated pursuing further studies, her focus remained firmly on her work in the ministry. Even after retirement, she remained active. She continued preaching, officiating marriages, leading strategic planning sessions and working on leadership development in South Africa and Zambia. But something still felt unfinished. Erasmus wanted to understand the deeper theological roots of the challenges she had faced as a woman in ministry.</p><p>After Erasmus and her husband moved from Midrand to the Western Cape to enjoy their retirement, a visit to Stellenbosch unexpectedly opened a door into academia. As the couple took a stroll through Dorp Street one day, she felt drawn to the historical theological building. “I want to do my master's degree here," she told Dennis. “It just looks like such a nice place."</p><p>Erasmus was welcomed with open arms by the faculty, particularly Prof Juliana Claassens and Dr Nadia Marais, who guided her through the programme in systematic theology. She is deeply grateful for the openness she experienced at the faculty of theology, Erasmus says. “I've been exposed to a multitude of new perspectives. Before I started my research, I felt I was trapped in a maze. I was happy there, but suddenly I got out and I saw the world God has made. That opened me to other ways of thinking. It was necessary to see the broader picture of theology and how we understand God." </p><p>Having had to navigate a church – and a world – defined by gendered expectations that would often leave women leaders feeling invisible, informed her theological research on the metaphors we use when we talk about God. Erasmus recalls becoming aware of the impact of male dominance as a regional leader in her church. “I reminded one of the men that when they refer to leaders, they only talk about men. I've always been intrigued about how it came about that women are not seen as equal to men."</p><p>Such experiences gave her firsthand insight into institutional constraints and the ways in which theological language can reflect and reinforce gender hierarchies. For her thesis, Erasmus examined the work of feminist theologians focusing on Janet Soskice's metaphorical theology and engaged with ideas from various Christian traditions – Pentecostal, Catholic, Reformed, Eastern Orthodox and African theologies.</p><p>By interrogating how language shape theology and church practice, Erasmus also questioned the traditional patriarchal imagery of God. “The idolisation of a male figure is problematic. The feminist scholar Mary Daly said that when God is male, then man is God," she explains.</p><p>In a poignant gesture, Erasmus dedicated her thesis to her mother Réna du Rand. She exemplifies the generation of women who never had the opportunity to fulfil her potential, Erasmus says. Her mother was intelligent, well-read, multilingual and artistically gifted. She excelled at academics, music and writing, yet due to the patriarchal environment of her time, she never fully realised her potential. “Late in her life, as her health declined, it became apparent to me that my mother was burdened with sorrow stemming from missed opportunities for personal growth. It is this unfulfilled promise that I honour by dedicating my thesis to her," Erasmus notes.</p><p>In a study leader's report, her supervisor Dr Marais explained that what Erasmus explored in her thesis is not only of academic interest to her, but also born from pastoral and personal experience and conviction. </p><p>“Part of the joy of supervising Antoinette lies here: For her, this is a topic with far-reaching implications in the church that she serves, the women that she journeys with, and the ways in which she understands and expresses her faith," Marais wrote. “In a way, she has already integrated into her own life – as a woman, a pastor and a church leader – what she explores in this thesis; and this was a wonderfully enriching part of working through the process of completing the thesis with her."</p><p>For Erasmus, her goal with furthering her studies was always rooted in wanting to help others. <br></p><p>“I don't want the certificate against the wall," she insists. “I want to have the knowledge, but also to apply it. Every year we travel to Zambia to do leadership training and ministry. I love to lead people into new ways of thinking and understanding. My purpose was to empower myself to be able to walk with people and help them to understand our relationship with God and our relationship with ourselves and with other people."</p><p>The completion of her master's degree is not the end of Erasmus's academic ambitions. She is already considering a PhD, eager to explore unresolved questions that have emerged throughout her studies. “I believe there's always more to learn and teach," she says. “Like Paul says in the Bible, 'If I keep on living, it must be fruitful'. While I'm still alive and breathing, I want to keep on making a difference in people's lives. I'm just grateful that God gave me the ability and the courage to do this at my age."<br></p><p><strong>PHOTO: Stefan Els</strong></p><p><br></p> |
