It's not every day that a keynote speaker bursts into song. Prof Timothy Eatman of Rutgers, the State 中国体育彩票 of New Jersey, opened the morning session of a the recent Social Impact Symposium at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) and sang a few lines of “Lift Every Voice and Sing", the Black American hymn that doubled as an invitation: Expand the 中国体育彩票's imagination about what scholarship can be, and who it serves.

Hosted by Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT), the gathering drew academics, professional staff and community partners united by a shared commitment to social impact.

A call to reimagine scholarship

Eatman, an African American scholar and inaugural Dean for the Honours Living-Learning Community at Rutgers 中国体育彩票, brought a deeply personal and global perspective to the conversation. His address, “Publicly Engaged Scholarship in 21st Century Academe: Beware the Shrinking Imagination", landed as a challenge. Reflecting on his own journey and the legacy of his ancestors, he called on the audience to resist what he called “shrinking imagination" in higher education.

Drawing on concepts from the late American writer and theologian Walter Brueggemann's The Prophetic Imagination, Eatman warned that “our culture is competent to implement almost anything and to imagine almost nothing". He argued that imagination is often feared for its disruptive potential and that higher education's dominant focus on traditional knowledge forms restricts broader definitions of knowledge-making.

He urged universities to move past outreach-as-charity towards “two-way" partnerships that are co-designed, measured with community-defined indicators and recognised in promotion pathways. Eatman pushed for reward systems that value engagement alongside teaching and research, and for monitoring and evaluation that includes community voices rather than simply counting outputs.

The keynote also celebrated the power of the arts and humanities to nourish imagination. Eatman quoted poet and social activist Langston Hughes, envisioning a world “where all will share the bounties of the earth and every man is free", linking this vision to the vital role of higher education in nurturing equitable democracies.

Eatman's lingering message was a call to act with courage and “let go with both hands" to create meaningful social impact work.

中国体育彩票 put engagement to work

If the keynote stretched imaginations, the second session grounded them. Three 中国体育彩票, Natural Sciences, Education and Law, showed how engagement looks like on the ground and what still gets in the way.

Prof Bill Tucker (Natural Sciences) described an energetic but underfunded ecosystem: education outreach from geology to life sciences; a physics “road trip" to remote regions; and research-linked initiatives such as water quality workshops and co-designed technology with marginalised communities. He also pressed for recognition in performance reviews for academics and professional, administrative, and support (PASS) staff, calling social impact work “part of my job", not an optional extra. He ended his presentation with a compelling question: Isn't it time for the 中国体育彩票 to appoint a Vice-Dean for Social Impact?

Prof Melanie Moen (Education) recounted how her Faculty moved from “no committee, no plan" to a functioning social impact structure with a vision, a web presence and practical initiatives. “From nothing, we submitted eight funding applications of which six were funded by Social Impact," she explained. Alongside a social impact week and a centralised stationery drive, the team is co-leading Train to Read, converting a wagon into a mobile library with the Faculty of Engineering as well as a novel Duck Race fundraiser. Her lesson: add operational capacity – in their case, a marketing manager – and momentum follows.

Demi Johannisen, head of the Family Law Department at the Law Clinic, detailed the Clinic's dual purpose: widening access to justice for poor and marginalised clients and training candidate legal practitioners. Beyond litigation, Johannisen detailed projects such as community workshops on constitutional rights, a children's rights project, and the Ubuntu Learning Community, which brings together students and incarcerated individuals for transformative educational experiences. “Our vision is always to reach and empower the vulnerable, regardless of the project or initiative," Johannisen said.

From roads to rocket stoves to music

The final session showcased three distinct projects involving policy, engineering and the arts. A common thread was the idea of innovation with social consequence.

Prof Stephan Krygsman from the Department of Logistics presented a Western Cape road use charge pilot, responding to shrinking fuel-levy revenues and the rise of electric vehicles. Drawing on international examples, the pilot tests distance-based charging with in-vehicle GPS units and heavy public engagement. Audience members pressed him on the potential impact of distance-based charges on poorer communities and the integration of road and rail networks.

Dr Clint Steed and student Johan Cloete from the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering showed how small, iterative builds can change lives in nano communities – scattered rural pockets often bypassed by conventional infrastructure. First came a R1 500 solar kit for lighting and phone charging, co-tested in households; next, a safer rocket stove redesigned with insulation that works as a thermal battery for cooking and space heating.

Then Danell Herbst-Müller, lecturer in SU's Department of Music, made music education visible through her passion and dedication. Her annual school concerts produced with recycled materials and student teachers now span eight schools, involve more than 5 000 learners yearly and recently helped one school raise R70 000 to reinvest in programmes.

A practical agenda for SU

Throughout the day, audience interventions sharpened the agenda: school leaders asked for more comprehensive support for teachers and behaviour management; there were calls for a university-wide calendar to cut duplication; and practitioners urged a “graceful termination" protocol when projects close.

If Eatman warned against a shrinking imagination, the symposium answered with a practical one: dedicated funding for proven flagship projects; streamlined ethics processes that enable co-design; community-owned metrics; and recognition for the staff who make it happen.

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?Planting trees is often hailed as a simple solution to climate change. But when done indiscriminately, tree planting in Africa can cause more harm than good – displacing biodiverse and unique grasslands, reducing water availability, and undermining livelihoods.

Now, an ambitious research initiative, the Southern African Trees for Climate Adaptation and Resilience (SAT-CARe) project, is working to change that. Anchored at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, and developed in collaboration with researchers from other universities and institutions, SAT-CARe is building an open-access toolkit based on bioinformatics to guide smarter use of indigenous trees in Southern Africa – with plans to expand its reach across the continent.

The digital toolkit will draw on climate, soil and environmental data, along with detailed species traits, to help policymakers, farmers and urban planners identify which endemic African tree species are best suited for such applications as reforestation, urban greening, ecological restoration and livelihood support.

This approach is considered crucial to move away from poorly informed decisions to plant non-indigenous species – an important goal as South Africa celebrates Arbour Week from 1 to 7 September 2025.

Afforestation a growing problem

“Tree planting is often presented as a cure-all for climate change," says Prof Guy Midgley, Director of SU's School for Climate Studies.

“But planting the wrong trees in the wrong places can actually reduce biodiversity, threaten water security and damage livelihoods. We need science-based, locally informed decisions."

He warns of Africa's “afforestation problem" – not only through the spread of woody plants into grasslands driven by rising CO? levels, but also when external actors impose ill-advised tree-planting schemes on the continent.

“We see these big greening trends across our subcontinent," Midgley explains. “It chokes up grasslands with shrubs, destroys people's livelihoods and potentially increases water use. This is not a standard northern hemisphere challenge – it is our challenge, and we need to develop our own models."

African trees for African landscapes

SAT-CARe insists on African solutions. “Why are we planting alien tree species in our valuable catchments where they use too much water, change the soil composition, and even fuel intense wildfires? We need to leverage Africa's indigenous resources," Midgley told stakeholders attending a meeting at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study.

The project's practical ambition is to identify which indigenous tree species will thrive in which landscapes – today and as the climate continues to change in future. This means looking at iconic African trees such as baobab, marula, mopane, sausage tree, miombo and yellowwood.

By linking environmental data to species traits, the software will for instance help farmers select the best tree species for drought tolerance, fruit and oil, or livestock fodder. And urban planners will be able to use the toolkit to choose species that improve shade and air quality without depleting scarce water supplies.

Besides South Africa, SAT-CARe brings together researchers and data from Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with additional input from Kenya. The models are being piloted across diverse ecosystems – from savannas to montane forests – with the aim of producing guidance that can be scaled across Africa.

Data challenge

For the project to deliver useful answers, it must integrate climate, soil, CO? and wildfire data with tree traits and socio-economic indicators.

“This is not just a data exercise for scientists," says Prof Kanshu Rajaratnam, Director of SU's School for Data Science and Computational Thinking.

“We are building models that can be used by policymakers and communities. Our goal is a digital toolkit that is as open and usable as possible."

Dr Jan Greyling of SU's Faculty of AgriSciences, explains how it would work: “The idea is that users would simply type in a species name, select a climate scenario, and generate a map showing where a target tree species is likely to thrive."

African resilience

For Midgley, the project is a statement about Africa's role in shaping global climate debates.

“Africa gets less than 3% of international funding for climate change science, and of that, about half goes to non-African scientists. So, this continent is extremely vulnerable because we are not funded to do the fundamental science that we need," says Midgley.

However, SAT-CARe is part of the Africa–Europe Cluster of Research Excellence on Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, convened by the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and The Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities. The cluster positions nature-based solutions as a promising way to reduce climate risks while protecting biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods.

“SAT-CARe is not just about trees in Southern Africa. It's about African researchers taking the lead in generating knowledge that is locally grounded but globally relevant," says Midgley.

• Disclaimer: This project is supported by Lacuna Fund and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). The views expressed in this statement do not necessarily reflect those of the Fund, its Steering Committee, its funders, or the Meridian Institute,
• Please direct queries to the SAT-CARe coordinator, Ms Julia Harper:  jrs@sun.ac.za
• CAPTION: A Camel Thorn tree on the Botswana side of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. PICTURE: Heath Beckett

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?

🗓? Date: Monday 22 September

? Time: 13:10–14:10

📍 Venue: Online via MS Teams Join the meeting now    Meeting ID: 374 335 241 829   Passcode: Pd27Th3D

In this seminar, Prof Aslam Fataar explores why and how universities should reclaim their epistemic mission, given that generative AI reveals the fragility of surface-level pedagogy and narrow assessment practices that value performance over understanding. He makes the case for a design-based pedagogy that is dialogical, multimodal, and conceptually rigorous. This timely talk invites us to imagine the classroom as a space where knowledge serves life, responsibility, and collective flourishing.

Abstract:

This presentation problematises current university functioning, where teaching is characterised by narrow knowledge reproduction. It examines how generative AI unsettles traditional pedagogy and assessment, while highlighting the urgent need for deeper intellectual and ethical engagement. At the heart of this shift is design-based learning and assessment, which replaces rote reproduction with dialogical, multimodal, and conceptually rigorous practices. Anchored in contrapuntal pedagogy and supported by the principle of epistemic ascent, the approach affirms the integration of disciplinary knowledge with students' lived realities. The presentation also foregrounds assessment for justice as essential to equity and calls for systemic institutional support to enable this renewal, even amidst the dire conditions that currently undermine teaching.

