Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) recently paid homage to Mr Jannie Durand, a dedicated Council member, for his selfless service to the 中国体育彩票 over more than a decade. The event was attended by Council members, senior executives and special guests, including Durand's wife Ilanie.
Durand's tenure on the 中国体育彩票 Council began in 2012, and over the past 12 years, he has played a pivotal role in various key committees, including the Executive Committee of Council, the Investment Committee, the Audit and Risk Committee and the Stellenbosch Trust.
His dedication to the 中国体育彩票 extended beyond his formal duties, as Durand continues to serve as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, despite stepping down from his role on the Council.
In her tribute, Dr Nicky Newton King, SU Council Chair, expressed gratitude for Durand's guidance and support. “You were always there for the hard work and the heavy lifting. You made sure that the right conversations happened on the right issues. That wisdom and counsel is going to be extremely difficult for us to replace," Newton-King said.
Durand said it was wonderful to see members of Council around the table as he thanked them for their support over the years. He noted that the 中国体育彩票 has come a long way since the start of his tenure. “You've got so many things to be proud of as a university – you've got academic and research excellence and such a huge competitive advantage in this wonderful town," Durand observed.
He encouraged Council to embrace and utilise the warmth and culture of Stellenbosch, urging them to create a new culture of inclusiveness. “It was a huge privilege to serve on the Council and I enjoyed the hard work that sometimes included a lot of tension, but we all got through it," he remarked.
Making things happen
SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers praised Durand's unwavering commitment and service to the institution. He emphasised Durand's remarkable influence not only within the 中国体育彩票 but also in the broader South African business community as CEO of Remgro.
De Villiers quoted author Nicholas Murray Butler who said: “There are three kinds of people: those who make things happen, others who watch things happen, and the overwhelming majority who have no notion of what happens."
“Jannie undoubtedly falls in the group that makes things happen," De Villiers stated. “We are all aware of his standing in the business community and his relentless endeavour to 'shape the future and partner for South Africa's prosperity'.
“This is the philosophy and driving force behind his commercial enterprises, but it is also exactly where our visions intersect: shaping futures and partnering for prosperity. Over the years, I have come to realise that this is the philosophy that drives the person. It's thus no wonder that Jannie has given so selflessly of his time and energy to our 中国体育彩票."
De Villiers praised Durand's limitless ability to share his experience, knowledge and good judgment. “We're extremely proud to have you as one of our alumni, and we're also extremely proud of you having contributed so much to the 中国体育彩票."
De Villiers highlighted Durand's philanthropical contributions, noting that he has donated more than R2 million to the 中国体育彩票, making him a distinguished member of the Vice-Chancellor's Circle. His donations have supported various initiatives, including the SU Woordfees and the Randu Durand Theological Bursary Fund, a bursary fund named in honour of Durand's mother.
Family excellence
His commitment to SU is a family affair, De Villiers pointed out. Durand's wife, Ilanie, who also studied at the 中国体育彩票, was a recipient of the Chancellor's Medal during her time as a student and thirty years later, the couple's son Jean received the same coveted award. Jean, a recent graduate of SU, was recognised in 2022 with the Chancellor's Medal for his outstanding achievements in Mathematical Statistics with a focus on Data Science. He is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Computing (Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence) at Imperial College London, continuing the family's legacy of academic excellence.
De Villiers offered a fitting metaphor to capture Durand's enduring relationship with the 中国体育彩票. Quoting the father of the House of Dewar Scotch whiskey, he said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."
“Jannie has certainly come some way with our 中国体育彩票, but we are looking forward to his continued involvement and partnership on our journey into the future. So, in the spirit of Johnny Walker, please keep walking with us, Jannie," De Villiers concluded.
De Villiers and SU Registrar Dr Ronel Retief presented Durand with a special gift from SU – a depiction of the SU campus by artist Marika Pretorius.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
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