| Stellenbosch University excels at EDHE Intervarsity Regionals 2024 | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10871 | | Stellenbosch University excels at EDHE Intervarsity Regionals 2024 | Jeraldine Menon, Innovus | <p></p><p>Africa's median age is currently 19,7 years, and closer to home, 63 percent of South Africa's population is under the age of 35. This demographic presents both a challenge and an opportunity, specifically for the youth, to drive and sustain our country's economic growth. The recent Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity 2024 Regional Round, hosted by Stellenbosch University (SU) for the very first time on 17 and 18 September 2024, showcased some of the Western Cape region's brightest young minds, demonstrating their potential to influence South Africa's economic growth. SU achieved notable success this year securing three winners out of the four categories.</p><p>With youth unemployment climbing to a 46.5 percent in 2024, enabling entrepreneurship among students is no longer a nice-to-have, it is essential. The Western Cape's higher education institutions have risen to this challenge, leveraging their resources and utilising EDHE's platform for their Intervarsity competition. Now in its sixth year, the competition is funded by the University Capacity Development Programme and is held in partnership with the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and SAB Foundation. The regional event was made possible through funding provided from Prof. Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer of Finance and Operations at SU and Prof. Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU.</p><p>The Neelsie Cinema at SU welcomed inspiring student entrepreneurs from the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Stellenbosch University.</p><p>Opening the event, Professor Eugene Cloete, Chief Executive Officer of Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC) and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor at SU, emphasised the critical role of entrepreneurship in addressing societal challenges. Keynote speakers Dr Wessel Myburgh, co-founder of Urobo Biotech, a SU spinout and Noku Katom, a serial entrepreneur and mentor at SU LaunchLab, shared insights from their entrepreneurial journeys, offering practical advice and inspiration to participants.</p><p><br></p><p>The competition featured four categories:</p><p><strong>Existing business - Social Impact:</strong></p><p>· Aspiring Learning Tutors – Saxola Gxulwana</p><p>· Next Door Chef - Lehlogonolo M.</p><p>· iWashCars - Desmond Mogodi</p><p>· Milani Education - Alexandra Lutz</p><p>· CIFTEX - Morell Ndhlovu</p><p>· Only Friends Entertainment - Sivuyise Mbedla</p><p>· Catwalk Youth Development - Lusanda Msebi</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Existing business - General:</strong></p><p>· MKLuze Hair Oil – Kamogela Mokale</p><p>· Figura de Culta - Keith Ntini</p><p>· FineApplePixels - Chiedza Vushe</p><p>· Jabeson Bags - Someleze Jabe</p><p>· Nature Dune - Sandy Madjouche</p><p>· Mswenko Jeans - William Matsepane</p><p>· Krochet Korner - Ntebaleng Makua</p><p>· Sanne's Palace - Sanne Ramunenyiwa</p><p> </p><p><strong>Existing business – Tech:</strong></p><p>· Makethe - Mpilonhle Ngcoya</p><p>· Barterly - Bonga Njamela</p><p>· Reep - Anokunda Mudzielwana</p><p>· Report Buddy - Robyn Truter</p><p>· Hierachy - Siphosethu Baduza</p><p>· Edible Meals - Noluthando Zuma</p><p>· Mzanzi Global Market - Mojalefa Mamabolo</p><p>· Cargo - Rifuwa Baloyi</p><p><strong>Research-based business:</strong><br><br></p><p>· uMama - Pearly Joubert</p><p>· Cartell - Jordan Smith</p><p>· EV-Fleet-Sim - Chris Abrahams</p><p>· Adwhere – Viwe Jack</p><p>· Smart Farming Engineering - Vuyo Mguce</p><p>· Kasi Jam - Xola Zide</p><p>· LAMP - Tiisetso Madisha</p><p> </p><p><strong>Western Cape Regional Winners</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Existing Business (Tech): "Report Buddy" by Robyn Truter, Stellenbosch University</li><li>Existing Business (Social Impact): "Milani Education" by Alexandra Lutz, Stellenbosch University</li><li>Existing Business (General): "FineApplePixels" by Chiedza Vushe, Stellenbosch University</li><li>Research-Based Business: "Cartell" by Jordan Smith, University of Cape Town</li></ul><p> </p><p>The selected regional winners will advance to the national finals, scheduled for November 2024 in Johannesburg, where the national category winners will be selected.</p><p>The SU student entrepreneurs have been working closely with the SU LaunchLab team since April this year to develop their businesses. The students were enrolled in the <a href="https://www.launchlab.co.za/students/resnova/">ResNova programme</a>, an intensive six-week training session detailing critical early-stage startup needs.</p><p>Encouraging the students to continue their entrepreneurial journey, Prof. Deresh Ramjugernath, DVC for Education at SU, addressed the students at the opening of Day 2, advising them that although "entrepreneurship is not an easy journey, it will help to develop critical skills such as self-belief, confidence and resilience".</p><p>Speaking to the importance of supporting student entrepreneurs beyond competitions like the Intervarsity, Prof. Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Director of Finance and Operations at SU shared a key lesson from Peter Eisenman, core to the teachings at SU LaunchLab. He emphasises that 'you have to work extra hard at the onset of your idea, don't simply rush into launching a startup. Focus on the problem and what it is you are trying to solve, or you might end up creating a solution to a problem that doesn't exist. Maintain objectivity; don't get too emotionally involved. Lastly, make sure you thoroughly engage in the process of testing and solution validation. The ones who will win today already know this, and the rest of us have the privilege to see it all unfold'.