Sources:

• Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (2023). A Multimodal Grammar of Artificial Intelligence: Measuring the Gains and Losses in Generative AI. Multimodality and Society, 4(2), 123–152. https://doi.org/10.1177/26349795231221699
• Fataar, A. (2025, May 15). AI, pedagogy, assessment: Shifting to a design?based pedagogy. 中国体育彩票 World News. https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20250514190158384
• Kalantzis, M., & Cope, B. (2025). Literacy in the time of artificial intelligence. Reading Research Quarterly, 60(e1),1-34. https://doi.org/10.1002/rrq.591

Contact Dalene Joubert (dvermeulen@sun.ac.za) for more information.

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?Introduction and Academic Background

As someone engaged in work around memory and memorialisation at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, I attended the Winter School at the 中国体育彩票 of S?o Paulo (USP) with a deep interest in how societies confront the legacies of violence, injustice, and historical erasure. My master's research focuses on Islamic education for school-going children in Stellenbosch, examining how educational practices shape identity, belonging, and cultural continuity within a diverse community. I have also been actively involved in a parallel body of work around memory and memorialisation in post-apartheid South Africa. This dual focus reflects my broader commitment to understanding how education and memory intersect to influence social justice and inclusion.

Alongside my academic research, I have been documenting and writing the stories of individuals such as Donavan Wanza, Frank Anthony, Ronald Carolissen, Walter Parry, and Victor Honey, whose lives and contributions have largely been excluded from official narratives in Stellenbosch. It is narratives about resistance and personal endurance during apartheid. By bringing these stories to light, I aim to challenge the silences in public memory and foster a more inclusive and honest engagement with South Africa's complex past, particularly in Stellenbosch.

Selection and Diversity of Participants

It was this commitment to reclaiming marginalised histories and fostering dialogue that led to my selection for the Winter School on 中国体育彩票, Memory and Reparations, hosted by the 中国体育彩票 of S?o Paulo. From over 400 applicants, 100 participants were selected, with half from Brazil and the other half from countries including Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Uruguay, North America, Germany, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, and Italy. The African contingent included participants from South Africa, Mozambique, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Nigeria, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau. What united us was a shared commitment to understanding how memory operates in post-violent societies, from military dictatorships in Latin America to the legacies of colonial rule, apartheid, and conflict across the African continent, with a particular focus on how these histories are remembered, contested, and often silenced among marginalised groups and sectors of society that remain largely invisible.

Programme Structure and Engagement

The Winter School's structure was thoughtfully designed to foster genuine engagement. Each participant presented their work, received detailed feedback from others, and then had the opportunity to revise and improve their presentations. This iterative process was invaluable in deepening and refining our research. The experience was further enriched by site visits to memory spaces across S?o Paulo and presentations from experts in memory and reparations from Brazil, South Africa, the USA, and Germany. These encounters grounded our academic reflections in lived experience and helped illuminate the emotional and political weight of memorialisation.

Institutional Context at USP

For better context, it is important to briefly discuss the institutional structure of the 中国体育彩票 of S?o Paulo (USP) and explain where the programme I attended was situated within this framework. USP is organised into various administrative divisions that oversee different aspects of academic and campus life. Among these, the Office of the Provost for Inclusion and Belonging (PRIP) stands out as a key executive body responsible for addressing both social and political dimensions within the university.

The Role of the Provost for Inclusion and Belonging (PRIP)

The Provost for Inclusion and Belonging is a key executive body at USP, responsible for addressing both the political and social dimensions of university life. Universities are not neutral spaces; they are shaped by power, governance, and decision-making that determine who has access, voice, and opportunity. By engaging with these political aspects, the Provost ensures that issues of representation, justice, and equity are actively addressed rather than ignored.

At the same time, the Provost focuses on the everyday social experiences of students, faculty, and staff, fostering diversity, inclusion, and well-being. Combining political awareness with social support, the office works to critically examine and transform structures of power, creating a more just, inclusive, and democratic academic community. The Provost operations find their expressions in the following five programmes:

• Campus Life (Vida no Campus): Supports students' daily needs, including food, housing, childcare, sports, and overall well-being.
• Mental Health and Social Well-Being: Manages the university's mental health network (ECOS), promotes counselling access, and strengthens social support to address cultural and emotional stress.
• Women, Ethnic-Racial Relations and Diversities: Develops policies to combat gender and racial inequalities, supports persons with disabilities and migrant groups, and improves campus accessibility and inclusion.
• Education and Professional Life: Encourages academic and career growth, promotes diversity among faculty and staff, and supports professional development opportunities.
• Human Rights, Reparations, Memory and Justice: Advances human rights education, addresses historical memory and institutional accountability, and supports reparative justice initiatives.

PRIP designs, implements, and manages initiatives across all these domains. The Institute for Advanced Science, which hosted the Winter School programme, is situated within PRIP's Human Rights, Reparations, Memory and Justice area. This positioning highlights the Winter School's close integration with USP's broader mission to promote political and social transformation and equity. By operating within this area, the Institute actively addresses historical injustices, supports reparative actions, and fosters a culture of memory and justice, ensuring that the programme is both academically rigorous and firmly rooted in USP's ongoing efforts to build a more inclusive and socially responsible university environment.

USP's Leadership in Memory and Reparations

The 中国体育彩票 of S?o Paulo (USP) holds a central place in Brazil's ongoing efforts around memory, justice, and reparations. Through its academic leadership, cultural institutions, and public programmes, USP is not only a major educational institution but also a vital space for confronting the country's historical injustices and fostering democratic dialogue. At the forefront of this work is the Institute for Advanced Sciences, which leads interdisciplinary programmes focused on human rights, historical memory, reparative justice, and social transformation.

Among the most powerful manifestations of this work are three university museums. These museums reflect USP's commitment to preserving memory, acknowledging harm, and contributing to reparative efforts across Brazil.

中国体育彩票 Museums

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAC USP): Located near Ibirapuera Park in a modernist building designed by Oscar Niemeyer. MAC is one of Latin America's most significant museums of modern and contemporary art. It houses over eight thousand works by artists such as Tarsila do Amaral, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Lygia Clark. The museum is also a centre for teaching and research, offering postgraduate programmes in art history and criticism. MAC contributes to the broader memory and reparations project by creating space for reflection on identity, inequality, resistance, and the role of visual culture in social transformation. It is not only a cultural site but also a space where historical awareness and critical engagement are cultivated.

Museu Paulista (Museu do Ipiranga): The Museu Paulista is one of Brazil's most iconic historical museums. Located at the site where Emperor Pedro the First declared Brazil's independence in 1822. The museum reopened in 2022 after extensive renovation. Its architecture, inspired by the Palace of Versailles, evokes Brazil's imperial past, but its exhibitions have been reimagined to include a wider and more critical perspective on national history. With over four hundred and fifty thousand objects, the museum tells stories not only of political events but also of everyday life, social change, and struggle. Through the involvement of the Institute for Advanced Science and PRIP, the museum now engages with the legacies of slavery, exclusion, and resistance, shifting away from celebratory nationalism toward a more inclusive and truthful historical narrative.

Maria Ant?nia 中国体育彩票 Centre: Occupying two historic buildings in central S?o Paulo. This centre was once part of the Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences, and Letters. During the 1960s, these buildings became sites of intense political activism and student resistance against the military dictatorship, most notably during the confrontation known as the Battle of Maria Ant?nia in 1968. Today, the centre serves as a cultural and educational space that hosts exhibitions, debates, and seminars related to memory, art, and human rights. It is also home to the Maria Ant?nia branch of the Museu da Pessoa, which preserves testimonies from individuals who experienced state violence and repression. The transformation of this politically charged site into a space for public education and reflection is one of USP's most powerful contributions to memory and reparations.

Together, these three museums form an essential part of USP's role in addressing Brazil's historical injustices. They are not only repositories of knowledge and culture but also living institutions committed to justice, inclusion, and repair. Through the coordinated efforts of the Institute for Advanced Science and PRIP, USP has positioned itself at the heart of Brazil's debates on memory and reparations. It shows how a university can become an active agent in building a more just society by preserving the past, acknowledging harm, and opening space for critical reflection and collective healing.

Visits to Memory Sites

As part of the Winter School, all participants visited these three major USP museums: the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museu Paulista, and the Maria Ant?nia 中国体育彩票 Centre. In addition to these, we were divided into smaller groups to explore other significant sites of resistance and memory across S?o Paulo.

I participated in sessions held at a former torture chamber used during the military dictatorship, which offered a stark reminder of the brutal repression that shaped recent history in Brazil. We also visited a house donated to the university that now serves as a space for reflection on how mental illness was addressed in the past. This house raises critical questions about care, institutional violence, and social exclusion. These visits made it clear that memory is never singular or straightforward. It is layered, complex, and often filled with contradictions. Each site brought forward different dimensions of historical trauma and collective remembrance, from political repression to medical histories and social marginalisation. What united them was the urgent need to acknowledge memory as contested, evolving, and deeply emotional.

Complexity of Memory

One of the most important insights gained from this experience was the necessity of consciously conveying the complexity of memory. During one of our discussions, I asked Professor Renato Cymbalista, Head of the Institute of Advanced Science, why the narratives of memory are so multilayered and not straightforward. His response helped me understand that memory, especially in societies shaped by violence and historical injustice, is never singular or linear. It is shaped by power, trauma, resistance, silence, and ongoing struggles for recognition. Memory is often contested and fragmented because different groups remember differently, and what is remembered or forgotten is deeply political. Importantly, the choice to represent memory in a multilayered and complex way is itself an ethical and political decision that refuses simplification and honours the diverse experiences and truths that emerge from history. Rather than reducing the past to neat narratives, we must commit to telling stories that embrace these contradictions, tensions, and uncertainties. This approach allows for a deeper and more honest engagement with history and creates space for marginalised voices to be heard. In doing so, we resist the urge to produce a single, sanitised version of the past and instead foster conditions for meaningful reparations, collective healing, and long-term social transformation. Memory, as Professor Cymbalista emphasised, must remain open, layered, and alive if it is to support real justice and change.

