Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of
Stellenbosch University, officially stepped into his new role on 1 April 2025.

A seasoned and highly experienced higher education leader with extensive senior
executive experience in the sector in South Africa, Ramjugernath served as the
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at SU since January 2021.

Before making Stellenbosch his home, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Pro Vice-Chancellor: Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

He boasts extensive board and governance experience having served on several company and organisation boards.

A pre-eminent scientist in the field of chemical engineering and specifically in chemical thermodynamics and separation technology (becoming the youngest full professor in his field in Africa at age 31), Ramjugernath served as the DST/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) for Fluorine Process Engineering and Separation Technology until 2018.

He has successfully graduated over 130 master's and PhD students and supervised over 20 postdoctoral fellows. Ramjugernath has published in excess of 350 peer-reviewed journal papers and has presented at least 300 papers at international conferences.

He studied at UKZN and obtained the degrees BSc Eng (Chemical) in 1993, MSc Eng (Chemical) that was upgraded to a PhD in 1995 and a PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2000.

Prof Ramjugernath resides in Stellenbosch with his wife, Prof Prathieka Naidoo, an accomplished academic in her own right, and their three daughters. Besides being a dog lover and an avid sports fan who plays tennis, paddle and golf, Prof Ramjugernath loves the outdoors.

Focus areas

Prof Ramjugernath views academic excellence to be front and centre as one of his three focus areas for the next few years – with the other two being people, culture, and processes; and, partnerships and sustainability.

Academic
excellence

People, culture and processes

Partnerships and sustainability

Academic
excellence

“One of our biggest challenges will undoubtedly be sustainability. This includes financial, social and environmental sustainability. Issues around funding – particularly NSFAS and student debt – are destabilising. Coupled with that is the misconception that a university degree is the only path to success, which burdens universities further. At the same time, universities must do more to equip graduates with not just technical knowledge but also skills, competencies and attributes for employability. That’s why we will further pursue academic renewal at SU.

“And a big part of this will be the notion of futureproofing through technology. Embracing artificial intelligence, digital transformation and hybrid learning isn’t optional – it’s essential. It is the single biggest opportunity to improve higher education.”

Overseeing the portfolio of student affairs over the last four years has given him added insight into the lives of students.

“We want to create an academic environment where every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the resources, mentorship and opportunities needed to thrive. I believe universities should not only educate, but also empower, ensuring that each student can contribute to South Africa’s development, economic growth and overall well-being.

That is why our commitment extends beyond academic achievement. As we work to secure greater donor funding, establish new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, we are dedicated to building a future where every student has access to holistic support – academic, financial, psychological and professional. This comprehensive approach to student success reflects our belief that education is not simply a pathway to employment but a catalyst for positive social change.”

People, culture
and processes

“The world is changing and with it the world of work. And that is why I also want to focus on fostering a humanising and enabling culture at the University. I want to prioritise people, culture, and systems that will allow everyone at SU to thrive.”

Bringing out the best in people is a question of working together an inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary manner, reckons Ramjugernath. “Some of the greatest breakthroughs we see now is the result of interdisciplinary research – by fostering a sense of teamwork. That is how we tackle the most ‘wicked problems’ in the world.

Partnerships
and sustainability

“Universities cannot thrive in isolation. Strategic partnerships are the keys to sustainability and to opening doors to opportunity. We need to further grow our various streams of income to the benefit of all partners.

“Amongst others, I am broadening our internationalisation agenda. It’s however not just about collaborating with other universities but also with government, civil society and industry – both locally and globally. To support this, we will be establishing a Partnerships Office to coordinate efforts while empowering champions across the University.

“In all of this, we should not forget our unique setting, says Ramjugernath. “We are well on our way to establishing Stellenbosch as the innovation capital of South Africa – an African equivalent of Silicon Valley. In our work, our teaching, our research, and our social impact, we should adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. To a large degree, this is what inclusive transformation is about – it means belonging, representation, and growth. It is about building a truly diverse, inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual institution where we should never settle for complacency but continue changing, exploring, and discovering. Transformation is about fostering a culture that brings out the best in everyone.”