| Prof Ashraf Kagee releases his third novel, Song of the Slave Girl | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11285 | | Prof Ashraf Kagee releases his third novel, Song of the Slave Girl | Tendani Tshauambea | <p style="text-align:justify;">Prof Ashraf Kagee of Stellenbosch University's (SU) Psychology Department recently launched his third novel, <em>Song of the Slave Girl</em>, at The Book Lounge in Cape Town. He was joined in conversation by Barbara Boswell, acclaimed writer and Head of English Literary Studies at the University of Cape Town.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Kagee is not only a writer, but a Distinguished Professor in Psychology at SU and a practicing psychologist.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">Exploring the boundaries of love and freedom, Jacana Media described Kagee's new work as a “spellbinding tale of love and resistance" told through the story of two young slaves, Meraj and Djameela, bound together by a powerful love which comes up against the reality of European colonisation, racism, and patriarchy in the Cape Colony.</p><p style="text-align:justify;"><em>Song of the Slave Girl</em> is Kagee's third novel, preceded by <em>Khalil's Journey</em> and <em>By the Fading Light</em>. His debut, <em>Khalil's Journey</em> won the European Union Literary Award in 2012 and the South African Literary Award in 2013.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">The launch drew a diverse audience of supporters from Cape Town and beyond, including avid readers, friends, family, colleagues, and students from the Senior Living Spaces (SLS) Cluster, where Kagee serves as the Cluster Academic Principal.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Attending the book launch of <em>Song of the Slave Girl</em> was a deeply emotionally stirring experience, even more so being in the presence of an individual whose work unearths the untold narratives of those who cannot tell their stories, anchoring it in fiction and also historical fact," shared Hakeemah Matinka, Head Student at Walter Parry House, who was in attendance.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Kagee explained that he intentionally used two young characters as protagonists in <em>Song of the Slave Girl</em>, “to make the story of interest to younger readers but also of interest to older readers who might find that some of the aspects of the story might resonate with them".</p><p style="text-align:justify;">“The storyline about love and how he allowed the characters to be human despite the challenges they were faced with, and how their undying love carried them through, really spoke to me as a familiar and universal experience. I also enjoyed how the story beautifully captured the different configurations that humans can love and be loved." shared Linda Zwane, a House Committee member at Walter Parry House.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“What stood out for me," added Matinka, “was the parallels of the character's struggle for dignity and resistance, which resonated with me as a student activist.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“These struggles for resistance and liberation are still prevalent in our post-colonial context, within our marginalised communities and, witnessing the ongoing genocide in Gaza. the story reminded me that even in the most brutal systems, love, resistance, and solidarity endure and can overcome these oppressive systems."<br><br>Kagee came of age in the turbulent 1980s and become politically conscientised around the imperative of fighting for social justice and the vindication of human rights. <br><br>As a friend of the Gift of the Givers Foundation, he will be donating all the royalties from <em>Song of the Slave Girl</em> to support their humanitarian work in Gaza.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder of the organisation, closed off the event by sharing with the audience the difficult work being done by the Foundation to help alleviate the suffering the genocide has wrought on the Palestinians.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">According to SLS Cluster Convenor, Yolisa Qina, the launch “was an opportunity to expose our students to spaces that encourage critical thinking and meaningful conversation."<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Events like this bridge the gap between academic spaces and cultural reflection. It also gives students the opportunity to engage with our country's difficult histories, to deepen our understanding of our society and challenge how we view the world around us," said Qina.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“We hope the launch also inspired more of our peers to read, ask questions, and take part in conversations about change, issues in our communities, and reflect on these things," she added.</p><p style="text-align:justify;">For Matinka, the event created that much-needed space for reflection.<br></p><p style="text-align:justify;">“Walking out of that launch, I felt both haunted and inspired – grateful for literature that does not flinch from our painful pasts but instead insists on remembering, reclaiming, and reimagining."<br></p> |
| Apply for the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary to visit the UK | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11286 | | Apply for the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary to visit the UK | Division Student Affairs | <p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">We are excited to announce that applications are now open for the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary, which offers third-year students and above, as well as junior lecturers across South Africa the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom from 27 November to 19 December 2025! <br></span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">This fully funded travel tour was designed to develop South African students through cultural exposure and the chance to engage with peers from across South Africa and the United Kingdom. </span></p><p style="text-align:justify;"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">The Abe Bailey Trust is passionate about empowering future leaders. Academically strong applicants who have demonstrated good leadership skills, have a heart for service, and the ability to make an impact on campus and beyond – and who are ready to contribute their skills, passion, and purpose to a dynamic, highly skilled group – are encouraged to apply.<br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Please download the documents below to review and to complete by <a href="https://stellenbosch-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/lynnr_sun_ac_za/Etd1I9AYOf5LvhPYoigqVegBQrSwM6ofa52OBn_O_bGQyg?e=oy60Mw">clicking here.</a></span></p><ol><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Notice.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary Personal Information Sheet and Checklist.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">a poster with information about the Abe Bailey Overseas Travel Bursary.</span></p></li></ol><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">📣 PLEASE NOTE 📣 : You must be a South African citizen and have a valid South African passport to apply. <br><br><b>Application Requirements</b></span></p><ul><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Must be aged 25 or younger at the start of the tour.