Academic Insights

Engaging in academic research, particularly within contexts marked by historical injustice and social inequality, requires a thoughtful and reflective approach. This section offers insights into two key areas of academic practice: ethical clearance and academic writing. Ethical clearance is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle, but a vital process that requires us to think critically about power, responsibility, and the protection of research participants. Similarly, academic writing is more than the production of knowledge; it is shaped by voice, positionality, and the need to challenge dominant frameworks. Together, these reflections highlight how ethics and writing are deeply intertwined with the politics of knowledge production in post-conflict and postcolonial contexts.

Ethical Clearance

During a session at the Maria Ant?nia 中国体育彩票 Centre, I asked the professor overseeing the museum about the ethical clearances used for their exhibitions. Her response was direct and thought-provoking: they do not follow any formal ethical clearance process. This stood in stark contrast to the highly regulated approach familiar to me at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, where ethical clearance has become a legalistic and institutional procedure. This experience recalled a workshop discussion where the point was made that unless we fundamentally rethink the meaning of ethics, universities will struggle to participate in genuine social transformation. At Stellenbosch, ethics is often narrowly framed as a protective mechanism focused on compliance, safeguarding the institution from reputational or legal risk. In this framework, accountability is inward-facing, designed to reassure the university rather than the communities it serves.

My experience working with communities tells a different story. People want to speak, share their histories, their pain, their hopes, and their perspectives. They do not ask for academic clearance; they ask to be listened to with respect and responsibility. Real ethical engagement begins with building trust, recognising power dynamics, and being present in meaningful ways.

USP, one of the top universities globally and the leading institution in Latin America, demonstrates a different understanding. Accountability is public-facing, embedded in the social mission of the university to serve and respond to society's needs. This approach reflects a relational sense of ethics rooted in dialogue, participation, and care.

This difference should prompt serious reflection for institutions like Stellenbosch. When ethical clearance becomes a shield rather than a bridge, we risk losing the very people we claim to represent. Ethics should never be used to silence or delay stories that need to be told. If we want our work to matter beyond the university, ethics must prioritise accountability to people, not just to the system.

Academic Writing

Another transformative insight from the Winter School was about academic writing. One of the most refreshing ideas encountered was that academic writing should focus less on extensively quoting others and more on the author's contribution. Your voice, insights, and experience are what give your work its value.

While engagement with existing literature is important, it should not overshadow your argument or positionality. Writing is a political and ethical act shaped by who you are, where you come from, and what you believe. Embracing this ownership strengthens scholarship, making it more authentic and grounded, bridging theory and experience.

This approach demands responsibility for your ideas rather than hiding behind citations for validation. Academic writing need not be impersonal or detached; sincerity and clarity about your position enhance the legitimacy of your work. As Professor Renato Cymbalista so aptly put it, “Your writing must reflect your intellectual autonomy; it should show how you think, not just what others have thought." Writing is not just a technical exercise; it is about telling the truth as you see it and owning that truth fully. This, we were reminded, is where real scholarship begins.

Conclusion

This writing piece provides the context for my reflections on the Winter School. This intellectually and emotionally enriching experience broadened my understanding of how memory, education, and justice intersect across diverse global contexts. It reaffirmed the importance of international dialogue, site-based learning, and ethical responsibility in shaping more just and inclusive futures.

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Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Dr Mimmy Gondwe returned to her alma mater recently to engage in high-level discussions about the higher education sector at the 2025 Registrars' Imbizo at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU).

Gondwe obtained both her Master's and Doctorate of Law (in Mercantile Law) from SU.  During her time at SU, she won scholarships and grants in recognition of her academic achievements, including the Fulbright Scholarship, Andrew Mellon Foundation Scholarship, Baden Württemberg Scholarship and the National Research Foundation Thuthuka Research Grant.

Opening the two-day imbizo, attended by registrars and administrators from universities across the country, as well as representatives from Universities South Africa and the South African Qualifications Authority, Gondwe said: “We reflect on the strides we have made and the challenges we continue to face in the collective future we are building together in the higher education sector.

She described the imbizo as an opportunity to acknowledge the crucial role registrars play in shaping the academic and administrative landscape of universities. “You are the custodians of institutional integrity, stewards of compliance and champions of student-centred delivery."

Gondwe addressed concerns about the late release of matric results, saying the Department was “actively engaging" with the Department of Basic Education to ease bottlenecks and minimise disruptions to university admissions ahead of the 2026 academic year. “We remain committed to ensuring that the integrity of the university admission process is not compromised in any way." She also noted National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding challenges, saying that work was being done to establish a sustainable funding model for the bursary and loan scheme.

Gondwe placed campus safety and security firmly on the higher education agenda by highlighting the DHET's call for “council-approved safety and security policies" to be submitted by all universities. These policies should be more than administrative documents. They should reflect a “commitment to protect lives, to ensure peace of mind and to foster an environment where learning and growth can take place without fear".

Meanwhile, Gondwe said the DHET is finalising a Memorandum of Understanding with the South African Police Service focused on the prevention and investigation of crime on and around campuses. “The aim is to foster proactive collaboration between campus protection services and the country's law enforcement agencies." Staff and student security on campuses is a “non-negotiable" and a “prerequisite to the effective functioning of our universities", she emphasised.

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath highlighted the critical role registrars play in an evolving higher education sector. “Registrars and academic administrators are the custodians of governance, the stewards of institutional integrity, and the enablers of academic excellence. Operational excellence is not an afterthought; it is a prerequisite for student success, institutional credibility and public trust."

He added: “To thrive, not just survive, in an ever-changing landscape, we must strengthen our people, streamline our processes, and cultivate a culture that is both excellent and humanising. This is how we build institutions that serve our students, our country and our continent with distinction."

Caption:

Carol Crossley, Registrar at WITS and Chair: USAf Registrars' Forum, Deputy Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Dr Mimmy Gondwe, Dr Ronel Retief, SU Registrar and Vice Chair: USAf Registrars' Forum and Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor at the 2025 Registrars' Imbizo held recently in Stellenbosch. ?

Photo: Ignus Dreyer

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Professor Soraya Bardien of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) has been awarded the prestigious Higher Education Resource Services South Africa (HERS-SA) Women Leaders Award in the Science category. The award is a fitting recognition during Women's Month that celebrates her journey from humble beginnings to national acclaim.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences professor, who leads sub-Saharan Africa's only research group investigating the genetic causes and disease mechanisms of Parkinson's disease, received the accolade for her exceptional contributions to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) throughout her academic career.

“I am stunned at this award. It's so unexpected and absolutely amazing to receive this recognition," said Bardien. “We often don't think our work is good enough for awards, but this shows that we – particularly women – should not be our own worst critics. We absolutely should apply for awards!"

Breaking new ground in Parkinson's research

Bardien's research has revealed insights about Parkinson's disease in South African populations. Her team's investigations have shown that South Africans typically do not carry the disease-causing genetic variants found in European and Asian populations, where most Parkinson's research has historically been concentrated.

“This is not surprising given the unique genetic composition of our population," Bardien explained. “South Africa's history has produced a 'genetic melting pot' resulting in unique genetic variation and architecture not seen anywhere else in the world."

Her research group uses cutting-edge genetic screening techniques to identify potentially novel causes of Parkinson's disease in South Africans. The team recently began collaborating with the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2), an international initiative studying the genetic basis of the disease, particularly in countries where research has been limited.

The second pillar of Bardien's research focuses on curcumin – a component of turmeric or “borrie" – as a potential therapy for Parkinson's disease. Known for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin is being studied by her team using cells from Parkinson's patients to understand its therapeutic potential.

From humble beginnings to international recognition

Bardien's path to academic excellence began at Belgravia High School, a relatively underprivileged school on the Cape Flats without a science laboratory. The school's involvement in anti-apartheid protests during the mid-1980s meant limited schooling during crucial final years for her.

“Our school was involved in the school protests against apartheid in the mid-1980s, which meant we didn't have much schooling, especially in Grades 11 and 12," she recalled.

Despite these challenges, she gained admission to the 中国体育彩票 of Cape Town (UCT) “by the skin of my teeth." With no laboratory experience, her first year proved challenging, but by her third year, she had won the Max Delbrück Science Prize.

After obtaining her PhD in human genetics from UCT in 1999, Bardien completed postdoctoral fellowships at several institutions before joining Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 as a senior lecturer in 2006. She was promoted to associate professor in 2012 and full professor in 2019, delivering her inaugural professorial lecture on the same evening she received the HERS-SA award.

A passion for mentorship

Beyond her research achievements, Bardien has demonstrated unwavering commitment to developing the next generation of South African scientists. She has graduated or is currently supervising 50 postgraduate students and seven postdoctoral fellows.

Her impressive academic record includes over 120 publications, three book chapters, one patent, and numerous awards. She has served on committees of various international consortia, representing South Africa and the broader African continent.

Championing women in science

The HERS-SA Higher Education Women Leaders Award recognises women who have made significant impacts in higher education, inspire others, and promote gender transformation across various disciplines.

“I feel we're under-recognised in our field, and we have more obstacles to overcome than our male counterparts," Bardien said. “We live in an unequal society. It's still in many ways a man's world. The legacy of apartheid has been a double blow for some. I feel very honoured winning this award."

When not advancing scientific knowledge, Bardien enjoys gardening, hiking in South Africa's wilderness areas, and watching crime documentaries.

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?Prof Soraya Bardien from the Department of Biomedical Sciences in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) delivered her inaugural lecture on Thursday 28 August 2025. The title of her lecture was “My journey with genes, genetics and inherited disorders".

Bardien, who also heads the Parkinson's Disease (PD) Research Group in SU's Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about her work on the genetic causes of PD and how this could help to develop improved drug therapies.

Tell us more about your research and why you became interested in this specific field.