</p><p>The success of the students who have advanced to the national round of the Intervarsity demonstrates the impactful work being done at SU LaunchLab. The business incubator aims to increase the number of startups or spinout companies and encourage a culture of entrepreneurship throughout the university and the greater community, with the ultimate vision of positively impacting society.<br><br></p><p>To find out more about what SU LaunchLab does, visit <a href="https://www.launchlab.co.za/1335-2/">LaunchLab.co.za</a><br><br></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>About SU LaunchLab</strong></p><p><strong>Stellenbosch University (SU) LaunchLab</strong> is part of the Innovation and Commercialisation division, which also includes the technology transfer office of Innovus, SUNCOM, Short Courses and Trademarks, and the Stellenbosch Network.</p><p>SU LaunchLab was named Africa's #1 university incubator by UBI Global for 2017-2020. This shows that we have a reputation for providing support to entrepreneurs that results in commercial success for their businesses and economic success for our region.</p><p><span style="text-decoration:underline;"> </span></p><p><br></p> |
| Our diversity is a rich source of experience for the life of our University | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10860 | | Our diversity is a rich source of experience for the life of our University | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p>It was a great privilege to host once again our RC's seventh Women's Day event on 7 August this year. This event is a highlight on my annual calendar and a celebration that gets better every year.</p><p>This year, our theme was "back to basics", or as I translated it, "back to our roots". Our roots are sometimes hard to trace or even to understand. Even our past is sometimes a mystery. The renowned novelist Julian Barnes expressed the problem perceptively with the observation: “not everything that is remembered happened that way". </p><p>We have roots outside and inside the University. Roots anchor us and make us part of a place — just like the trees we've planted over the past four years around the Ertjieskloofdam on Coetzenburg, which will become a lasting legacy of our time on Stellenbosch.</p><p>Roots anchor us all, and I aspire that all of you feel anchored in the University and our diversity. When you are anchored, you strengthen your division, our Responsibility Centre: Operations and Finance and the University. Roots are not merely anchors; they are also the network from which we are nourished. There is something beautiful in that we our roots spring from various sources, culminating and feeding our University together.</p><p>I know it is not always easy and that we must work hard as an institution to make everyone feel that their roots belong. But I also ask for your help - have the courage to lay down your roots, claim your space, and help the University become the space we aspire to be for all South Africans.</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p> |
| Innovus's Doris Peters receives SARIMA Excellence award | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10856 | | Innovus's Doris Peters receives SARIMA Excellence award | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p>Innovus's Venture Support Manager, Doris Peters, received the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) award for professional excellence in innovation management at the organisation's annual awards celebrations, which was held in Maputo, Mozambique on 4 September this year.</p><p>Anita Nel, Chief Director: Innovation and Commercialisation, said Peters is one of the longest-serving members of the South African technology transfer community. "She recently received international Registered Technology Transfer Professional (RTTP) status, a peer-reviewed recognition for excellence in the technology transfer profession, based on the establishment of SU's company support division and startup concierge that she spearheaded," said Nel, who nominated Peters for this prestigious award.</p><p>Peters, who has been with Innovus for 24 years, was nominated for the SARIMA award for her lion's share of Innovus's new "Instant Startup Toolkit", an innovative online platform that is a comprehensive support tool designed to assist entrepreneurs to make the transition from idea to commercial venture. It also empowers both our staff and students and the (often under-resourced) technology transfer office to validate the idea, identify customers, consider risks, opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses in the business, develop a business model, decide on team members, prepare for investors (including building a data room and populating it, and preparing an investor pitch deck) and much more. It is an interactive space for entrepreneurial teams to explore, collaborate, learn, and record the growth of their business ideas in companies. Here, they find the latest startup tools, techniques and governance requirements, and business needs in one secure platform.</p><p>Nel says this digital platform takes an entrepreneur through a series of activities and guided support that allow them to build their business plan canvas, business models, pitch decks and more. "It also includes startup guidance, downloadable templates, a business checklist, and focus teamwork activities to provide maximum benefit to an entrepreneur's business. Whether they work alone or interactively with their team, one of Innovus's dedicated Technology Transfer Professionals and the support team becomes part of their growing business."</p><p>"We know that spinouts have limited resources; therefore, Peters and her team have designed a modular process to take teams on a step-by-step journey from idea to profitable business. It also helps entrepreneurs to build a data room that is due diligence ready, prepared to develop a pitch deck for investors and to draft a business model canvas and a business proposal," said Nel.