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Must have a strong command of English to engage meaningfully with fellow tour members and other individuals they will meet overseas.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Must be physically fit to participate in walking tours, and be able to participate in an intensive programme of activities.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">A personal motivation letter explaining why you are applying for this tour and whether you have previously travelled to the UK.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Complete the Personal Information Sheet and Checklist.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">A concise resume, which must not repeat information already included on the Personal Information Sheet.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Two recent reference letters that address the suitability of the candidate to meet the bursary’s objectives.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Copies of your ID and academic record.</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Copies of university merit/achievement certificates (limited to five).</span></p></li><li><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">Summary of your leadership roles at university and in your community.</span></p></li></ul><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">📅 Deadline for applications: Wednesday, 14 May 2025 by 16:00<br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"><strong>NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED.</strong><br></span></p><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">📤 Please submit your application pack with ALL the required documents in ONE E-MAIL to Dr Heidi October at </span><a href="mailto:heidioctober@sun.ac.za" title="mailto:heidioctober@sun.ac.za"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">heidioctober@sun.ac.za</span></a><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"> and copy Ms Audrey Poole at </span><a href="mailto:audreyp@sun.ac.za" title="mailto:audreyp@sun.ac.za"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">audreyp@sun.ac.za</span></a><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"> in your mail.</span><br class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1"></p><p><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">💻 You can also visit the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary website for more details about the bursary by </span><a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https://stellenbosch.evlink2.net/servlet/link/56914/196792/114397272/1706957&data=05%7c02%7c%7c0feb0277c9884b0102f008dd87f0ae45%7ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7c0%7c0%7c638816190022510263%7cUnknown%7cTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7c0%7c%7c%7c&sdata=iqhJapllGfpV/d0ovxc0%2B5EhiqcO0c0UfrPkFHOV/4c%3D&reserved=0" title="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstellenbosch.evlink2.net%2Fservlet%2Flink%2F56914%2F196792%2F114397272%2F1706957&data=05%7C02%7C%7C0feb0277c9884b0102f008dd87f0ae45%7Ca6fa3b030a3c42588433a120dffcd348%7C0%7C0%7C638816190022510263%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=iqhJapllGfpV%2Fd0ovxc0%2B5EhiqcO0c0UfrPkFHOV%2F4c%3D&reserved=0"><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">clicking here</span></a><span class="ms-rteThemeFontFace-1">. </span><br></p> |
| Maties Sport Annual Report 2024: Celebrating Impact, Inspiring the Future | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11262 | | Maties Sport Annual Report 2024: Celebrating Impact, Inspiring the Future | Kimara Singh | <p></p><p>Maties Sport is proud to share our 2024 Annual Report, capturing a year of remarkable growth, resilience, tough times, and achievement across all spheres of university sport at Stellenbosch University. This publication reflects our deep commitment to empowering student-athletes, fostering excellence, and creating a lasting impact through sport.</p><p>As we reflect on the past year, we remain focused on our long-term vision:<br><strong>“To be the leading university, contributing to a holistic and diverse experience through sport."</strong><br></p><p>Looking ahead, our Chief Director's new vision will continue to guide us in realising the ongoing investment by the #MaroonMachine over the next five years, with 2025 marking a pivotal year in our journey in the following ways:</p><ol style="list-style-type:decimal;"><li><p><strong>Advance Participation and Performance: </strong>We continue strengthening our high performance and competitive sport structures while promoting inclusive participation through recreational and active lifestyle programmes.</p></li><li><p><strong>Foster a Healthy Organisation: </strong>We aim to build a resilient and future-ready Maties Sport team through leadership development, succession planning, and staff wellbeing initiatives.</p></li><li><p><strong>Enable a Sustainable Business Model:</strong> By forging purposeful partnerships, enhancing fundraising efforts, and leveraging our world-class facilities, we continue to advance Stellenbosch University as a destination of choice supported by operational excellence and innovation.</p></li><li><p><strong>Drive Research for Impact: </strong>Anchored by our Centre for Sport Leadership (CSL) and the South African Centre for Olympic Studies and Social Impact (SACOSSI), we will advance research, training and development, and social transformation through sport.</p></li></ol><p>This report celebrates our milestones, not only for 2024 but a decade of visionary and resilient leadership by our Chief Director. It outlines our unwavering commitment to sport as a transformative force within Stellenbosch University and the higher education sector.</p><p>Access the full report <a href="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/Maties%20Sport%20Annual%20Report%202024-Eng.pdf"><img class="ms-asset-icon ms-rtePosition-4" src="/_layouts/15/images/icpdf.png" alt="" />Maties Sport Annual Report 2024-Eng.pdf</a></p><p>#MatiesSport #AnnualReport2024 #ExcellenceThroughSport #FutureFocused #StellenboschUniversity</p><p><br></p><p> </p><p><br></p> |