My research focuses on the neurodegenerative disorder Parkinson's disease. Globally, over 25 million people are projected to be living with PD in 2050. The main contributors to this increasing prevalence are population ageing and population growth. This increase in the number of cases is expected to also occur in Africa.

Parkinson's disease has a genetic component and my research group investigates its genetic causes in South Africans. The other area of research is studying curcumin (a component of turmeric), which is a powerful antioxidant, as a possible therapy to prevent or halt neuronal loss in PD.

I became interested in this field as I find it fascinating to study the human brain. Genetic studies may shed light on the pathways involved in maintaining a healthy brain, and when dysregulated, can lead to disease. Also, PD is a terrible disease that affects many different aspects of people's lives, including their mobility, mood and behaviour. The hope is that collectively, we as a global PD genetics community can work together to identify the causes of PD that may eventually lead to the development of improved drug therapies.

How would you describe the relevance of your work?

We are the only group in South Africa that studies the genetics of PD. In fact, we are the only research group in sub-Saharan Africa that does this type of research, involving genetics, functional and therapeutic studies on PD. Our work is important as we provide the South African and African perspective to the field.

Why does it matter to shed light on the genetic causes of Parkinson's disease in South Africans?

From a genetics perspective, our population is unique. In fact, the global consortium that we are part of had to alter its data analysis pipelines to handle the novel genetic architecture and diversity observed in our population.

Genetic findings are important and necessary for the eventual application of precision medicine to the field. Precision medicine is an approach to patient care that takes into account a person's genetic variation, environment and lifestyle to more efficiently treat a disease. For example, instead of treating someone with the 'general' medicine, they will be treated based on the pathway or protein that is known to be defective in them. In principle, this should lead to better outcomes and fewer adverse effects. This approach is already being applied to the treatment of certain cancers, and although we are not there yet for the treatment of neurological disorders, I do think that is where the field is heading.

What have been some of the most rewarding highlights of your work on Parkinson's disease?

From our genetics studies, we have found that we do not typically identify the PD-causing variants found in European and Asian populations. Or if we do find those variants, they are quite rare. Given the unique genetic diversity in South Africa, this was not unexpected. But it does point to as-yet-undiscovered variants in different genes as the causes for PD in our population. Recently, our work highlighted a genetic susceptibility factor for PD in our population that appears to be more common in African populations.

Also, our work on curcumin has produced some interesting findings. Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant, but it has poor bioavailability (how much of a substance — like a nutrient or medicine — the body can actually use), which limits its clinical use. We found that if we package curcumin in nanoparticles (as a drug carrier), it can protect cells from neurotoxin-induced cell death. This is still a long way from promoting curcumin as a treatment, but these promising results suggest we are heading in the right direction.

Looking into your crystal ball, what developments do you see in Parkinson's disease research?

Our research group is a member of a global consortium known as the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2). To my knowledge, GP2 is one of the few large-scale global consortia to tackle the genetic causes of a disorder. I believe that GP2 is set to make important genetic discoveries in the not-too-distant future. These findings may shed light on the pathways that lead to the death of neurons in PD — this is needed for the design of better neuroprotective therapies. We need to identify people most at risk of developing PD and stop or prevent their neuronal death before it starts. Alarmingly, 50–80% of dopamine-producing neurons are lost before the motor symptoms develop and the disorder is diagnosed. This is too late, as once neurons die, they never grow back.

You have spent many years in the challenging environment of higher education. What keeps you motivated when things get tough?

My cats! I also try to go on hikes in the mountains and especially in the Wilderness. One of my favourites is the Cederberg Mountains, as I have many fond memories of challenging hikes we have done there. Sadly, going on these multi-day hikes has become less common as the workload and responsibilities have increased. Nature has a remarkable way of relieving stress and offering a fresh perspective on our problems. Also, I have to mention my husband Mark, who is an excellent sounding board, especially when I need to vent!

Tell us something exciting about yourself that people would not expect.

I like watching horror movies — not the gory and gruesome ones, but rather the psychological ones that linger in your mind long after the movie.

How do you spend your free time?

Going hiking, watching TV and going on long drives. I also love gardening and spending time with family and friends, especially out in nature. 

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In this Women’s Month, we honour a pioneering woman whose quiet courage reshaped the academic landscape of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: Sara Cornelia “Sally” Ehlers (1912–1996), the first woman to graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree from SU. Her 1932 graduation marked not only a personal milestone, but also a historic first for the Faculty, which celebrates its centenary this year.

A star from the start

A young Sally Ehlers in her early 20s. She was not only the first woman to graduate with a BCom degree from SU but also the only one of her class to graduate cum laude.

Born on New Year’s Day in 1912 in the West Coast town of Vredenburg — just three months before the Titanic’s fateful voyage — Sally was the youngest of 11 children. Of her ten siblings, only the four youngest had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Her brother Piet became a teacher and it was he who first planted the seed of a BCom degree in Sally’s mind. When he asked her what subject she liked most and she replied, “figures,” he simply said: “Well then, you’ll study BCom.”

And so she did.

From early on, Sally showed remarkable promise. At Vredenburg High School she excelled academically, receiving numerous book prizes. In 1929, she matriculated as the top student in the entire Union of South Africa, achieving first place on the national merit list — an astonishing feat for anyone, let alone a young woman in the 1920s.

Breaking barriers at Stellenbosch

Sally enrolled at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 in 1930 — one of just 340 women among the 中国体育彩票’s 1 064 students. She chose to study commerce, a field almost entirely dominated by men. That year, the Faculty of Commerce, under Dean Prof JFW Grosskopf, had only 54 students in total.

Sally was one of two women in the 14-student third-year BCom class of 1932. When graduation day came on 7 December 1932, only six students had completed the degree — and Sally was not only the sole woman but also the only one to graduate cum laude.

She resided in Monica, one of the women’s hostels at the time, and actively took part in student life. She was a member of the Chamber of Commerce Students’ management committee and regularly joined the BTK (Berg- en Toerklub) excursions. She also attended the Faculty of Commerce’s annual dinner-dances, including two held at the historic Masonic Hotel, a majestic Victorian building on the corner of Alexander and Bird Streets, now home to the Drostdy Theatre.

Sally’s brilliance was clear to her lecturers. Her accountancy lecturer, Mr BJA Thomas, regarded her as one of the most outstanding students he had ever taught, praising her natural instinct for the subject. Prof CGW Schumann, later Dean of the Faculty, admired her lively intellect and precision. Dr JH Botha, her economics lecturer, spoke of her scientific rigour and deep sense of responsibility.

A world not quite ready

Despite her academic achievements, Sally soon discovered that the business world of the 1930s was not yet ready for a woman with a commerce degree. After graduation, she travelled to Pretoria and Johannesburg looking for work — but met confusion rather than opportunity. Employers simply didn’t know what to do with a woman who had studied business.

She later recalled how she walked for miles, exhausted and disheartened. Undaunted, she returned to Stellenbosch and completed a Senior Education Diploma in 1933, along with a shorthand course, again earning a distinction.

A life of teaching, learning and living fully

Sally spent the next decade teaching in towns across the Cape Province and in Windhoek, then still part of South West Africa. Teaching gave her both purpose and independence — and her adaptability allowed her to thrive wherever she was placed.

In 1941, she married Wolfram Wagener, a German-speaking winemaker at the Drakenstein Co-op Winery in Simondium near Paarl, where her life was rich with activity. Sally threw herself into the rhythm of small-time farm life — raising four children, sewing their clothes, cultivating beautiful indoor plants, preserving homegrown fruit and vegetables, processing eggs and milk, even making butter.

Three of her children, Wolfram (MSc in Chemistry), Dirk (medical doctor) and Elsa (English teacher and literary translator) went on to study at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, while Hanna studied radiography at Groote Schuur Hospital, thereby continuing the academic tradition their mother helped pioneer.

A woman of wit, wisdom and warmth

After Wolfram’s untimely death at age 54, Sally moved to Paarl. She found solace in her garden, her books, her handcrafts and her love of stories. Her daughter Elsa Silke remembers her as a fascinating person — witty, wise and well-read.

“She had a quirky sense of humour and told wonderful anecdotes,” Elsa recalls. “She could recite entire passages from The Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, and read widely, from philosophy to crime novels.”

Her grandchildren remember her with deep affection. Liesl Maree recalls, “I have only the most wonderful memories of Ouma Sally. Whenever I was home sick from school, she’d arrive with a surprise packet, Richie Rich comics, and tell me stories. She was incredibly smart — she always solved the crossword puzzles. I could talk to her about anything; she was wise and kind.”

Her younger sister, Magdel van der Walt, adds: “Ouma Sally was a master storyteller. Her sense of humour was dark, sharp and unforgettable. My favourite book as a child was her old German copy of Struwwelpeter, filled with macabre but hilarious tales about the consequences of children’s bad behaviour. That tongue-in-cheek irreverence was so her — she couldn’t stand moralising and preferred irony over sentiment.”

Quiet trailblazer, lasting legacy

Sally Ehlers Wagener passed away in Strand in 1996, aged 84. She never sought the limelight, yet her life helped illuminate the path for generations of women to follow. Her achievement in 1932 was not just about a degree; it was about opening doors that had been closed, and proving, simply and clearly, that women belonged in lecture halls, boardrooms and beyond.

As Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票’s Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences marks its 100th year, it is fitting to remember its very first woman BCom graduate; a pioneer not only in commerce, but in courage.

Mrs Sally Ehlers Wagener, here in her late 70s.

The SU Faculty of Commerce and Stellenbosch campus in 1932:

• The Faculty of Commerce offered two undergraduate courses: the BCom degree (then BComm) and the two-year Diploma in Commerce.
• During their degree or diploma studies, students could enrol for additional courses in typing and/or shorthand.
• The subjects for third-year BCom students were the following: 1) Commercial Science (including Business Statistics, Cost Accounting, Business Economics or Accountancy and Auditing); and 2) Economics or Mathematics.
• Of the seven university hostels, four were for women: Monica and Harmonie, both in Neethling Street; Crozier Huis in Victoria Street; and Greylock in Van Riebeek Street. Accommodation cost ?12 per term.