</p><p>A considerable benefit of this platform, launched in 2022 and completed in 2024, is that it dramatically scales Innovus's TTO's capacity. The office can now service many entrepreneurs with far less active involvement from their team members, solving a critical problem in their office.</p><p>Peters said she was utterly overwhelmed by this accolade and dedicated it to the Innovus team. "I am surrounded by wonderful and extremely competent people who worked with me on the Instant Startup. They make my work so much easier and fun. Together, we earned this award," said Peters.</p><p>Doris provides a concierge-type support service for SU's group of over 32 spin-out companies. She is also the company secretary for ten of these companies, ensuring that corporate governance is effectively embedded without diverting the attention of the founders too much. She negotiated significant discounts on behalf of the group of startups with various service providers, including bookkeepers, website designers, patent and trademark attorneys, commercial attorneys, a fitness gym, and the list continues.</p><p>The work does not stop here for her. At home, there is no time for feet up, as she has enrolled for a B. Com: Entrepreneurship degree through Unisa, which she does part-time. "Planning is super important in my life," Peters says. "On weekends and evenings, I am behind the books and have to work very hard – it is my superpower. Sean Peters (my husband) and Anita Nel are my biggest supporters and are the ones who keep my head above water."</p><p>"If there is one person who really deserves this award, it is Peters," says Nel.</p><p>Peters has also been a long-standing and active member of SARIMA, the membership organisation that unites research and innovation practitioners to enhance these disciplines and institutional capabilities.</p><p> <br></p><p><br></p> |
| 7th Women’s Day takes us back to our roots | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10857 | | 7th Women’s Day takes us back to our roots | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p>For the seventh time this year, more than two hundred women of SU's RC Operations and Finance accepted Prof Stan du Plessis, our COO's invitation to came together on Women's Day to celebrate together. This year, SU's Facilities Management Division hosted an elegant and beautiful event on Webersburg Wine Estate, outside Stellenbosch, with the theme of "back to basics".</p><p>The SUFM team pulled out all the stops for this event, and planning started long ago. Just ask Meg Pittaway, who planted enough succulents a year ago so each attendee could take home a special plant to remind them of being a special woman. </p><p>Rouve Hlosek and a small team of SUFM women ensured that nothing was out of place, while MC Mandisa Matross, with her unbelievable energy, kept the show running throughout the afternoon. The food was absolutely delicious, and one could not have asked for better weather.</p><p>FM's Chief Director, Nicolette van den Eijkel, said it was wonderful to work with the team and be involved in even the smallest details, like decorating the gifts. "It really was a SUFM affair where we used what we had to keep the costs down but still ensure that it was an elegant event. I liked the atmosphere of the day and felt comfortable and relaxed during the event."</p><p>Guest speaker Bertina Engelbrecht, the Chief Executive Officer of the Clicks Group and a member of SU's Council, took us back to her roots in New Bethesda, where she was born. She shared her life and work story with us: from small beginnings, to where she is now one of our country's most successful women leaders.</p><p>In an interview with Nicolette, Bertina talked about how important it is for a person to be authentic. "Know yourself and understand which strength areas you need to improve and develop. Be true to yourself and care for yourself. Always practice gratitude and giving back. And importantly, do not be afraid to ask for help," she emphasised.</p><p>Elzette Lourens, from our Finance Division, said she was immensely impressed with Bertina's ambition and what she has achieved. "She came across as a genuine person with her feet firmly on the ground."</p><p>Bertina believes that organisations and businesses will only succeed if they prioritise people. "It was clear that Bertina really cares about and appreciates the people she works with," said Mariana Fourie from Information Technology. </p><p>Bertina regards herself as an inclusive leader who listens and engages with people. In a previous interview, she said, "I'd like to be known as somebody who embraces their humanity, is kind and generous with their time, and has empathy. I try to be as authentic as possible—I'm the same person in my private life as I am at work."</p><p>One of the guests remarked, "The best of today was the interview with Bertina Engelbrecht. To me, it was the absolute highlight. She shared so many gems that I could take with me on my career and life paths. Thank you for introducing me to this remarkable, unpretentious, strong, and accomplished woman."</p><p>Nicolette said that although the function was hard work, this event brought together a group of women in her team who would typically spend less time working together. "We learned a lot about each other and grew through the experience of creating an event that would be enjoyed by all."</p><p>And did the guests have a ball? Of course, they did, said most of the women who attended the event when asked for their opinion in a survey afterwards. They loved the guest speaker, the venue, and the food, and they enjoyed the MC tremendously — the MC was absolutely fantastic! Some even showed off their singing talents in the Karaoke slot after lunch.</p><p>Asking some of the women what they liked most about the function, here are some of the remarks:</p><p>"It's lovely to be spoiled and to see so many women just enjoying the moment."