| SU students, staff join in celebrating Earth Day 2025 | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11257 | | SU students, staff join in celebrating Earth Day 2025 | Petro Mostert | <p></p><p>Stellenbosch University's (SU) students and staff took to the streets on campus to celebrate Earth Day 2025 with a walk and clean-up on 22 April 2025, committing to this year's theme of #OurPowerOurPlanet — calling for everyone to unite around cleaner renewable energy so that we can triple clean electricity by 2030.</p><p>The participants ended the walk and clean-up on the steps of SU's Library, where they all signed a memorandum and called on SU to deepen its commitment to Environmental Sustainability by establishing an integrated, unified, campus-wide sustainability network. Accepting the memorandum on behalf of SU, our new acting Chief Operating Officer, Prof Nicola Smit, reminded us that Environmental Sustainability is one challenge that confronts and unites us all — across every faculty, service department and field of study. “It is not just a buzzword: it is about building a future where all living creatures and our planet can thrive. We no longer ask how this is going to affect us. The question is rather, how we (collectively and individually) will respond. Because environmental sustainability starts here, with each one of us," she said.</p><p>Prof Smit said SU is taking action to move from sustainability as a strategic priority and enabler to a responsibility shared by all. “Through our Environmental Sustainability Plan, we're aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050. The good news is that we are already making inroads across our campus, which houses more than 487 buildings, where we are shifting to solar energy and launching water-wise initiatives, reducing waste to landfill across our campuses, and our faculties are researching green solutions.</p><p>“But the real power lies with you," she said. “As students and staff, we are here together to shape our future. Let's heed the call that rivers weep and forests fade beneath the weight of choices we make."</p><p>Handing over the memorandum to Prof Smit, SU's Student Representative Council's sustainability portfolio manager, Ocean Postman, said SU is a place for students to develop holistically, have enriched academic experiences and become well-rounded citizens. “Climate concerns us all and we would like to make this pledge along with the University to commit to sustainability goals, as individuals and as a collective."</p><p>Christine Groenewald, SU's engagement officer for sustainability development, and our environmental sustainability manager, John de Wet, from Facilities Management, organised this celebration together with the SRC and other organisations on campus.</p><p><br></p> |
| Safety in Stellenbosch high on the agenda at Imbizo | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11254 | | Safety in Stellenbosch high on the agenda at Imbizo | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Alec Basson] | <p></p><p>Closer collaboration between different stakeholders is key to combatting crime in Stellenbosch. This was one of the main takeaways from the first Safety Imbizo held at the Stellenbosch Town Hall recently. </p><p>Hosted by Stellenbosch University (SU)'s Student Representative Council (SRC) in response to crime in the town, the Imbizo was attended by the executive mayor of the Stellenbosch Municipality Jeremy Fasser, members of the mayoral committee, SU staff (amongst others Prof Richard Stevens, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching) and students, representatives of the South African Police Service (SAPS), community safety forums, business owners and residents.</p><p>Among the concerns raised at the event were the decrease in police services, the shortage of prosecutors, the lack of 24-hour active law enforcement, social ills, the need to empower neighbourhood watches, turn-around times for investigations, and improving transport for students who live off-campus. Attendees agreed that these and other safety-related challenges would only be solved if all stakeholders in Stellenbosch work together.</p><p>The keynote speaker, Dr Vanya Gastrow from the Institute for Security Studies, echoed this sentiment when she emphasised the importance of stakeholder collaboration to address the issues of crime and safety. </p><p>“The objective of the Imbizo today is to gather stakeholders together and discuss the issue of safety in Stellenbosch. I think that is a good first step. Because before we can work together to develop strategies and decide what we want to do, it's important to clarify what has been done so far.</p><p>“I also think that sharing experiences and knowledge and identifying key parties and stakeholders could contribute ideas on what to do." </p><p>Gastrow added that it is important to consider two dimensions when addressing crime.</p><p>“The first one is addressing the complex causes of crime. So, this includes social problems, unemployment, poverty, education, early childhood development, public spaces, infrastructure.</p><p>“We also need to think not only about stakeholders involved in policing, but also those working to address underlying causes of crime. And this can help to build an integrated response to issues of crime and safety."</p><p>Without downplaying the impact of crime, Gastrow highlighted statistics which show that while there has been a spike in some crimes, others have decreased.</p><p>Dr Viljoen van der Walt, Director: Risk Management and Campus Security at SU, also mentioned that, contrary to popular belief, there has been a drop in crimes reported to Campus Security since 2016. </p><p>“It is not true that there's runaway crime. There are always risks. We're not blasé about crime. The University management has never said they don't have money for security."</p><p>Van der Walt cautioned against the spread of false information about crimes on campus and in town. He acknowledged that more needs to be done to reach all students.</p><p>Mayor Fasser said the municipality did not want to hide behind the excuse that safety was not their mandate. Instead, they were looking at ways to use their resources more efficiently to improve law enforcement and upgrade security systems.</p><p>He also underlined the importance of stakeholder collaboration. </p><p>“I think the emphasis should be on the way forward where we as a municipality can get the input from all the stakeholders but more specifically also from the student community. The students are part of the town's livelihood, and you are also a big stakeholder in our town. And that is something that is very important for this municipality."</p><p>Zahn Marais, Vice-Chairperson of the SRC Prim Committee, said “it was amazing to see the willingness of all partners in the Stellenbosch area to take hands with the students and discuss common problems we all face and most importantly, solutions.</p><p>“Looking forward, we aim to work with the information we've gotten and create innovative solutions that assist with the transformative student experience." </p><p>Representatives of SAPS encouraged students to report crimes, look after their valuables and be vigilant.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| Together, we can do bolder things, says new Stellenbosch University Rector | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11212 | | Together, we can do bolder things, says new Stellenbosch University Rector | Corporate Communication and Marketing / Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p><em>“This is a really good university that is already globally recognised for its research excellence. But there are bolder things we can do and greater ambitions that we can have – together. This can culminate in us having even greater impact on society."</em></p><p>Prof Deresh Ramjugernath (52), the 13<sup>th</sup> Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), officially stepped into his new role this morning (1 April 2025). </p><p>He takes over from Prof Wim de Villiers who completed two terms at the helm. </p><p>“Stellenbosch has a proud history of excellence in learning and teaching. Under Prof De Villiers, we have also become a strong research-intensive university. But we cannot be complacent. We must now move from good to great – continually striving to improve our teaching, research, innovation and social impact."