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Starting on 18 August 2025, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), through the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching, will conduct two key surveys: the South African Survey of Student Engagement (SASSE) for undergraduate students, and the Lecturer Survey of Student Engagement (LSSE) for academic staff. These surveys form part of SU's ongoing commitment to supporting student success by better understanding the lived experiences of both students and lecturers in teaching and learning.

Running from 18 August to 10 October 2025, the surveys will provide valuable insights to help SU identify strengths and areas for improvement – whether academic, administrative, or related to the broader campus culture.

SASSE was first piloted at SU in 2016 and 2018 across the entire undergraduate student body. This initial research was headed by Dr Lieschen Venter, Senior Lecturer in the Logistics Department in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences. Dr Venter used this research to develop a structured data analysis model that highlighted key factors influencing student success, including academic skills, financial stress, and interaction with lecturers. These insights enabled targeted interventions and resource allocation to better support students. Dr Venter will also be working on the Integrated Student Success project, which will be rolled out across all the faculties.

Building on this foundation, the 2025 survey seeks to capture the realities of a changing student body and to guide more responsive support services.

“Our student body keeps changing, and for the 中国体育彩票 to be ready to receive and support our students, we need to understand where the gaps are," explained Dr Melanie Petersen, Project Manager, Integrated Student Success.

“What makes the Integrated Student Success project different is that it forms part of Prof. Ramjugernath's Academic Excellence focus area. It is an institutional initiative that promotes best practices across faculties and enables data-informed interventions."

A core aim of SASSE is to further equity of experience.

“SU's broadening of access was not accompanied by equitable student success. While the 中国体育彩票 has high average success rates, these figures are inflated by a disproportionate number of educationally privileged students entering the 中国体育彩票 from diverse backgrounds, masking an achievement gap between students," shared Dr Petersen.

The insights from SASSE will help SU create a more transformative student experience through integrated, collaborative approaches across Student Affairs, Student Governance, academic departments, and support services.

Petersen added: “We are in the process of creating a Student Success Framework, which aims to address the equity gap in our success rates. This will only be achieved through close collaboration across the 中国体育彩票."

Ultimately, the data gathered will inform strategies that empower students to overcome obstacles, build vital skills, and fully participate in the academic community – affirming the research of higher education scholar George Kuh, who demonstrated that there is a  strong correlation between student engagement and student success.?

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?The voting period to select candidates to serve on the Students' Representative Council  (SRC) is nearly at an end. Students have until 23:59 today, Friday, 29 August 2025 to make their choice and vote for the student leaders they wish to represent them on the SRC 2025/2026. 

The Students' Electoral Commission (SEC), which oversees the process, plays a vital role in ensuring that the elections are fair, transparent, and compliant with the Student Constitution.

“We're also working to get more students to vote, because the more students who participate, the stronger and more representative our student voice becomes," explains Sibabalwe Manyifolo, Chairperson and Chief Electoral Officer of the SEC.

Since nominations opened in late July, the SEC has coordinated the process from start to finish with the assistance of the Unit for Student Governance (USG) in the Centre for Student Life and Learning (CSLL), covering everything from campaigning rules and candidate registration to voting procedures and the resolution of grievances. This is crucial, as the SRC is recognised by the Higher Education Act and SU Statute as the highest student representative structure on campus.

The SRC fulfils its mandate through a team of elected members and appointed managers, supported by statutory bodies such as the Academic Affairs Council, Prim Committee, and Societies Council. Together, these structures ensure that the voices of diverse student groups are represented and amplified.

One of the highlights of the election season is the caucuses, which have been held across SU's campuses in recent weeks. These forums allow students to engage with candidates directly, debate key issues, and contribute to discussions on challenges facing the student body. Topics raised include education affordability, accommodation, ethical leadership, bridging the gap between campuses, and responsible alcohol use.

“It's been exciting! Candidates have been engaging students through debates, dialogues, and creative campaigns on different platforms," Manyifolo reflects. “We've seen good energy so far, and we're encouraging students to keep participating and really get to know the candidates before voting."

For MSc student and regular caucus attendee Nandipha Kupelo, these spaces represent empowerment.

“By reading manifestos, attending caucuses, and voting, students can hold their leaders accountable. Most importantly, students can get to know their leaders, understand their views and logic, and make informed decisions that go beyond popularity. Ultimately, this ensures their voices are heard and their interests represented."

Senzakahle Mazibuko, who is completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), says participation in the voting process to elect the best student leaders is important. 

“We must participate as students in voting for the new SRC mainly because of the affordability, accommodation and hunger crises we face. The SRC is the body that must hold university management accountable for their responsibility towards addressing the many challenges students are faced with. By exercising our vote, we can ensure our leaders hold the university accountable to its duties as a public institution"

Beyond the immediate election season, student participation contributes to a culture of civic responsibility that extends beyond the 中国体育彩票.

“These elections are an opportunity for students to engage with various aspects of campus and student life and shape the future of our institution through their chosen leaders," says Thulani Hlatshwayo, Student Governance Coordinator in the USG in the CSLL.

“By participating, students can ensure their concerns are heard and represented by the SRC. This principle extends beyond campus, as youth participation in local and national elections can drive meaningful change in society – a notion reflected in the upcoming 2026 local government elections."

Manyifolo concludes: “Voting for the SRC is important because this is your voice! The SRC makes decisions that affect your student life, so being involved means you help shape those decisions and make sure they reflect what students actually need and want."

To stay on top of election matters, you can follow the SEC on Instagram or visit their website.

?IMPORTANT: If you have not received an e-mail with a voting link, please contact the SEC for assistance at  electoralcommission@sun.ac.za and provide them with your full name and surname, and student number.

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In today's digital age, data is often described as the new gold or oil, underscoring its immense value for innovation, production, and services. The ability to collect, analyse, preserve, and leverage data for insight and discovery is often what distinguishes leading universities from the rest. These universities use data to gain new insights and innovate. Against this backdrop, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) Library and Information Service hosted the first-ever Figshare User Group Conference in Africa, from 31 July to 1 August 2025. Co-hosted with Digital Science, this milestone event further cemented the Library's reputation for fostering strategic partnerships and building local, national and international networks envisioned in the 中国体育彩票's fourth strategic theme.

Indeed, Professor Richard Stevens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, who delivered the opening address, linked the event to the SU's ambitious Vision 2040, which aims to establish the 中国体育彩票 as a leading research-intensive institution in and for Africa. He further highlighted SU's strong commitment to open research, notably through building a research data infrastructure such as SUNScholarData, the 中国体育彩票's institutional research data repository launched in 2019. Built on a Figshare product, SUNScholarData preserves research data for impact and posterity. SU also subscribes to other Figshare products,  Symplectic Elements and SunDMP. Symplectic Elements is described as a “highly configurable research management system that ingests data from multiple sources to build a comprehensive picture of organisational research activity", while SunDMP is a “cutting-edge DMP tool designed to empower researchers in writing their DMPs."

Following this vibrant opening, Dr. Mark Hahnel, Founder of Figshare and VP of Open Research at Digital Science, delivered an equally energetic keynote. Of particular interest was his reflection on the role of AI in scholarly communication: “The internet changed how we disseminate knowledge; AI is changing how we create it." He commended South Africa for its leadership in research data practices, adding: “It's an exciting time — and South Africa is ahead of the curve thanks to its forward-thinking libraries and institutions."

The programme continued with panel discussions and presentations covering a wide range of topics. Speakers shared experiences and insights on areas such as linking open data to the SDGs, pairing Figshare repositories with Altmetric and Dimensions, and examining the practices, norms, and partnerships that shape institutional repositories.

The second day focused on trends, challenges, and opportunities for the future, with presenters exploring new developments and speculating on what the research data repositories of tomorrow might look like.

Attended only by invitation, this conference attracted about 80 delegates. The majority were from South African universities and research institutes, with additional attendees from other African countries, making this historic first in Africa both a national and international success.

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???In a major advancement to South Africa’s renewable energy ambitions, Prof Craig McGregor, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), has been appointed as the first ACWA Power Chair in Concentrating Solar Power at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票. Prof McGregor also serves as the leader of the Solar Thermal Energy Research Group (STERG).??

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Prof Kennedy Dzama, an academic pioneer in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture, has been appointed as the new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU). He will start his term on 1 January 2026.

Currently serving as a Distinguished Professor and Vice-Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, Dzama brings with him a wealth of experience and excellence in higher education leadership, research and innovation.

Dzama is internationally recognised for his groundbreaking research on African animal genetic resources, particularly in the areas of parasite resistance, climate-resilient livestock systems and sustainable animal production.

His work has had a profound impact on the understanding and conservation of African animal genetic resources.

Since joining SU in 2006, Dzama has served as the Head of the Department of Animal Sciences from 2013 to 2018, and thereafter, as the Faculty's Vice Dean for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies. Dzama also leads SU's AgriSciences Interdisciplinary platform which includes programmes in Food Systems and Sustainability which has gained recognition across South Africa and internationally and whose collaborations and partnerships include Wageningen 中国体育彩票, Oxford 中国体育彩票, among others.

He obtained a BSc Agriculture (Hons) in Animal Science from the 中国体育彩票 of Zimbabwe, followed by MSc and PhD degrees in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Texas A&M 中国体育彩票 in the United States. Before joining SU, he held senior academic positions at the 中国体育彩票 of Zimbabwe and the 中国体育彩票 of Fort Hare.

He has supervised more than 60 postgraduate students and has published widely in leading international journals. Dzama has contributed to the development of academic programmes across Southern Africa, including the widely adopted Animal Breeding curriculum and the Transdisciplinary Sustainable Agriculture programme.

Dzama has been invited to serve on numerous national and international advisory panels, including the African Union InterAfrican Bureau on Animal Genetic Resources and the UN World Food Programme, SADC and its R&D wing CCARDESA. He is currently Chair of the Board of Governors of the African Wildlife Economy Institute and Chair of the Southern Africa Food Lab, reflecting his commitment to interdisciplinary solutions for agricultural and food system challenges.

In recognition of his contributions to shaping agricultural research and policy across Southern Africa, Dzama received the South African Society of Animal Science's Top Research Scientist Award in 2017.