</p><p>"I loved the simplicity of the event - simple but absolutely stunning with delicious food. It also did not feel like a forced work function where you must participate in things that make you uncomfortable in the work setting. Well done FM."</p><p>"Celebrating with wonderful women in our RC."</p><p>"Thank you to everyone who spend time and effort in making this event special. It is an annual highlight and not to be taken for granted. Additionally, Prof. Stan remains humble and this is not a PR stunt, merely a thank you to remarkable women in his team."</p><p>"It was about all the women, a celebration of everyone."</p><p>Dan Prata, FM's Director Facilities Services, teamed up with his talented wife and played photographer for the day. The photos they took and the ones our colleagues took during the event wat shared on a photo platform. You can have a look at them <span style="text-decoration-line:underline;"><strong><a href="https://stellenbosch.sharepoint.com/:f:/r/sites/RCOPSFINPHOTOGALLERIES/Shared%20Documents/General/20240807%20RC%20Women%27s%20Day?csf=1&web=1&e=Gy2eh4">here</a></strong></span></p><p><br></p> |
| SU moves its internal audit function to Senior Director: Operations | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10858 | | SU moves its internal audit function to Senior Director: Operations | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p></p><p>Stellenbosch University moved its internal audit function at the beginning of 2024 to form part of the Senior Director: Operations, Irfaan Dalvie's portfolio. This function was previously managed by Annemi Murray, Director Financial Planning and Budgeting. Deloitte is currently the internal auditors and the tender appointment will be done for the next cycle as from the beginning of 2025.<br></p><p>Internal auditing is an essential function in any organisation, and more so in tertiary education institutions such as Stellenbosch University (SU). It can also be used to add value to an organisation if implemented strategically. Internal audit broadly aims to review and improve an entity's business processes while ensuring that the entity's departments adhere to the necessary internal controls and governance.<br></p><p>"At SU, the foundations of a good internal audit culture have been laid already. In the next few years, the objective will be to ensure that the outcomes of our internal audit reviews are used to create value in our day-to-day operations and to get staff to appreciate that embracing the process will ultimately benefit their department and the university as a whole," said Dalvie. </p><p>Dalvie says SU continues to invest in the use of reputable service providers for services such as internal audit and forensics, over and above the obligatory external audit. This is a commitment to ensuring that there is an ongoing evaluation of business processes, governance and controls so that leadership can reflect on the university's state of effectiveness at any point in time.</p><p>Also contained within Dalvie portfolio at SU, within the internal audit spectrum, are the forensic investigations and the management of the <a href="/english/reporting">Fraud and Corruption Hotline</a> platform.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Mandela Day 2024 | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10859 | | Mandela Day 2024 | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><h2>FM makes Sizamile Daycare a colourful and safe place for 60 children in Kayamandi</h2><p>Every year on 18 July, Mandela Day, the team from Facilities Management contributes 67 minutes (more like 67 hours or more!) of their time to help make this world a better place. They chose the Sizamile Daycare Centre in Kayamandi for their Mandela Day initiative this year.</p><p>Although a lot of work is done on Mandela Day, Aloma Fourie and the rest of the "usual suspects" at SUFM start planning and implementing many initiatives long before this day.</p><p>The facilities at Sizamile Daycare needed urgent repairs and improvements. The team repaired, upgraded, and even created new equipment from old materials to rejuvenate the playground into a welcoming and fun space for all the kids to enjoy. They also upgraded and fixed plumbing, roof, windows, carpeting, and other issues.</p><p>The Facilities Management team collaborated with various stakeholders, specifically contractors and suppliers, who supported and donated multiple items and time.</p><p>The playground had a complete makeover, which included repairs and painting of the swings, jungle gym, and the surrounding areas.</p><p>The upgrade of the play area also required the creative repurposing of various elements, including the painting and placement of tree stumps, tyres, and river stones.</p><p><br></p><p> </p><h2>IT support The Ark of Refuge with donations</h2><p>Our Information Technology Division this year chose The Ark of Refuge, to support as their Mandela Day initiative. The Ark City of Refuge is a registered non-profit organization based in Faure. The Ark provides a compassionate temporary home for destitute, homeless, abandoned and abused individuals, including women, children and men. In addition to shelter, they offer essential food and clothing, making a significant impact on the nearly 1 000 residents and local community members who rely on their support.</p><p>Based on their needs, the IT staff collected pillows, bed linen and non-perishable food and toiletries for the organisation and donated it to them on Mandela Day. On Tuesday, 10 September 2024, the IT team proudly handed over all the donations collected as part of their Mandela Day initiative to The Ark City of Refuge. They were joined by Crafton Cornelius, the public relations officer and two volunteers who assisted with the collection of donations.