| SU awards honorary doctorate to American economist | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11044 | | SU awards honorary doctorate to American economist | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p>American economist and economic historian Prof Deirdre Nansen McCloskey received an honorary doctorate from Stellenbosch University (SU) at its December graduation. She was awarded the degree Doctor of Commerce, <em>honoris causa</em>, on Wednesday (11 December 2024) at the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.<br></p><p>McCloskey was honoured for the way in which she draws lessons from other fields to help economic ideas better fit with reality, and also for her emphasis on how economic forces affect us.</p><p>In her acceptance speech, McCloskey mentioned that innovations and economic progress stem from individual ideas rather than collective efforts or institutions. “Contrary to the way we often talk in a nationalistic or even racial terms about our achievements, we should be thinking of the individual. This is the heart of this notion of humanomics."</p><p>Referring to the explosion of innovation since 1800, she argued that the modern world's prosperity is rooted in the freedom to venture and innovate, a right that was historically denied to many. </p><p>McCloskey encouraged the new graduates to continue learning and venturing beyond traditional education. She urged them to challenge unjust laws and pursue their own ideas. </p><p>“You have the right to venture, and you should use it. Your education isn't finished. You must keep reading, thinking and speaking, and above all venture." </p><p><strong>More about McCloskey</strong></p><p>McCloskey is often referred to as the “conscience" of the discipline of economics. She is known for engaging deeply with the foundations of the subject itself. </p><p>As an economist and economic historian, McCloskey's ideas are embodied in what she calls “humanomics", reminding us that all people are knowingly or unknowingly affected by economic forces. More importantly, it stresses that human behaviour can often not be reduced to compact mathematical economic theories and equations – a factor that economics as a discipline should care about more purposefully. </p><p>While on sabbatical at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) in 2008, McCloskey wrote one of the books in her trilogy <em>The Bourgeois Era</em>, in which she explores the history of major industrial nations to challenge prevailing narratives about the origins of modern prosperity. She has remained a friend of Stellenbosch University, and in 2012, she returned to deliver a keynote address to the World Economic History Congress hosted by the University's Department of Economics. </p><p>McCloskey is a distinguished professor emerita of economics and history as well as professor emerita of English and communication at the University of Illinois Chicago.</p><ul><li><strong>Photo</strong>: Prof Deirdre Nansen McCloskey at the graduation ceremony. <strong>Photographer</strong>: Stefan Els</li></ul><p><br></p> |
| Karen Bruns honoured with Chancellor's Award | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11049 | | Karen Bruns honoured with Chancellor's Award | Development & Alumni Relations | <p>Karen Bruns, Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) at Stellenbosch University (SU) has been awarded the prestigious Chancellor's Award for her outstanding contributions to raising funds and building and fostering meaningful alumni relations at SU. <br></p><p>The Chancellor's Awards recognises SU staff whose careers attest to sustained excellence in research, innovation, learning and teaching, social impact and professional services. </p><p>Bruns was honoured for her exceptional leadership, dedication, and impactful contributions to SU. A trained lawyer, former marketing director, and CEO of a multimedia publishing company, Bruns has led DAR since 2015. Under her leadership, the Division has achieved remarkable fundraising successes, securing substantial financial support for SU, and expanding the University's global alumni network.</p><p>"I am grateful to receive this award. It's been an honour to contribute to the University's mission by securing vital funds and engaging our Maties alumni. I couldn't have achieved this without the dedication and hard work of my incredible team. This award inspires me to continue striving for excellence and I'm excited to contribute to the future of SU and make a lasting impact."</p><p>Bruns also noted the privilege of being recognised at the same graduation ceremony as philanthropist and entrepreneur Wendy Ackerman. Ackerman received the degree Doctor of Philosophy, <em>honoris causa</em>, for her consistent philanthropic support that has benefitted men, women, children and the arts for more than 40 years.<br></p><p><em>Photographer: Stefan Els</em><br></p><p><br></p> |