Of his appointment, Dzama says: “I am deeply honoured and thrilled to serve as the new Dean of the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, and I am committed to leading our faculty with vision, innovation, and collaboration to achieve new heights of excellence in research, teaching, and community impact not only on the African continent but globally."

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath says SU is proud to see Dzama step into the role as Dean, where his vision and leadership will help take the Faculty to even greater heights. “He has already left an indelible mark on SU through his outstanding scholarship and his dedicated service as Vice-Dean, Head of Department and programme leader. Dzama's pioneering research in animal breeding, genetics and sustainable agriculture has not only advanced knowledge globally but also positioned SU as a leader in addressing critical challenges of food security and climate resilience. Just as importantly, his mentorship of students and his ability to build collaborative networks reflect his deep commitment to the next generation of scientists."

Prof Dzama will succeed Prof Danie Brink who has served as Dean since 2017. 

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This Women's Month, we're celebrating the academic staff at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) who are shaping minds and inspiring excellence through their teaching. These remarkable educators bring passion, innovation and dedication to the classroom, helping students thrive and succeed. Their stories reflect the impact of women at the heart of SU's academic community. 

Prof Lungiswa Nkonki of the Division of Health Systems and Public Health in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, is a trailblazer in advancing health economics in the Global South. A recipient of an SU Teaching-Learning-Assessment Award, she has shaped innovative curricula, from creating a healthcare economics module to establishing a specialised health economics track within the MPhil Health Systems programme. Nkonki's transformative teaching empowers future leaders to bridge policy and practice while mentoring a new generation of scholars. Her research and mentorship continue to strengthen health systems and drive equitable healthcare solutions.

Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where did your journey in academia begin, and what sparked your passion for teaching?
My passion lies in advancing health economics capacity-building in the Global South, where the field remains underdeveloped despite its critical role in public health. Health economics remains globally scarce – particularly in sub-Saharan Africa – yet it is vital in shaping effective health systems and policies.
My academic journey began with the development of a single module on economic evaluation in healthcare. That spark has since grown into the design of a specialised health economics track within the MPhil Health Systems programme. This work has expanded into the integration of health economics teaching across multiple undergraduate and postgraduate programmes within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. I've also had the opportunity to teach in the Global North, using these platforms to ensure that the theory and practice of health economics are more widely understood, accessible, and mainstreamed.

Did you have any teachers, mentors or role models who left a lasting impression on you?
Absolutely. My mentor, Dr Mickey Chopra, then Director of the Health Systems Research Unit, set me on the path toward my PhD studies. He created a deeply enabling environment: one that trusted us with meaningful projects and believed in our ability to deliver.
At one point, seven black women were doing our PhDs in the same unit. That intentional support and the culture of learning and mentorship he fostered had a lasting impact on me and continues to influence the way I mentor others today.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in academia today?
Being a woman in academia today means continuously occupying space that hasn't always been made with you in mind, and actively reshaping it for others. I see my role not just as a lecturer, but as a mentor, advocate, and guide.
My teaching philosophy centres around transformative, active learning. I draw from the work of Fabio R Aricò and Simon J Lancaster, who describe how active learning builds critical thinking and prepares students to lead in complex environments. My postgraduate teaching incorporates real-world projects, collaborative activities, and applied research, all designed to bridge theory and practice. In this way, I aim to foster thoughtful, socially responsible, and innovative leaders, many of whom are young women navigating academic spaces for the first time.

What is the biggest reward of being a lecturer at SU?
The most rewarding part is seeing my former students thrive - whether they're contributing to the field of health economics, influencing health policy, or leading programmes in their communities. Knowing that the work we do in the classroom has ripple effects well beyond the university keeps me inspired.

What advice would you give to younger women entering the teaching profession today?
Your lived experience matters. Bring all of yourself into your academic life: your voice, your insights, and your background. That authenticity not only strengthens your teaching but also paves the way for others to do the same.

PHOTO: Stefan Els

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This Women's Month, we're celebrating the academic staff at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) who are shaping minds and inspiring excellence through their teaching. These remarkable educators bring passion, innovation and dedication to the classroom, helping students thrive and succeed. Their stories reflect the impact of women at the heart of SU's academic community.
 
Sybil Smit, a chartered accountant and financial accounting lecturer, brings heart, humility and deep expertise to the classroom. Since joining SU in 2005, she has supported countless first-year students through transformative teaching and mentorship. A recipient of an SU Teaching Fellowship, she believes in co-regulated learning, with students and lecturers sharing responsibility for growth. Her work reflects her dedication to nurturing inclusive excellence and guiding future professionals to thrive.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?
I started at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 in 2005, you can almost say by mistake, since I never planned to end up in academia (I wasn't the best student). However, I haven't regretted it for even one day. I realised that I could contribute to the lives of young people, and I want to guide them to becoming the best version of themselves. The fact that I had to work hard to understand the work as a student, helps me to be a better lecturer as I can understand that students don't always 'get it' the first time.

Did you have any teachers, mentors or role models who left a lasting impression on you?
My Grade 8 accounting teacher was wonderful. In class we pretended that we were starting a 'business' and each day we would 'grow' it – as well as our understanding of accounting. She used something with which we could identify to explain difficult concepts, which I remember (and understand) to this day.

Is there a particular aspect of your course that you especially enjoy teaching?
I mainly lecture first-year students. I enjoy most parts of the content, and even though some of the concepts might seem simple, I must remind myself before each class that when I was a first year this wasn't easy, or obvious, and it also didn't necessarily interest me at the time. We always need to remember that it is probably the first time that the students hear about something, even though we have taught it a thousand times before. I try to make it relevant, showing them how it would look like in practice and where they will need to apply the knowledge.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in academia today?
When I started my articles 27 years ago, I was surprised that the senior men of some of our clients didn't regard a woman as someone who can understand anything about business. I'm fortunate to say that where I am now, all people are seen and treated as equals. I know it hasn't been easy for women to be recognised for their worth, and it's a privilege for me to be part of a generation where women are taken seriously and given equal opportunities. It's wonderful to be able to balance a career with being a mother and a wife, without the need to sacrifice any of my roles.

How do you incorporate technology in your teaching, and what role do you think artificial intelligence (AI) will play in the future of higher education?
Everything we do and use in class should be thoroughly tested, planned and then reflected upon to decide whether it worked as intended. Technology is a wonderful tool to help us. AI is something we need to embrace; we can't ignore it and we need to teach students how to use it ethically.

What is the biggest reward in being a lecturer at SU?
To observe how students develop. I get to know them from their first year and can see the amazing change. I still have contact with many of my students (a few are now my colleagues) and it's a privilege to witness their success. Especially my Thuthuka bursary students, who all come from disadvantaged backgrounds and are making a difference as qualified chartered accountants, not only in the lives of their immediate families, but also by contributing to the economy and their communities. They are positive role models for children who need to see that hard work can bring hope and change.
It is very rewarding when a student who entered your office hopeless and in tears, leaves with a smile and a plan. Another reward is seeing 'the lights going on' – when you explain something and the frowns turn into smiles!

What advice would you give to younger women entering the teaching profession today?
My advice is to find a mentor. You need people who you have a relationship with and who you can trust when you need guidance. Don't try to do everything on your own. We all need a good support structure, especially if you have a family to care for. Being part of a team and working towards shared goals gives you a sense of belonging and being valuable, and of having something to strive for without compromising who you are.  
 
PHOTO: Stefan Els

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??Not even the rain could dampen the enthusiasm of the more than forty volunteers from Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), the environmental organisation Greenpop, the Western Cape Government, and the wider Stellenbosch community. On 15 and 16 August, they came together at Stellenbosch Hospital to kick off the first phase of a greening initiative, rolling up their sleeves to begin transforming the hospital grounds into a more welcoming, nature-rich space for patients, visitors, and staff.

The Stellenbosch Hospital Living Landscapes collaborative project “envisions to transform the hospital's outdoor spaces into a secure green zone that nurtures health, learning and connection, for the benefit of our people and our planet," says Michaela Badenhorst, Greenpop's partnership manager.

The project has its origins in a similar project at the Helderberg Hospital, which was the brainchild of Prof Bob Mash, Head of the Department of Family and Emergency Medicine at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS). The Helderberg project, which spanned three years, transformed 397.5 hectares of barren soil into a fynbos garden, thereby restoring the local ecosystem.

According to Prof Mash, initially the focus was on planting trees at Tygerberg hospital, by offsetting some of their carbon emissions. Still, after a few years, with relatively few trees being planted, they shifted their focus towards a space where students and staff gather, and where some of the original ecosystems can be restored and offset some carbon emissions. Eventually, the Helderberg project happened, and today the team can look back at a beautifully restored endemic Fynbos area where people can enjoy a little bit of nature outside the hospital walls.

“For patients, especially those with TB or mental health challenges, having a green space that nurtures rather than something that feels like a desert makes a real difference. And for staff too, whether it's during teatime, lunch, or simply arriving at work, it creates a place to breathe, relax, and connect with nature."

Prof Mash said that, apart from the beautification of the area, the Helderberg project aimed to contribute to creating another fynbos corridor across the Cape Flats from Table Mountain, ensuring that pollinators can move around and biodiversity can be restored for the area to flourish. 

Good news travels far

The success story of the Helderberg hospital's restoration project spread rapidly, reaching the corridors of Stellenbosch Hospital, where Drs Lawson Eksteen and Tabitha Mathose, family physicians of Stellenbosch Hospital, asked Prof Mash to initiate a similar project, and soon the wheels started turning. “We are trying to uplift Stellenbosch Hospital, and part of that process is improving our infrastructure and the surrounding spaces on the hospital grounds, including uplifting the garden and its features," said Dr Blankenberg.

For her, green spaces are healing spaces. “We want to encourage people to spend time outdoors, being active in nature. Also, healthy communities need a healthy environment; ecosystem restoration is part of that. We also hope that we can inspire more hospitals to follow our example."