</p><p>Chief Director Antoinette van der Merwe says The Ark of Refuge align with the IT Division's values. “The Ark of Refuge serves vulnerable populations, and supporting such causes demonstrates our division's deep sense of empathy and care for people. It highlights a drive to extend compassion beyond the workplace, recognizing the importance of addressing social issues and inequalities. It's also a way of demonstrating that the IT Division is not only committed to internal goals but is also accountable to the larger community and we also take responsibility in service to society."</p><p>Antoinette says the Ark's work signals respect for all people regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. “This action mirrors the value of treating everyone with dignity, as Madiba Day itself is a celebration of Nelson Mandela's legacy of equality and human rights."</p><p>She says the cause itself is significant for her because Mandela Day honours Madiba's lifelong dedication to justice and equality, values that resonate universally and within the IT division. “Supporting The Ark of Refuge aligns with our mission of social responsibility and reflects a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of people in need."</p><p><span style="text-align:justify;">C</span><span style="text-align:justify;">rafton expressed his gratitude, saying: "On behalf of The Ark City of Refuge, we thank you for your kindness, love and help towards our Ministry. Bless your generosity. A heartfelt thank you for all that you've contributed and donated."</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">A big thank you to everyone who contributed to making this initiative successful!</p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University's CECO Awarded for excellence in business events at SAACI 2024 annual congress | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10796 | | Stellenbosch University's CECO Awarded for excellence in business events at SAACI 2024 annual congress | Jeraldine Menon, Innovus | <p>The Central Events and Conferencing Office (CECO) of Stellenbosch University (SU) was honoured with the Business Events Community Award at the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry's (SAACI) 2024 annual congress as part of the Enkula Awards.<br></p><p>Anita Nel, Chief Director Innovation and Commercialisation, says this award truly reflects CECO's impact on business tourism activity in Stellenbosch. "It highlights the team's exceptional efforts to transform the community's social, cultural, and environmental landscape through innovative event management." </p><p>CECO, which forms part of SUNCOM and operates under the umbrella of Factory 209, has quickly established itself as an invaluable resource for event planning across the University's various divisions and the broader business community in Stellenbosch. It caters to a diverse client base, including staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders. By incorporating a one-stop-shop, streamlined approach, CECO has successfully simplified the often-complex world of event planning by making it accessible and efficient for all involved.</p><p>Catherine Channing, manager of CECO, said the office's success is evident in its portfolio, which spans a wide range of events from intimate meetings, conferences, large-scale sporting events, concerts and film productions. "The ability to adapt, coupled with their commitment to excellence, has enhanced CECO's event offerings and positioned the town of Stellenbosch as a premier destination for business events."</p><p>The annual Meet Stellenbosch event, an initiative that has been instrumental in showcasing the town's potential as a business destination, has also contributed to CECO's success by challenging them to do better every year and to remain on trend with the industry standard. Stellenbosch's independent feature in the recent rankings on the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) Country and City reflects the impact of such activities, marking the first time the town has been listed separately from Cape Town.</p><p>According to Channing, CECO's "#BeyondEventing" philosophy underscores its commitment to creating a lasting positive impact in the business, social and academic community. "This approach has set a clear standard in the industry, proving that innovation in event management can be a powerful tool for social and economic development. CECO regularly collaborates with local SMEs and organisations to ensure that small businesses and entrepreneurs are listed as suppliers, ensuring that they receive an income," says Channing.</p><p>"The award, presented at the SAACI Congress on July 29, 2024, highlights CECO's potential for future innovation and growth. As SU continues to strengthen its position as a leader in higher education and innovation in Africa, CECO's role in stimulating the local economy and fostering community engagement will further reinforce Stellenbosch University's reputation as a hub of innovation and excellence," says Channing.<br><br></p><p><br></p> |
| SU Facilities Management receives international GIS award | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10798 | | SU Facilities Management receives international GIS award | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p>Stellenbosch University's Facilities Management Division (SUFM) received global recognition for its outstanding and effective use of Geographic Information Management Systems (GIS) technology in its campus operations. The Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) awarded the division its esteemed Special Achievement Award, a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence.<br></p><p>SUFM's Development Planning and Design division was one of only 217 GIS users selected out of 680 000 organisations globally to receive this prestigious award."