</p><p>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. </p><p><strong>Academic success</strong></p><p>A more than capable cricketer in his younger days (an allrounder shining with both bat and ball) he knows only too well that in captaining one of Africa's leading research-intensive universities, there will be many difficult balls to face. </p><p>In higher education you don't advance as an institution by only playing a defensive game, states Ramjugernath. “You need to play a bold, big game. For me, Stellenbosch being the first African university to feature among the top 100 universities in the world, will be that bold step for us. </p><p>“This ambitious goal of global excellence should not be the sole aim though. Stellenbosch 'advancing knowledge in service of society' – to quote in part our vision – should be what we all strive for. This is in the light of much noise out there of what universities can and should be. To reach that goal our focus should be first and foremost the academic project, and to ensure that we have the best academic offerings."</p><p>It is for this reason that 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.</p><p>“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.</p><p>“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." </p><p>Overseeing the portfolio of student affairs over the last four years has given him added insight into the lives of students. “We need to become even more student-centred because student success and employability of our graduates are the highest priorities from a learning and teaching perspective. </p><p>“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.</p><p>“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.</p><p><strong>People, culture and processes</strong></p><p>“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." </p><p>Bringing out the best in people is a question of working together in 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. </p><p>“We can only be great if we work together and, importantly, if we all move forward together. I believe in a fresh, service-oriented approach to leadership. I lead by example – if I expect academic excellence, I must model it myself. Leadership, to me, is about service, not status. It's about empowering others – giving people agency and helping them realise their potential, just as others did for me."<br><br></p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-embedcode ms-rte-embedil ms-rtestate-notify"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/59grvoWKCjY?si=S0BucRZcNH4E2L6-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0"></iframe> </div><p><br></p><p><strong>Partnerships and sustainability</strong></p><p>“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. </p><p>“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.</p><p>“In all of this, we should not forget our unique setting, says Ramjugernath. “Stellenbosch is known 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."</p><p><strong>Shoulder to the wheel</strong></p><p>Universities are only great when they have the support of all its stakeholders, says Ramjugernath. “I firmly believe we have what it takes, and I am excited to now put shoulder to the wheel with the support of my management team and our incredible staff, our Council, our alumni, our donors and the many other stakeholders, partners and friends of our beloved University. Let's shape tomorrow together – one conversation, one breakthrough, one act of courage at a time."</p><p style="text-align:center;">----------</p><p>The Chair of Council, Dr Nicky Newton-King, commented that Council is excited about Ramjugernath's bold vision for the University with academic excellence, people and partnerships at its centre. “Prof Ramjugernath is stepping into this role at a challenging moment for all higher education institutions. At the same time, there are great opportunities to position Stellenbosch University, its academics and students for top tier academic performance and to build deep and sustainable partnerships in South Africa, on the African continent and abroad with other higher education institutions and the private sector. As an excellent academic and seasoned administrator, Council looks forward to Prof Ramjugernath's stewardship of our special institution."</p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>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. </li></ul><p><strong>MORE ABOUT PROF DERESH RAMJUGERNATH</strong></p><p>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. </p><p>He boasts extensive board and governance experience having served on several company and organisation boards.</p><p>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.</p><p>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</p><p>Ramjugernath 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.<br></p><p><br></p> |
| SU International puts the spotlight on Responsible Internationalisation at their 22nd SIAN conference | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11169 | | SU International puts the spotlight on Responsible Internationalisation at their 22nd SIAN conference | Petro Mostert | <p><br><br></p><p>What began as a small “family meeting" in 2003 has evolved into an annual event, with 104 delegates from 67 universities across 36 countries attending the Stellenbosch International Academic Network (SIAN) meeting this year from 12 – 15 March This year's meeting spotlighted Responsible Internationalisation — a concept with many definitions and the subject of many published articles. Welcomed by Robert Kotzé, SU's Senior Director SU International, he explained that : “SU's goal with SIAN remains to highlight Stellenbosch as a prime destination for students and a place where partnerships are valued. We aim to foster collaboration, understanding, and shared growth. Together, we are building bridges between our African partners and institutions beyond Africa, helping the Global North better understand the Global South while providing opportunities to share experiences and enhance engagement with African higher education."</p><p>Kotzé says Responsible Internationalisation at Stellenbosch University (SU) is integrating an international, global and intercultural dimension into the complete life of the university – the people (staff and students) and the place (our campus, services, connection to town) — so that we can collectively explore the possibilities of various initiatives such as internationalisation-at-home, research collaboration, and virtual and physical mobility.</p><p>“The responsible side is then the alignment to SU's values and asking ourselves questions such as: How equitable are our partnerships, how do we ensure that mobility possibilities are accessible for all students, are we accountable in our projects, how do we show compassion through our services for and engagement with international students, how do we ensure respect in our engagement with partners? Our exploration of these questions and concepts will ensure that SU can play our role in International Higher Education and when and how we need to make difficult decisions on collaboration with countries involved in geo-political conflict."