With SU's Facilities Management team on board, Christine Groenewald, SU's environmental sustainability engagement manager and Greenpop took the lead to organise the first two planting days at Stellenbosch Hospital on 15 and 16 August 2025, led by the energetic Imraan Samuels, one of Greenpop's urban greening project managers, who led the team of volunteers to prepare the space for planting. For the past decade, Imraan has been deeply involved in empowering individuals to create sustainable and abundant lives through permaculture. He has taught over 1 500 students, facilitated more than 200 workshops, planted over 5 000m? of productive gardens, and implemented hundreds of sustainable systems in homes across Cape Town.

Also part of the Greenpop team were Chris Nash, head of restoration, who has been with the organisation for many years and adds a thoughtful, system-level perspective to everything they do; and urban greening landscape designer from Edinburgh, Callum Watson, who has a real eye for creating green spaces that are functional and inspiring. He's especially passionate about reimagining urban areas in ways that support people and ecosystems alike. “Together, our team combines hands-on design, ecological knowledge, and community facilitation to bring projects like this to life," says Badenhorst. (Read more about the Greenpop team here)

Amongst the many volunteers were staff and students from the 中国体育彩票, a soon-to-be 90-year-old grandmother, a 76-year-old retired mechanical engineer from Somerset-West, and a Greenpop volunteer from Palestine. 

In service of society

Quoting SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjurganath, Groenewald said, “being involved in the bigger Stellenbosch community is part of the university working “in service of society".  She said Facilities Management has a long history of supporting the hospital with infrastructure projects through knowledge sharing and practical maintenance support.

FM supported the project's first phase with expertise and in-kind donations such as plants, compost, and gravel, and will continue contributing with irrigation support, hard landscaping, and by using its networks to attract partners and volunteers.

“The first two days just gave a glimpse into what is possible when we work together towards a shared purpose.  It was wonderful to connect with people from many different walks of life around the digging and planting.  It gives me hope for the future," said Groenewald.

Health and environment: peas in the same pot

For Prof Mash, health and the environment go hand in hand. “It is essential that our students have environmental stewardship as a graduate attribute. There is a very close relationship between the ecological crises and health, because of the environmental impact on health and social well-being. The health sector also contributes substantially to carbon emissions; therefore, it is imperative to prepare future generations for what lies ahead".

For him, the “green light" moment came at a global HIV conference in Toronto, Canada, in 2006 — the same event remembered for South Africa's then–Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's controversial suggestion that garlic, onions, olive oil, and African potatoes could help people with AIDS boost their immune systems.

It was there that he encountered former U.S. Vice President Al Gore's groundbreaking documentary An Inconvenient Truth, which laid bare the urgent realities of global warming and climate change. Inspired and shaken by this new knowledge, he returned home and presented his ideas to the Dean's management team. At the time, few took him seriously.

“Today, almost twenty years later, our 中国体育彩票 has an Environmental Sustainability Plan and invests millions in reducing our carbon footprint. We truly have come a long way."

Prof Mash eventually secured funding to appoint the faculty's first lecturer in planetary health, paving the way for this critical field to be integrated into Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's medical curriculum. What began as a single appointment soon grew into a broader academic shift: planetary health is now a core component of the undergraduate programme for medical students and has also found its way into several postgraduate offerings.

“This is no longer just an idea on the sidelines," Mash explains. “It has become a recognised part of our teaching in Health Sciences as well as an area of active research." In recent years, the faculty has secured multiple grants to investigate the intersections of climate change and healthcare — including pioneering work on planetary health — in collaboration with the SU School for Climate Studies, now firmly established at the 中国体育彩票.

The new generation

Prof Mash's message to the young medical students is: “The ecological crisis is real. It's not just climate change, but many ecological issues that have a dramatic effect on the health and social well-being of people. This generation of health workers is going to see more of how climate change affects their world and the people around them: think malnutrition, heat-related complications, malaria, HIV, TB, mental health, etc. We will have to prepare to deal with all of this."

“Also, the same climate hazards that impact health and society impact health services and facilities. Think about the damage that one flood can cause," he said, reminding us that South Africa produces half the carbon emissions on the whole African continent.

“We need to know how to make our facilities and services more resilient and how to behave in an environmentally sustainable way as we move forward," Prof Mash concluded.?

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??Seven student entrepreneurs from Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) have advanced to the regional round of the 2025 Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education’s (EDHE) Entrepreneurship Intervarsity competition. This initiative, now in its seventh year, is designed to spotlight the student-led innovations that are tackling real-world South African-focused challenges.  

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???In a first for South Africa, a surgeon with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness has successfully removed a donor kidney using robotic surgery technology at Tygerberg Hospital, marking an advancement in making organ donation less invasive for living donors.

The surgery, called a donor nephrectomy, was performed by urologist Dr Danelo du Plessis, a joint staff member with Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), using the da Vinci Xi Robotic platform. This sophisticated system enables surgeons to operate with exceptional precision through four robotic arms, controlled remotely via an immersive 3D console.

“The surgery exceeded our expectations, completed in under 90 minutes,” says Du Plessis, a senior lecturer and medical specialist in SU’s Division of Urology.

The procedure involved a 45-year-old mother donating a kidney to her 24-year-old daughter.

The robotic platform’s enhanced precision and dexterity enabled the surgical team to take a retroperitoneal approach – a less invasive technique that reduces post-operative pain and allows for faster recovery. The donor was discharged the following day, and the transplanted kidney immediately began producing urine, indicating that the transplanted organ is functional.

While nephrectomies to remove diseased or damaged kidneys have been performed robotically in South Africa, donor nephrectomy presents significantly greater complexity. This procedure requires the complete removal of a healthy kidney while preserving the full length of the kidney’s blood vessels, ureter and organ integrity for successful transplantation.

Dr Matodzi Mukosi, CEO of Tygerberg Hospital, said: ”This milestone demonstrates our commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. The successful robotic kidney donor surgery is a first for South Africa and a proud moment for Tygerberg Hospital. It reflects the extraordinary skill of our surgical teams and highlights the life changing impact of medical innovation for our patients and their families.”

Prof Elmi Muller, Dean of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and transplant surgeon, praised the achievement: “Robotic surgery is a new technology that has been used safely in many parts of the world for procedures like nephrectomies and prostatectomies. It is great to see that such innovations can also happen in South Africa. In a large consensus meeting around the use of robotic surgery in the field of transplantation at the end of 2024, we found that robotic surgery now provides similar results to standard laparoscopic procedures.”

Robotic surgery is a commonly used alternative from laparoscopic surgery and is regarded as equally effective where the technology is available. Since 2022, Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 have operated a comprehensive robotic surgery training programme designed to upskill surgeons and senior trainees in advanced surgical techniques. Du Plessis has completed 200 robotic procedures, including partial nephrectomies, prostatectomies, and cystectomies.

“When operating on perfectly healthy donors, it is essential to have a refined technique,” explains Du Plessis. “Living donors make this extraordinary sacrifice purely from altruism – they deserve a safe and minimally invasive procedure. This technology delivers on that promise.”

Prof André van der Merwe, Head of Urology at Tygerberg Hospital and Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 expressed pride in the surgical team’s achievement. “This represents another leap forward in surgical innovation. I anticipate we’ll see more of these procedures, with many more patients benefiting from this technological advancement."

?Photo caption: The surgical team that performed South Africa's first robotic donor nephrectomy.

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A team of postgraduate students from the Department of Microbiology and the Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 Water Institute (SUWI) took first place in a three-day hackathon challenge to develop water-related business ideas with a positive social and environmental impact.

The hackathon challenge was held during the African Union-Africa Water Investment Summit which  took place from 13-15 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. This landmark event – convened under South Africa's G20 presidency – brought together African heads of state, global investors, ministers, private sector leaders, and development institutions. The objective was to close Africa's US$30 billion annual water investment gap.

Their winning entry was a real-time algal biosensor that detects ecotoxicity and pollution in water, sending data continuously to an online platform via Internet of Things devices which can be monitored remotely via the internet.  This revolutionises water quality as it negates the need for point sampling, greatly increasing the resolution of your data and one's ability to respond to contamination events.

MSc student Bowen Langmead says this event was much bigger than any previous hackathon they have participated in, and very well organised: “We got a lot more exposure here to people in the industry. We're not sure what will happen next, but it would be incredible if someone were to step in and fund our idea into existence. For now, however, it is back to the lab to keep developing the product."

The team of five, Amy-Lee Kennedy, Leah Sars, Bowen Langmead, Douglas Archer, and Brian Bowles,  participated under the umbrella of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) Southern African Network of Water Centres of Excellence (SANWATCE), hosted at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's Centre for Collaboration in Africa Amy-Lee and Leah are MSc students in Prof. Wesaal Kahn's water resource laboratory, where the research is focused on biocontrol strategies, solar-driven water disinfection, antimicrobial resistant pathogen dynamics, and molecular monitoring of water sources. Prof Khan is also director of the Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 Water Institute.

Bowen, Douglas, and Brian are postgraduate students in the laboratory of Prof Gideon Wolfaardt, where the primary focus is biosensors and water quality monitoring.

Dr Nico Elema, Director of SU's Centre for Collaboration in Africa, said teams from SU and the 中国体育彩票 of the Western Cape (also a member of the AUDA-NEPAD SANWATCE network) competed against three other teams: “We are very proud of the students and the way in which they embraced this learning opportunity."

On the photo, from left to right: Douglas Archer, Dr Nico Elema (Director of SU's Centre for Collaboration in Africa), Amy-Lee Kennedy, Leah Sars and Yenziwe Mbuyisa (SUWI). At the back is Bowen Langmead and Brian Bowles.?

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Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) today officially opened the Medical Morphology Learning Centre (MMLC), establishing Africa's largest and most technologically advanced facility of its kind. The state-of-the-art centre reimagines health sciences education, moving beyond traditional teaching methods to create an immersive, interactive learning environment.

Located within SU's Biomedical Research Institute at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Tygerberg Campus) in Cape Town, the MMLC blends cutting-edge technology with traditional anatomical resources, offering students access to human anatomy through multiple learning modalities.

“With the MMLC, we've reimagined health sciences education, changing learning from a passive exercise into an interactive immersive journey," says Prof Karin Baatjes, Vice-Dean: Learning and Teaching in SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. “This cutting-edge training facility uses the latest technology to transform how students connect with the complexity of the human body."