</p><p>"This award serves as a testament to the SU's unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge GIS technology to revolutionise our operational processes across its campuses and employing technology to do more with less," says SUFM's Director Development Planning and Design, Francois Swart</p><p>Swart and his colleagues, Warren Jacobs (Building Information Management Specialist) and Jermaine Hendriks (Manager: Facilities Information) received the award from Jack Dangermond, president and founder of the ESRI, during the Plenary Session at the International ESRI user conference in San Diego, US on Monday, 15 July 2024. "This recognition not only celebrates SU's remarkable achievements but also underscores its pivotal role in setting new standards within the global GIS community," says Swart, for whom this award marks another milestone for SU 'in its legacy of excellence and innovation, reaffirming its position as a beacon of progress within the technology landscape'.</p><p>According to Swart, SU's journey into digitising its building management systems on the University's campuses started in 2001. "It was a steady step-by-step process to gradually improve the management of our structural and spatial buildings, incorporating valuable data to make more informed decisions and simplify our processes to do 'more with less'. "We now can leverage SU's comprehensive GIS platform to determine future planning scenarios and cost-saving measures. With limitless possibilities, this technology empowers SUFM to harness spatial information, make informed decisions and enhance communication across environments."<br></p><p>Swart said that by embracing GIS technology, SU has overcome challenges associated with facility management, providing a solid foundation for future facilities data integration and sustainable campus development.</p><p>The GIS team would like to thank SUFM's senior management for all the support over all the years and the provision of resources to achieve this award.</p><p><br></p> |
| Stellenbosch University receives Platinum certification for FISU Healthy Campus | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10703 | | Stellenbosch University receives Platinum certification for FISU Healthy Campus | Kimara Singh | <p><span style="text-align:justify;">Stellenbosch University (SU) is the first university in South Africa to officially receive a platinum certification for Healthy Campus from the Federation of International University Sport (FISU) in June 2024. This certification aims to enhance all aspects of well-being for students and the campus community at large.</span></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Receiving the platinum certification as a FISU Healthy Campus confirms the work we have done as an institution, under the leadership of Maties Sport, to promote health and well-being", says Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer at Stellenbosch University. “We are grateful to Maties Sport for taking the initiative to compile and submit our information for this certification."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">FISU Healthy Campus is a global initiative that aims to promote healthy lifestyles on college and university campuses around the world. The programme encourages universities to create environments that prioritise physical, mental, and social well-being for students, faculties, and staff. The only other university in South Africa who has received a certification was University of Johannesburg.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“This certification confirms SU's strive to create a safe and healthy environment for our students, staff, and campus community. Having to adhere to carefully curated regulations and benchmarks enables our Institution to embed health and wellness resources into all aspects of our campus life and culture and ensure that we create an enabling environment where all our stakeholders practice a healthy and sustainable lifestyle," says Du Plessis.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The initiative promotes a range of activities, including sports, exercise, healthy eating, stress management, and mental health support. It also encourages schools to develop policies and programs that promote inclusivity, safety, and positive social connections.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">To cater to the diverse demands of students and staff, the programme has established a cross-cutting approach that includes not only physical activity but also healthy campus management, mental and social health, nutrition, disease prevention, risk behaviour, environment, social responsibility and sustainability.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Maties Sport Manager, Andiswa Zwelibanzi who headed up the process of obtaining certification, under the leadership of Sean Surmon, Director at Maties Sport, said the process started in 2022 with little knowledge and scope of the FISU Healthy Campus Project. “It has been a lengthy journey, with research about the best practices in other institutions in higher education globally and reaching out to Stellenbosch University internal stakeholders based on the seven domains to reach the desired milestones."</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The goal was clear from the onset: we wanted to reach Platinum certification. Our biggest learning from this project is that anything is possible with collaboration and teamwork. It also gave me an opportunity to learn more about other spaces within the university in terms of policies, practices, and projects," she said.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“I am very proud that Stellenbosch University has obtained a platinum certification for the FISU Healthy Campus initiative. This significant accomplishment reflects the hard work and dedication of Maties Sport and the entire Stellenbosch University campus. It is a testament to our commitment to excellence and desire to provide the highest level of service and support to be recognised as one of the healthiest campuses in Africa," said Ilhaam Groenewald, Chief Director Maties Sport.