</p><p><strong>Internationalisation is evolving</strong></p><p>"SU International aims to contribute towards SU's aspiration to be an internationally recognised research-intensive Institution, rooted in Africa with a global reach," says Kotze. “We promote and enable internationalisation at SU by involving faculties and Professional Academic Support Staff (PASS) environments through developing a platform for International Higher Education Research in Africa, purposeful bilateral partnerships in Africa and beyond, enabling broad participation in multilateral alliances and networks, and Global Learning for a transformative student experience.</p><p>Kotzé emphasises the evolving nature of internationalisation, comparing it to an augmenting process rather than a static plan. “Internationalisation is not something you do once and it stays the same for the next five years. No, it is evolving. You learn, and then you change it. It still has direction, and should always be purposeful."</p><p><strong>Collaboration and support</strong></p><p>Professor Sam Tshehla, the acting DVC for Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs, welcomed the delegates to this year's SIAN meeting, highlighted the importance of collaboration and support from various stakeholders. Emphasising SU's strong partnerships, particularly in Europe, he highlighted SU's goal to increase its footprint in Africa. He emphasised the importance of research's impact on society at large, especially for the next generation.</p><p>Paying tribute to the SU International team's work, he said: “The support and academic staff are mainly the driving forces behind partnerships. We in the rectorate can talk as much as we can, but unfortunately, if that is not filtering down to the engines, it's not going to work."</p><p><strong>Fairness, equity and collaboration</strong></p><p>Following the opening session of SIAN, Sarah van der Westhuizen, Director Centre for Global Engagement, facilitated a panel discussion emphasising Responsible Internationalisation and highlighting the importance of fairness, equity, and collaboration within international higher education. The panelists were Dr Jonathan Noble, from the University of Notre Dame (USA), Prof Luciane Stallivieri, from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (Brazil), Eric Saulo from Strathmore University (Kenya), and Johanna Ackemar, from the Karolinska Institute (Sweden).</p><p> <strong>Institutional commitment is crucial</strong></p><p>Noble highlighted the importance of institutional commitment, collaborative partnerships, and faculty engagement in Responsible Internationalisation.</p><p>Building on a relationship of twenty years, the University of Notre Dame partnered with the Ukrainian Catholic University in solidarity, investing $2 million to support students, scholars, and administrators. Over $1 million was also allocated for collaborative research projects developed jointly with Ukrainian faculty. “This initiative reflects Notre Dame's commitment to solidarity and shared responsibility for the common good," said Noble.</p><p>He talked about the importance of building scholarly communities and faculty engagement, mentioning that 15 percent of the tenured faculties at the University of Notre Dame are members of the Notre Dame global regional faculty advisory committees. “This enables an important level of faculty engagement and faculty governance, and importantly contributes to building an ecosystem of continual global innovation in ways that we can best support faculty research and partnership cooperation."</p><p><strong>Five pillars of responsible international</strong></p><p>Prof Stallivieri (Brazil) focused on the importance of five pillars of internationalisation to manage Responsible Internationalisation: Balance, accountability, sustainability, inclusion and compliance.</p><p>Prof Stallivieri stressed the fact that internationalisation is not accessible for all. “It is just for the elite who can pay for international programmes, who speak a different language or who can travel. So, my concern is, how do we make it more comprehensive and engage with our communities? She also highlighted the need for a shared understanding of Responsible Internationalisation and the overlap of principles between the global North and global South. </p><p>She feels Responsible Internationalisation should be embedded in institutional pillars, particularly in teaching and learning outcomes. “It's not just about inputs and outputs but about the transformative impact of international experiences. Exposure to different languages and cultures fosters deeper intercultural understanding, shaping individuals in meaningful ways beyond surface-level differences."</p><p><strong>Choosing the right partner</strong></p><p>Saulo said he landed in internationalisation almost by accident. When he was asked to head up internationalisation at Strathmore, he didn't know what it entailed and had to study and teach himself. “Then I had to teach the rest of the university what this concept was all about. The first challenge was just for people to pronounce the word 'internationalisation" he joked.</p><p>He underscored the need for strategic partnerships aligned with national priorities saying that working with embassies in Nairobi, they made informed decisions on possible partnerships with international institutions. “They would warn us if they think a university might be too big for us, which could result in us being stuck in bureaucracy."</p><p>He gave an example of a partnership funded by the French government, a collaborative project with the engineering department . “As part of this project, we co-developed an internationalisation package to enhance our understanding of the process at Strathmore. We conducted five workshops over two years, helping our team and university deans explore internationalisation beyond student mobility, including partner selection and maintaining collaboration balance."Saulo said they are also very keen to develop their service to society further and want to form partnerships that will positively impact society.</p><p>His institution is also contributing to the national framework on internationalisation and joint degrees. “In the last year, we've been engaging with the Commission for University Education to develop a collaborative framework for joint and dual degrees.</p><p><strong>The need for ethical engagement</strong></p><p>Ackemar noted the challenges of Responsible Internationalisation in Sweden, referring to their starting point for this strategy in Sweden five years ago: “Guidelines for reflection on international academic collaboration".<br></p><p>She discussed the challenges of communicating Responsible Internationalisation internally to increase the overall awareness of the concept. “The process is not without challenges," she said. “It has proven difficult to communicate internally about these issues without raising worry among faculty members and other staff; some are afraid to make the wrong decisions, or they assume that there are restrictions in place."</p><p>“But the proposal is for a national support structure to be established with a focus on proactive measures through information and exchange of experience at government level. The focus is very much on resource security integrity. It's about protecting intellectual assets, which are all extremely important. Still, one must also realise that the interest in Responsible Internationalisation goes hand in hand with increased tensions in the world. In Sweden and abroad, there is an ongoing process of trying to redefine what Responsible Internationalisation is about in our sector, including other dimensions, such as balance and inclusiveness in partnerships, focusing on the benefits of collaboration and trying to remind those who might need it that we are better together."