| Telecoms business leader receives honorary doctorate in Engineering from Stellenbosch University | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11042 | | Telecoms business leader receives honorary doctorate in Engineering from Stellenbosch University | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p>Technology entrepreneur and investor Strive Masiyiwa, a pioneer of the mobile telecommunications sector in Africa, received an honorary doctorate in Engineering from Stellenbosch University (SU) on 10 December 2024. The visionary leader has over the past four decades helped to cement Africa's telecoms industry and business sector, while his philanthropy has improved socioeconomic development to the benefit of the continent's people.</p><p>“The Faculty is humbled that Mr Masiyiwa accepted this honorary doctorate in Engineering from Stellenbosch University. He is an exemplary example of an African who did well and is now doing good by improving the lives of many Africans. The Faculty looks forward to partnering with him in our endeavour to make an impact to improve the quality of life of people in Africa," says Prof Wikus van Niekerk, Dean of the SU Faculty of Engineering.</p><p>Masiyiwa, whose career is rooted in engineering, was born in Zimbabwe in 1961 and now lives in the UK. He obtained a bachelor's degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Cardiff in Wales in 1983, after which he returned to Zimbabwe to briefly work as a telecoms engineer before setting up his first business in 1986.</p><p>The business network of this founder and executive chair of <a href="https://www.cassavatechnologies.com/"><strong class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-5-0" style="">Cassava Technologies</strong></a> spans Africa, Europe, India, Latin America, the Middle East, and the USA. A pan-African and global technology group, Cassava Technology businesses include African Data Centres, cloud and cyber security services (Liquid C2), fibre infrastructure (Liquid Intelligent Technologies), renewable energy, and most recently, a new business unit, Cassava AI. As part of Masiyiwa's mission to ensure that no African is left behind in the digital technology revolution, his companies have ensured that more than 110 000 kilometres of fibre provide connectivity across the continent, spanning East to West Africa, and Cape Town to Cairo.</p><p>Among his other prominent start-up companies and investments over the years are Mascom Wireless Botswana, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, Liquid Telecom, Airtel Nigeria, 2Degrees Mobile, and Trilogy Capital Partners Canada.</p><p>Masiyiwa has served as a special envoy to the African Union in terms of its response to Covid-19 and an Ebola outbreak in the mid-2015s and served on various commissions of the United Nations.</p><p>His commitment to promoting education and healthcare in Africa is evident in the endeavours of his family foundations, Higherlife Foundation and Delta Philanthropies, which are led by his wife Tsitsi and eldest daughter Elizabeth Tanya. Signatories of the Giving Pledge, these foundations have supported more than 300 000 scholarships to children in Africa to date, as well as various catalytic social impact investments and initiatives in the fields of public health, the empowerment of women and girls, youth mentorship, rural transformation, sustainable livelihoods, disaster relief and preparedness. He has also been involved in pan-African initiatives that target AIDS, cholera, cervical cancer, Ebola, and most recently, Covid-19.</p><p>He was listed in 2020 as one of Bloomberg's 50 most influential people in the world, and one of the ten most powerful men in Africa by <em>Forbes</em> magazine in 2015. In 2014, 2017 and 2021, he was included in <em>Fortune </em>magazine's list of the world's 50 greatest leaders. In 2019, he received the World Food Prize Borlaug Medallion for his role as Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, which focused on strengthening food systems and supporting Africa's smallholder farmers. He was selected in 2023 as an international honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and in October 2024 was awarded the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal by the Hutchins Centre of African and African American Research at Harvard University. Most recently, in November 2024, his revolutionising of telecommunications and mobile money services in Zimbabwe was recognised by the country's ICT Excellence Award.</p><p>Masiyiwa has previously received honorary doctorates from Yale University, Morehouse College in the UK, South Africa's Nelson Mandela University, and his alma mater, Cardiff University. He currently serves on the boards of Netflix Inc., Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and National Geographic Society, as well as on global advisory councils including that of Bank of America, Stanford University and Bloomberg New Economy Forum. Previously, he held board positions at Unilever Plc, The Rockefeller Foundation and Morehouse College, among others.</p><ul><li><strong>Photo</strong>: Strive Masiyiwa at the graduation ceremony. <strong>Photographer</strong>: Stefan Els</li></ul><p> </p><p><br></p> |