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The seven domains mentioned by Zwelibanzi are physical activity and sport, nutrition, disease prevention, mental and social health, risk behavior, environment, sustainability and social responsibility, and healthy campus management. Various internal stakeholders at the university made the certification possible, such as Campus Health, Human Resources Wellness and Centre for Student Communities, Facilities Management, Risk Management and Campus Security, SUNCOM, SU Wellness Committee, and Maties Sport.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p>For further enquiries</p><p>Kimara Singh</p><p><a href="mailto:kimaras@sun.ac.za">kimaras@sun.ac.za</a></p><p>0218082141<br><br></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><br></p><p><br></p> |
| New book puts the lender of last resort under the spotlight | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=10708 | | New book puts the lender of last resort under the spotlight | Petro Mostert | <ul><li><em>Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer of Stellenbosch University, co-authored a new book on the importance of Central Bank independence.</em></li><li><em>New book place spotlight on governments to respect the role and mandate of central banks stop the pressure on these banks to accommodate a country's fiscal needs.</em></li></ul><p> What began as a series of articles on the lessons learned from the Global Financial Crisis (also known as the Great Recession) of 2007–2008, brought on by reckless or lax lending standards and resulted in a housing market bubble, evolved over six years into a 266-page full-length book that makes a strong case for the restoration of central banks' independence and reiterates their narrow and appropriate goal of low and stable inflation over the medium term.</p><p>The book, <em>Reconsidering Central Bank Independence</em>, flows from the research and writing of three scholars over six years, Prof Stan du Plessis, Stellenbosch University's Chief Operating Officer, Prof Andreas Freytag, Professor of Economics at the Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, where he heads the Schumpeter Center for Research on Socio-Economic Change (JSEC), and Honorary Professor at Stellenbosch University, and Dr. Dawie van Lill, currently a Senior Macroprudential Specialist at the South African Reserve Bank.</p><p><em>Reconsidering Central Bank Independence</em> takes you back in time, following the development of central banking before the modern era and the events of that century leading up to the 2007–2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC). The book also covers the crises within the Eurozone, the COVID-19 pandemic years, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.</p><p>Only during the first decades of the twentieth century did central banks, with their modern roles and responsibilities, emerge as a complete package. The forerunners of the first Central Bank as we know it today — the Sverige Riksbank of Sweden — were founded in 1668, followed by the Bank of England (BoE) in 1694 and, much later, the Banque de Franc in 1800. There are currently 179 central banks in the world, and their primary responsibilities include serving as the government's banker, controlling the issuance of banknotes and coins, and acting as the financial industry's regulator and the lender of last resort.</p><p>As a renowned economist, "rated" researcher, earlier president of the Economic Society of SA, and a former member of the "Harvard Group" of economists who advised the South African government on monetary policy during the Mbeki-era, Du Plessis's vast experience in monetary policy saw him contributing to various books and academic papers on monetary policy over the years.</p><p>Du Plessis says a common theme throughout the book is the unbearable temptation among governments to solve their fiscal policy problems through the powerful instruments available to a Central Bank. This is a temptation government must resist and the book concerns the importance of the resulting central bank independence. The message is of contemporary importance given the pressure on central banks globally in recent years.</p><p>During the financial crisis of 2007-2008, the most important objective of the central banks was to prevent a repeat of the Great Depression in the 1930s. "It is important to remember that the collapse of the stock market in 1929 did not cause the Great Depression, but rather the failure of central banks to support solvent commercial banks when their liquidity came under pressure a year later. At that time central banks (especially the Federal Reserve Board in the USA), therefore, did not fulfil their role as the lender of last resort to stabilise the financial sector; they neglected their most important duty."</p><p>The book's cover — a man pushing a large cart across the tram line in Weimar, Germany, during 1922 — illustrates the consequences of hyperinflation with a wagonload of banknotes. "In the middle of 1922, you could exchange 320 marks for one US$, and in December of that same year, the mark declined to 7 400 marks per US$. By November 1923, one US$ was worth 4 210 500 000 000 marks, a number one struggles to read," says Du Plessis. No wonder they needed a trolley to transport all that money, and what has become known as “wheelbarrow inflation".</p><p>"Even though central banks managed to stabilise the financial sector after the 2007-2008 financial crisis, the economy grew slower than expected, and there was pressure on some of these banks to intervene in uplifting the economy – hence, broadening their mandate beyond that of protecting the value of the currency and securing price stability," said Du Plessis.