The centre includes virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) systems, interactive touch tables enabling 3D anatomical exploration, and advanced 3D printing facilities for creating tactile models used in surgical planning and health sciences education. The VR headset enables students to perform virtual dissections, manipulate anatomical structures in real-time, and examine internal systems from multiple perspectives.

Prof Simone Titus-Dawson, Digital Education and Innovation lead at SU's Department of Health Professions Education, emphasises the pedagogical transformation: “By integrating the latest technology, we've made learning active and intuitive. Students can explore anatomy in multi-dimensional spaces, reinforcing clinical relevance and improving retention."

Beyond its technological capabilities, the MMLC maintains extensive traditional resources, housing over 1,300 ethically sourced human specimens spanning normal and pathological morphology, alongside high-quality microscopes and curated histology slide collections for detailed tissue examination.

Prof Gerhard Walzl, Head of the Division of Immunology, highlights the centre's broader impact: “The MMLC serves as a collaborative hub where health sciences professionals, researchers, clinicians, and educators converge. It stimulates interdisciplinary collaboration while advancing medical research and clinical practice."

The facility's comprehensive approach addresses evolving educational needs in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape. Prof Baatjes notes: “This centre positions us to create future-ready health professionals who can navigate both traditional medical knowledge and emerging technologies, ensuring they're equipped for tomorrow's healthcare challenges and opportunities."

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In the bustling marketing office of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Florence de Vries has carved out more than just a career, she's built a platform for change. As head of Marketing and Communications, she oversees everything from media relations to the Dean's Report, but it's her deeper commitment to mental health advocacy and inclusive communication that truly defines her impact.

De Vries' journey to Tygerberg Campus began in the newsrooms of Cape Town, where she spent eight years as a journalist at Die Burger and Cape Times' Business Report. Armed with degrees from UCT and Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 – including a master's in journalism – she transitioned from reporting the news to shaping institutional narratives, first at insurance giant Santam, then joining the Faculty's communications team in 2017.

She was promoted to division head in 2023, but the path wasn't without its challenges. “The role of this division is often deeply misunderstood," she reflects. De Vries has become a fierce advocate for demonstrating the value of marketing and communication in academic settings, recognising that effective marketing and communication is crucial for advancing medical education and research.

Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in her work as project lead for the Tygerberg Campus 'singing rock' visual redress initiative. This bold undertaking was more than an aesthetic improvement, it demonstrated her commitment to inclusion, where respect for all South African languages converges with art that invites reflection. The project showcases how thoughtful communication can foster belonging in academic spaces.

De Vries brings this same intentionality to mental health advocacy, an area where she has made significant contributions. Her work on the national CrazySocks4Docs campaign earned a Gold Award from the Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education organisation. More importantly, she actively contributes to publications exploring diverse aspects of mental wellbeing, and is a strong advocate for dismantling mental illness stigma, particularly as it's reinforced through media representation.

This advocacy isn't just professional, it's deeply personal. The past five years brought profound loss as de Vries cared for and eventually lost both parents within a painfully short timeframe. Rather than diminish her, this experience seems to have amplified her compassion and determination. “They were both advocates of education," she says of her parents, who instilled in her and her sister “a deep respect for learning, encouraging us to be scholars of life and to remain curious."

That curiosity – and perhaps a touch of inherited feistiness – comes through in her reflections on her late mother, Marilyn. De Vries recalls how her mother deliberately refused to teach her to cook, insisting she concentrate solely on pursuing knowledge and personal growth. This unconventional approach to parenting clearly worked, producing a daughter unafraid to challenge conventions and advocate for change.

Ask de Vries about her favourite aspect of the job, and her face lights up. “Honestly, my colleagues are the best thing about my job," she says, recounting how a recent colleague interaction prompted someone to ask, somewhat puzzled, why they seemed so happy together. “It stayed with me," she reflects. “It is a privilege to work with people who bring warmth and humour to the workplace, while also committed to delivering world-class communication."

She admires Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka for prioritising mental health over competition, Arundhati Roy for fearless social justice advocacy, Naledi Pandor for her dedication to South African education, and Susan Sontag for bridging literature, politics and art. These women share a common thread: they refuse to shrink themselves or their convictions.

This theme emerges in de Vries' own advice to young women today: “Take the time to understand people, places and context but never shrink yourself into wallflower mode." She advises the use of language that preserves self-worth: “Begin by removing the word 'just' from your communication. For example, 'I was just checking on the status of that document'. That word alone subtly diminishes the self. Remove it."

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?For many international students arriving at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), the first warm smile they encounter belongs to Ms Kalon Damons, Coordinator for Student Mobility at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 International. In her role, she coordinates the academic and administrative processes for incoming semester exchange students from partner universities, serving as their primary point of contact before, during, and after their stay, and facilitating collaboration with partner institutions to ensure that every mobility experience is smooth and enriching.

What Kalon enjoys most, however, is not the paperwork or logistics, but the human journey that unfolds. “Being part of the international students' journey from arrival to departure — watching them form friendships, explore South Africa, and adapt to a new academic and cultural environment — is incredibly rewarding. I feel privileged to play a small part in shaping such a formative chapter in their lives."

Kalon understands that first impressions matter. Meeting students as they arrive, she greets them with warmth, patience, and genuine interest in their stories. “Those initial moments," she says, “set the tone for the semester. If students leave feeling supported and reassured, they are more likely to approach the rest of their exchange with confidence and openness."

She recalls one student who arrived shy and hesitant, relying on a translation app to ask questions. “By mid-semester, he was laughing with peers in the waiting area and helping newcomers with translations. By the end, he described the International Office as a second home. This is a reminder that growth happens not only in classrooms but in every supportive interaction."

Her days are filled with both practical problem-solving and personal connections. On the academic side, she supports students with module registration, timetable clashes, and administrative queries that often feel overwhelming to newcomers navigating a foreign system. On the personal side, her office door is always open for students who need to talk — whether about adjusting to local culture, navigating homesickness, or simply finding the right resources on campus. “Often, students just need someone to listen without judgment," she says. “Sometimes even a simple 'How are you really doing?' can make a world of difference."

“Inclusive internationalisation is at the heart of my work. It means making sure that every student feels they belong — not just as visitors, but as valued members of the university community," she explains. Much of her work involves bridging gaps between local and international students, connecting them with resources, and creating spaces for cultural exchange through orientations, campus events, and everyday conversations.

Working so closely with international students has also shaped her own perspective. “Students have shown me that SU is not only a place of academic excellence, but also a gateway to experiencing South Africa's cultural richness. Their fresh eyes have taught me to appreciate the beauty and diversity of my own environment, while reaffirming that I thrive in a role that combines human connection with cultural exchange.

As a woman in international higher education, Kalon believes her empathetic and relational approach helps students feel safe to open up and share their experiences. “In bridging worlds, empathy is as important as information," she reflects. She also believes women bring distinctive strengths to this field: empathy, collaboration, and the ability to foster inclusive environments. “Women often lead with a balance of strength and compassion," she adds. “That combination can make cultural exchange both transformative and deeply personal."

For many students, Kalon is more than just an administrator. She is a guide, a listener, and a constant source of reassurance — someone who helps them turn a foreign university into a second home. And in doing so, she is not only coordinating exchanges, but actively bridging worlds.

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When mechatronics engineer Chris set out to research electric minibus taxis during his postgraduate studies at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), he wasn't trying to build a company. But what began as a research project soon evolved into a powerful decision-support tool for cities and fleet operators navigating the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in Africa.

Today, that tool is EV-Fleet-Sim, the technology behind EV-Fleet, one of SU's new spinout companies. It is the brainchild of Chris Abraham who started the project during his Masters and PhD studies - which was originally focused on South Africa's notoriously complex and under-researched minibus taxi industry. “I didn't want my research to just sit on a shelf. I wanted it to be relevant and something that could actually be used in South Africa," he explains.

At its core, EV-Fleet-Sim is a data analytics engine built specifically for electric vehicle fleet planning. It processes real data on vehicle movement - such as where they travel, stop, charge, and idle - to help organisations answer critical questions such as: How many EVs do we need? Where should charging stations be located? How much energy will be required? How long will charging take?

“EV-Fleet-Sim literally stands for Electric Vehicle Fleet Simulator," says Chris. “We built the tool to optimise electric mobility in the African contexts where data is sparse or inconsistent, and where electrification hasn't taken off yet."

But even after publishing the software online as open source, he was surprised to see very little uptake. That's when it dawned on him that accessibility was the issue.

“The tool was functional, but it was very technical - something only computer geeks or academics could use. So, I started building a more user-friendly web application, and that's when the commercial opportunity became clear."

Despite not seeing himself as a natural entrepreneur, Chris found traction faster than expected. By mid-2023, before the company had even been formally established, he secured his first paying client: Cape Town's City Sightseeing bus service. Soon after, renewable energy firm SCATEC came on board.

That early traction caught the attention of SU's Technology Transfer Office (TTO), which helped Chris to patent the technology and incorporate the company. Thereafter, pre-seed funding was applied for on his behalf to further develop the tool.

“It has really gone beyond what I imagined," says Chris. “This would not have happened without the support of Innovus and the LaunchLab. From funding to mentorship to helping with contracts and incorporation – they have made the transition from research to business possible."

A Dual Life: Academic and Entrepreneur

Balancing the demands of academia and entrepreneurship has not been easy for Chris who is still conducting research and developing the EV-Fleet-Sim tool, while simultaneously running EV-Fleet.  “Running a company requires a lot of admin, especially emails, but I'm learning. To cope, I time myself using 25-minute focus blocks and lean on support from my fiancée, and the TTO team."

Chris's advice to other researchers who are looking at entrepreneurship is to just “go for it. Even if it fails, you will learn so much and the university really does support you, not just financially, but practically. I didn't know anything about company structures or contracts, and I would've spent years figuring it out, but they walk you through it all."

The Road Ahead

EV-Fleet may still be in its early days, but its trajectory is clear. With two clients, university backing, and a growing interest from the broader mobility sector, the company is poised to help African cities navigate their transition to electric transport efficiently, affordably, and on their own terms.

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