</p><p>The session concludes with a call to action for internationalisation practitioners to focus on social goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite the challenges of the current geo-political environment.</p><p>The SIAN meeting also included a session on the value of a partnership framework and workshop sessions on integration within international student cohorts towards digitally enhanced global learning, as well as integrating sustainability into your environment. On Thursday, 14 March, some of the international delegates manned small stalls as part of a study abroad fair at the Jan Mouton Learning Centre on SU's campus, and the meeting concluded with a visit to the Sustainability Institute at Lynedoch, outside of Stellenbosch, on Friday, 15 March.</p><p><strong>Celebrating SUI</strong></p><p>In celebrating SU's outgoing Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, ten-year tenure at SU, Kotzé paid tribute after the meeting to his crucial role in establishing SU International as a fully-fledged division in SU's Rectorate. Prof de Villiers emphasised the importance of international partners in achieving research excellence and global competitiveness by establishing joint PhD and Master's programmes, student and staff exchanges, and partnerships with African and other global universities.</p><p>“We cannot solve the major, complex challenges we face—globally and on our continent—alone. We need you. We need our partners to help us tackle them together," said Prof de Villiers while acknowledging the challenges of internationalisation in the current geo-political climate and the need for continued advocacy for global collaboration.<br></p><p><br></p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/SU_SIAN%20WORLD%20MAP_V1[78].png" alt="SU_SIAN WORLD MAP_V1[78].png" style="margin:5px;width:636px;height:445px;" /><br></p><p> <br></p><p><strong><em>About SU International</em></strong></p><p><em>SU International was established 32 years ago. The International Office secured 381 partners in 69 countries on 6 continents. Altogether, 201 of these partnerships are at the institutional level, while 180 are at the faculty or departmental levels. Most partnerships are with Europe (238 institutions in 25 Countries), followed by Asian and Pacific partnerships (50 institutions in 11 countries), African partnerships (40 in 11 countries), North American partnerships (40 in 3 countries), and South American partnerships (13 institutions in 6 countries). Prof Hester Klopper, (currently the new Director and Principal of the University of the Free State), was the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation in 2006.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><strong><em>About SIAN</em></strong></p><p><em>The first Stellenbosch International Academic Network (SIAN) was held 22 years ago. Robert Kotzé, Senior Director: SU International, used to attend the Tübingen family meetings while studying there in 1991 to understand the context of the programme. </em><em>The Tübingen-South Africa Programme was a cultural and language exchange programme that offered South African students the chance to be exposed to German culture and language. It also aims to bring closer ties and understanding between South Africa and Germany. </em><em> </em><em>It ended in 2023.</em></p><p><em>He suggested they establish a Stellenbosch Family Meeting close to the Annual IEASA meeting. Later, at the request of participants, the name changed to SIAN as it became difficult for delegates to motivate why they wanted to attend a “family" meeting rather than an internationalisation conference. “</em><em>The intention, however, remained the same," says Robert, “to showcase Stellenbosch University as a wonderful destination for students and a place where our partners are important. It is where we want to build partnerships, understanding and capital. It is also a platform where we build bridges between our African partners and partners beyond Africa. Here, we contribute towards helping the Global North understand the Global South better by allowing us to share experiences and build their understanding of engaging with African Higher Education."</em></p><p><br></p> |
| Zimbabwean activist Namatai Kwekweza urges youth to ‘show up’ | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11160 | | Zimbabwean activist Namatai Kwekweza urges youth to ‘show up’ | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Anel Lewis] | <p>Prevented from speaking at last year's 12th annual Frederik Van Zyl-Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture because she was detained at the airport in Zimbabwe, democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza was last week able to share her reflections on 30 years of democracy as the first speaker in the FVZS's lunch-hour conversation series.<br></p><p>The democracy activist and winner of the winner of the 2023 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize shared her thoughts on how African youth can demonstrate citizen leadership through constitutionalism. Drawing on her experiences – including the recent 35 days she spent in jail for alleged disorderly conduct during an earlier protest outside court – she called for more conversations about the “constitutional promise". The work does not end with the constitution, she said. “The reality is that the past is done, the past is gone. And we are here now. As young South Africans, what are we doing to add to the realisation of the constitutional promise?" </p><p>She added that those who want to ascend in power would use the constitution to actualise their power, rather than holding themselves to account. But she reminded the youth that they can counter this force. “We have our bodies, we have our minds, we have our voices, and we have the spirit of our struggle." Even locked up in prison, the spirit of the struggle allows us to show up, she added. </p><p>“Constitutions are only as powerful as how we know them, and how we believe them, and (through) what we are doing to ensure that they are delivered." Conversely, Kwekweza said without faith in the constitution, it is reduced to a piece of paper with no impact. She urged the youth to help “paint a constitutional future" by using their voices and sharing their message to make a difference. “We don't need permission to organise, and we don't need permission to act."</p><p>In her concluding remarks, Dr Heidi October, head of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development and Deputy Director: Centre for Student Life and Learning) referred to Kwekweza's poignant quote which says: “We must always be cognisant of the cost of the struggle of democracy, and depending on which part of the world you belong to and you live in, the cost might actually be higher." <br></p><p><br></p> |