</p><p>Du Plessis says we need to remember that the Central Bank's independence is also a "negotiated independence," and as quickly as the government can give this independence to the bank, it can also take it away. As the authors state in the first chapter, "This tension between the need for independence by the central bank and the desire for society to hold the same bank accountable in a democratic setting runs through this book."</p><p>"In the recent past, we saw how Turkey found themselves in another currency crisis when the country's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan fired the head of the central bank, Governor Naci Agbal, after the former finance minister hiked interest rates to counter a sharp increase in the inflation rate. After a relatively stable period, Turkey again ended up with inflation of 150 percent."</p><p>Throughout the book, the authors are very complimentary toward the South African Reserve Bank and how it has been managed throughout the various crises in the world.</p><p>"The Zuma administration could not penetrate the Reserve Bank. Of course, the former administration tried very hard to penetrate treasury in what everyone remembers, the appointment of our "Weekend Special" Minister of Finance Des van Rooyen.</p><p>"What stopped the President was the capital markets," says Du Plessis. "The rand plummeted so precipitously that even President Zuma got frightened and reversed course. This reminds me of President Harry Truman — the 33rd American president's answer to the question at the end of his term: "Should you be born again, would you like to become the President of the US once again, as this is the most powerful position in the world." Truman said no, the bond market is the most powerful force on earth. The capital markets determine what the government can and cannot do. Like President Zuma, so too for President Erdogan who also had to give in and reverse his unorthodox monetary interventions."</p><p>Du Plessis says that, unfortunately, the Zimbabwean economy was never linked to any of the capital markets. Therefore, it collapsed the way it did and ended catastrophically with hyperinflation. The result was the complete destruction of the Zimbabwean economy.</p><p>Du Plessis referred to a quote in John Maynard Keynes's book The Economic Consequences of the Peace (1919), where Keynes argued that the Treaty of Versailles's punitive terms would lead to further global conflict. Keynes predicted that hyperinflation would be the consequence of the exaggerated fiscal demands of the peace treaty.</p><p>"Lenin is said to have declared that the best way to destroy the Capitalist System was to debauch its currency. Lenin was certainly right. There is no subtler, no surer means of overturning the existing basis of society than to debauch the currency. The process engages all the hidden forces of economic law on the side of destruction and does it in a manner which not one man in a million is able to diagnose," argued Keynes at the time.</p><p>Du Plessis says after the financial crisis, there is concern about a new and broadened mandate for central banks where they accept responsibility for long-term economic growth, unemployment, and even for the green transition of the economy. "Although these are all great goals to have, the lessons from the 20th century taught us these are the government's agenda, and we should not use the central banks' balance sheets to achieve them. When the lines between central banks and the fiscal authorities become blurred, you end up with an irresponsible monetary policy and eventually unacceptable inflation."</p><p>"Around the globe, we saw that after forty years of low inflation, for the first time in 2020, high inflation started to run away from central banks. It was no surprise to us. Neither was it surprising that the central banks struggled to get the inflation under control. The reason was that they no longer focused on inflation."</p><p>Du Plessis said this was not the case in South Africa, where our 1921-established Reserve Bank kept its eyes on that one single goal and maintained its independence throughout the past fifteen years. "The only way one could restore the status quo for central banks across the globe was to ensure there is no confusion over what the role and responsibility of both the central bank and the government is. This means you must limit the role of the central bank to low and stable inflation and ensure their independence without political interference. Only then will the central bank be able to succeed in its mandate."</p><p> Du Plessis is already working on his next book, this time with his PhD promotor, Prof Ben Smith, whom he regards as one of the most influential people in his career. "This is more of a history book. It covers the history of monetary policy since the year 2000."</p><p>Du Plessis says it was not the easiest task to write a book while he was extremely busy as the Chief Operating Officer of SU, but he was grateful for his co-authors' patience. </p><p>Du Plessis believes university executives should keep in touch with and be actively involved in the academic environment. "It is important to understand the world from an academic perspective. And the best way to do that is to be one yourself."</p><p>His active involvement in the academic and research environment is evident in him being acknowledged twice amongst SU's leading researchers by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies since he took on the role of COO.</p><p>Cambridge University Press published the book at the beginning of May this year. The official book launch was held at Die Stal, SU's Alumni Clubhouse on the Coetzenburg grounds, Stellenbosch on 18 June 2024.</p><p><br></p><p>For enquiries<br>Petro Mostert</p><p>M 0823346193</p><p>E petromostert8@gmail.com</p><p> </p><p>The book is available at <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/reconsidering-central-bank-independence/B841FFB625BF46D681F470A7CF1E487A">Oxford University Press online</a></p><p> </p><p><br></p> |