| Maties ride Cape Town Cycle Tour for students in financial need | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11151 | | Maties ride Cape Town Cycle Tour for students in financial need | Corporate Communication and Marketing/Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking [Anel Lewis] | <p><strong>Maties ride Cape Town Cycle Tour for students in financial need</strong></p><p>Around 80 Maties – the highest number yet - will don maroon on Sunday 9 March to ride the iconic Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT) for students in need. </p><p>Students, staff and alumni will tackle the gruelling race in groups or as individuals to raise funds for Stellenbosch University (SU) students who may not have access to the funding they need to study, or those who are struggling with food insecurity because of their financial situation. “Seeing so many Maties, from students to staff, alumni and supporters, come together for a cause bigger than themselves is truly inspiring," says Karen Bruns, Senior Director: Development & Alumni Relations at SU. </p><p>Among those pedalling for a cause is SU Council member and alumna Dr Louise van Rhyn, who will be cycling her 10<sup>th</sup> tour, but her first in Maties kit. “I am specifically cycling for #Action4Inclusion because I want to raise funds for this very important initiative." This initiative, launched in 2020 as a collaborative endeavour by the Student Representative Council; the University's inaugural director of the then newly established <a href="https://socialjustice.sun.ac.za/">Centre for Social Justice</a>, Prof Thuli Madonsela; the former dean of the SU Faculty of Law, Prof Sonia Human; and other social justice ambassadors, falls under the University's Bridge the Gap Annual Fund.</p><p><img src="/english/PublishingImages/Lists/dualnews/My%20Items%20View/Louise%20van%20Rhyn.jpg" alt="Louise van Rhyn.jpg" class="ms-rtePosition-4 ms-rteImage-1" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:405px;" /><br></p><p>Funds raised via #Action4Inclusion help support students who cannot register for the next academic year because they have outstanding fees. “I am deeply inspired by Dr Van Rhyn's resolve to cycle in aid of #Action4Inclusion. This is yet another extraordinary gesture by Dr Van Rhyn towards ensuring that we stop student debt from stealing dreams of young people," says Madonsela. </p><p>Van Rhyn says she is looking forward to what will be her tenth CTCT. “I am cycling the tour because I can. I love cycling and I feel so privileged to be able to cycle at 60." She has the full support of the Centre for Social Justice, with Madonsela saying she has no doubt that Van Rhyn will cycle successfully.</p><p>Another seasoned cyclist tackling the race this year is first-year chemistry lecturer Dr Marietjie Lutz. No stranger to fundraising endeavours, Lutz spent the Easter weekend last year cycling 600 kms from George to Stellenbosch to raise funds for undergraduate BSc students facing financial challenges. Her “Wheels of Opportunity" initiative raised more R76 000.</p><p>Having joined her for last year's challenge, the whole Lutz family will once again ride together on what will be their first CTCT. Lutz will be joined by her husband, Daniël, her eldest son, Ben ( Industrial Engineering at SU), her second son, Jan (BCom Management Sciences at SU), her daughter Isabel, in Grade 11 at Bloemhof and the youngest, Daniël, who is in Grade 8 at Paul Roos Gymnasium, They will do the tour on their mountain bikes in support of #Move4Maties. </p><p>“We will be supporting the Move4Maties campaign as part of the run up to our Wheels of Opportunity 2025 (WOOP 2025) campaign (600 km over six days from George to Stellenbosch, taking place from 30 March to 4 April)," explains Lutz. “With the CTCT, we aim to create awareness and amplify the impact of Move4Maties. However, our primary fundraising efforts will focus on WOOP 2025, where we strive to raise R100 000 to support bright, deserving undergraduate science students facing financial challenges." She adds: “We cannot sit still while talented students struggle for the financial support they need to achieve academic success and build a better future."</p><p>This year, the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) team (Danilo Silva, Monika Moir, Marije Hofstra and friends) will cycle as part of the #Move4Maties fundraising campaign. The group says: “At CERI, we are deeply committed to building a better future through science, education and community engagement. Supporting #Move4Maties aligns with our mission to drive meaningful change. By taking part in this initiative, we aim to raise awareness and critical funds to ensure that no student at SU is forced to abandon their education due to financial hardships." Team CERI has already raised over R10 000. </p><p>Prof Sadulla Karjiker (head of the Department of Mercantile Lawand IP Chair), Christine Strauss (lecturer), Shomane Mathiba (alumnus) and Thushani Naidoo (second-year BCom Law student) of the Law Faculty's team have already raised more than R11 000 ahead of Sunday's race. </p><p>The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) has chosen the CTCT to kick off its year-long fundraising effort to commemorate its centenary celebrations. The EMS100 team riding to raise funds for the #Move4Food initiative comprises Jaco Franken (Dean's Office); Prof Mesias Alfeus and Denver Loggenberg (Statistics and Actuarial Science); and Prof Gretha Steenkamp, Remerta Basson and Arthur Bishop (School of Accountancy). The team has already raised more than R6 200. </p><p>Steenkamp explains the motivation for their entry: “Food insecurity is a reality for many South African university students, with a considerable number struggling to access adequate and nutritious meals. This impacts their academic performance, mental health and overall well-being." While teammate and associate professor Alfeus has cycled the CTCT route a few times, this is the first time he will race it as an official entrant and riding it for #Move4Maties makes it even more meaningful, he says. “It's a chance to contribute to a cause that supports students in need. It's more than just a race; it's about making a difference while doing something I love." </p><p>The top student fundraiser currently is Lars Penzhorn, a third-year BCom Actuarial Science student in the EMS Faculty. He says although he has done a few other century (100 km) races, this will be his first CTCT. Penzhorn is raising funds for the #CaughtInTheMiddle initiative, a cause that he says lies close to his heart. He has already surpassed his R10 000 fundraising target by raising just over R12 300 at the time of writing. </p><p>“These (missing middle) students are from households that do not fall (qualify) for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and they are struggling to pay their fees," he explains. “In Rustenburg in the North West, where I am from, many of my classmates fell into this category and could not go on to study because of their financial difficulties. If I can make an impact on these students, however small, I would be incredibly grateful." </p><p>William Sezoe, a former Student Representative Council vice-chair and now a multimedia journalist with SU's Corporate Communication and Marketing Division will be riding again for #Move4Food. He first rode the race for a cause in 2023 when Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers threw down the challenge. "When I asked him about what SU is doing for student hunger, De Villiers replied: 'I cycle to raise fundsm what are you doing?'". Since then, Sezoe has also put foot to the pedal to raise funds and awareness. <br></p><p>Bruns commended all those taking part in Sunday's race. “The Cape Town Cycle Tour is more than just a race; it's a demonstration of the Maties spirit in action – perseverance, generosity, empathy and a deep commitment to ensuring that financial hardship doesn't stand in the way of academic success. Every kilometre ridden and every rand raised is a step towards a brighter future for our students. We are deeply grateful to everyone who is riding and supporting #Move4Maties and #Action4Inclusion."</p><p> </p><ul><li>To contribute to the Move4Maties initiative, visit <a href="https://www.givengain.com/event/team-move4maties-takes-on-ctct-2025">Team #Move4Maties takes on Cape Town Cycle Tour 2025!</a> - </li><li>To contribute to Louise van Rhyn's initiative, visit <a href="https://www.givengain.com/project/louise-raising-funds-for-stellenbosch-university-south-africa-98540">https://www.givengain.com/project/louise-raising-funds-for-stellenbosch-university-south-africa-98540</a><br></li></ul><div>Image:<br></div><div><ul data-editing-info="{"applyListStyleFromLevel":true}" style="color:#242424;background-color:#ffffff;direction:ltr;"><li><p>The EMS100 team is looking forward to the Cape Town Cycle Tour - Jaco Franken (Dean's Office); Mesias Alfeus and Denver Loggenberg (Statistics and Actuarial Science); and Gretha Steenkamp and Arthur Bishop (School of Accountancy). <br></p></li></ul><p>(credits: supplied)<br></p><br></div><div><br></div><p><br></p> |
| Outstanding achievements celebrated at Vice-Chancellor's Top Achievers Awards | https://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=11149 | | Outstanding achievements celebrated at Vice-Chancellor's Top Achievers Awards | Corporate Communication and Marketing | Korporatiewe Kommunikasie en Bemarking | <p><br><br></p><p>This past week, Stellenbosch University (SU) honoured top-performing first-year students for their exceptional matric results at the annual Vice-Chancellor's (VC) Awards Ceremony.</p><p>Launched in 2023, this initiative recognises and rewards undergraduate first-year students for their outstanding academic achievements in high school. It also forms part of four newly introduced excellence and merit award categories for first-year students.</p><p>Out of a first-year cohort of over 6 000 students, 2 429 achieved a final Grade 12 average of 80% or higher. An impressive 360 students scored 90% and above in their final school exams. At this year's event, the University recognised the top 15 achievers who enrolled at SU as well as 22 recipients of the Achiever Awards, which honour students from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated outstanding academic ability.</p><p><strong>Excellence with purpose</strong></p><p>Speaking at the event, which was held at the Stellenbosch University Museum, SU's Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Prof Wim de Villiers, congratulated the students on their exceptional performance. He pointed out that the University does not celebrate excellence for its own sake but believes in excellence with purpose.</p><p>“We have to continue to ask not only what SU is good at, but also what we're good for," he said. “Knowledge for knowledge's sake is useless. I want to implore you to use the mental faculties that you've been given to transform lives, conduct research that advances humanity, and lead in a way that inspires positive change." </p><p>This year's recipients represent a range of disciplines critical to South Africa's and the world's future—medicine, engineering, actuarial sciences, law, international business, data science, and more. De Villiers reminded the students that they are not just excelling individually but are joining professions that will shape industries, societies, and lives for generations to come. “The recognition you receive tonight is not merely for past achievement but also for the promise of what you will accomplish in the years ahead," said De Villiers.</p><p>Commending the students for the achievements, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, said he was proud and excited to welcome some of the country's brightest minds to the University.</p><p>Ramjugernath said he was also pleased that the students had chosen the University as their home away from home. “In choosing SU, you are not only joining a wonderful family and a beautiful campus, but you are also joining one of the top universities on the continent and in the world."</p><p><strong>Top achievers</strong></p><p>This year's recipients hailed from private and public schools across the country and abroad. We asked some of the recipients to share their thoughts on being recognised as top achievers at SU:</p><p>Twin brothers<strong> Dylan and Ethan van der Berg</strong> both claimed the top spot with a 98.5% Grade 12 final exam average. The brothers matriculated in Belarus in Europe but spent a short period of their childhood in South Africa, as their father grew up in Oudtshoorn. Ethan, who is pursuing a degree in Law, recalls receiving the email about his achievement: “I was in the library when I got the notification from the University. I wanted to shout, but as you know, you must be quiet in the library."</p><p>Dylan, studying towards a BCom in International Business, said they visited various universities before deciding on SU. “Not only because our father was a Matie, but also because the facilities are modern, the technology is of the latest, and the professors are skilled and professional," he said. </p><p>Hailing from East London in the Eastern Cape, <strong>Emyoli Sokoni</strong> feels proud of her determination. “This experience is fulfilling because it feels like my hard work is finally paying off all the sleepless nights and sacrifices." Sokoni, studying towards a BCom in Actuarial Science, says she is thrilled to be among the top achievers. “My parents are very proud, and given all the sacrifices they made, I am also very grateful to them."</p><p>From Point High School in Mossel Bay, <strong>Gratia Pauw</strong>, studying towards a BSc in Applied Medicinal Chemistry, admitted to feeling a bit of imposter syndrome but is ultimately proud of herself. “I feel so small compared to all the other top students, but I am proud to have made it this far, thanks to the support of my friends and family." Pauw said she is excited about the future and the opportunities she will have as an SU student.</p><p>For <strong>Ntuthuko Gumede</strong>, pursuing a degree in Mechatronic Engineering is a historic achievement. “This is a big deal, my parents and grandparents never had the opportunity to go to university, and being recognised as one of the top students is groundbreaking." He said that before coming to SU, he had certain perceptions of the institution, but his experience as a Matie has changed his perspective. “This is a diverse and new environment for me, and the people are nice."</p><p><strong>Eli Abreu</strong> who is studying towards a MBChB degree, at the Tygerberg Campus, says he is honoured to be among SU's top students. “It's awesome to be part of the Matie community. My campus is a bit far from Stellenbosch, but it's great to connect with students on this side as well." Abreu, who is from Cape Town, says the award will be a great help to him. “Finances are always quite difficult, so this is a massive relief. Also, just being recognised for our hard work feels great." </p><p> <br></p> |
