??This year, the ATKV Woordwystoekenning (Word Wise Award) was awarded to the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (Dictionary of the Afrikaans Language - WAT) for the trajectory U, which was published online in October 2024. The purpose of the Woordwystoekenning is to reward practice-oriented reference sources for the contribution they make to the development of Afrikaans in practice.

The Buro van die WAT (Bureau of the WAT) is a leader in the lexicographic industry of South Africa and is based at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) in an office in Banghoek Road.

In a media statement published on LitNet, the editor-in-chief and executive director, Dr Phillip Louw, said that the WAT team is proud and grateful to be honoured by the ATKV in such a special way. “The Woordwystoekening has played a central role in the Afrikaans dictionary industry for many years. This year, the acknowledgement that comes with it offers our editorial team additional motivation to continue working on this treasure trove of inclusive Afrikaans. We would therefore like to thank the ATKV and judges for this, but also to thank every donor and stakeholder who so faithfully supports us in this work for Afrikaans."

Louw also expressed his gratitude to SU for continued support: “On behalf of the WAT Trust and the Bureau of the WAT, I would like to thank Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 for the generous support for our Ten-Year Plan. Such donations make it possible for us to keep up the pace without sacrificing quality. Without SU, this U Prize would not have been possible!"

SU's registrar Dr Ronel Retief, who is the Chairperson of the WAT's board, said it was a privilege to be associated with the WAT, not only because of the Dictionary's contribution to Afrikaans and the Afrikaans dictionary industry, but also because of the leading role that the Dictionary fulfils internationally in lexicography circles.

The WAT is a comprehensive synchronous explanatory dictionary, which is primarily focused on current language usage. The selection and presentation of data in a comprehensive dictionary is the result of in-depth research into the language contained in the dictionary. It is an academic dictionary that must be compiled in such a way that it can be used as an authoritative reference source by linguists, other researchers and lovers of Afrikaans.

SU provides, among other things, structural support, office space on campus, administrative support and maintenance services to the Bureau of the WAT. This forms part of SU's commitment to the development of Afrikaans and to multilingualism, given its status as host of one of the eleven National Lexicography Units.

A Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of the WAT, SU and the Pan-South African Language Council (PanSAT) was signed in 2003 and again this year.

?

Page Image:

?South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago has warned last night about growing global risks, arguing that the environment calls for “more, not less" financial regulation.

Speaking at the Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), where he serves as Chancellor, Kganyago delivered the Second Annual Financial Regulation Law Public Lecture on 25 September 2025. He qualified his position, however, by stressing that regulation must be “smart" – proportional and grounded in rigorous analysis and collaboration.

Important dialogue

SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath welcomed guests to the Faculty of Law, housed in the Old Main Building on the Stellenbosch campus. “This lecture series has established itself as an important dialogue at the intersection of law, economics and society," he said.

He added that Kganyago, who has been SARB Governor since 2014, embodied “the values of leadership, accountability and service that we seek to nurture in our students and scholarship".

Kganyago received an honorary doctorate from the 中国体育彩票 in 2018 and was installed as SU Chancellor in June 2025. “It is always a great pleasure to engage with the students and staff of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票," he replied to Ramjugernath.

Balancing regulation and risk

The topic of Kganyago's lecture was “More or less regulation: Responding to a changing global environment."

Setting the scene, he said: “Financial crises are among the most traumatic events a country can experience. Financial regulation is meant to address these problems. The goal is to prevent economic and financial crises by building a system we can all trust. Unfortunately, we do not always agree on how much to regulate."

He pointed to a regulatory “pendulum": Rules tighten after crises, then institutional memory fades and deregulation follows – often with damaging consequences.

Central to his address was Basel III, the global regulatory framework developed after the 2007–09 global financial crisis (GFC). It requires banks to hold more and better-quality capital – essentially larger financial “cushions" – to absorb losses without threatening depositors or the wider economy.

South Africa adopted Basel III rigorously, Kganyago noted, and while smaller banks faced some costs, the financial system overall absorbed them with minimal impact on growth.

Evolving risk landscape

“I have been involved in financial sector policymaking for close to four decades, both locally and internationally," Kganyago said. “Over this time, financial stability risks have continuously evolved, and financial regulators have, on far too many occasions, been too slow to identify and respond to them."

Looking back to the GFC less than 20 years ago, Kganyago observed: “Today, the financial landscape is marked by even higher levels of complexity."

He warned that “risk factors have increased substantially", listing threats such as:

• Geopolitical tensions
• Economic fragmentation
• Macroeconomic instability
• Technological advances
• The growth of non-bank financial institutions

Regarding cryptocurrencies, he flagged speculative growth in the sector: “The sustained growth rates of over 50% in some crypto assets suggest the formation of large asset bubbles."

Climate change, he added, is another underestimated risk. “Every year projections are overtaken by worse outcomes. Transition risks for South African banks are high."

On artificial intelligence, he struck a balance, stating: “AI is a double-edged sword: It brings speed and efficiency, but also new vulnerabilities."

'Step up, not back'

Kganyago concluded with a firm statement: “The world is living too dangerously for us to be dismantling defences now. We do not need deregulation. Instead, we can regulate more smartly, but the risk environment requires us to step up, not step back."

Lively debate

In the lively question-and-answer session that followed, those present pressed the Governor on a variety of topics.

One audience member asked whether South Africa risked losing access to US dollars as relations with Washington worsened. Kganyago replied that the dollar continues to dominate global trade and finance.

“Many reserve managers are trying to diversify, but alternatives are limited. This is why geopolitical risk has become one of the most pressing issues we face," he conceded, noting that even countries with large dollar reserves have found them inaccessible during times of conflict or sanction.

Asked about recent tensions between the Reserve Bank and the Treasury over inflation targeting, Kganyago replied with a metaphor: “We are siblings. There may be rivalry at times, but in the end, we will find each other."

An audience member remarked: “I just want regulations to be enforced." Kganyago responded: “Economists always search for the 'optimal' level of regulation; lawyers say it must be enforced. Both are right."

Another question highlighted the role of universities. Responding, Kganyago stressed that regulation demands interdisciplinary expertise: “From law, economics, accounting and actuarial science to computer science – universities play a vital role in equipping regulators with these skills."

Gys Steyn Chair

In his vote of thanks, Prof Johann Scholtz, the first incumbent of the Gys Steyn Chair, underlined how its mission aligns with Kganyago's call for smarter, multidisciplinary approaches.

The lecture series honours the late Gys Steyn, a former Chair of the SU Council. Through an endowment by the Steyn family, SU established a Chair named after him in 2023 – the first of its kind in South Africa – to advance teaching, research and debate on the legal frameworks that underpin financial stability.

Since 2024, the Chair has co-hosted a colloquium on green finance and climate risks, taught LLB courses, supervised LLM theses and begun work towards a bespoke LLM in Financial Regulation, the first two modules of which will start next year

Prof Juanita Pienaar, Acting Dean of SU's Faculty of Law, noted that by hosting the annual lecture and positioning financial regulation as a field of national importance, the Faculty is helping SU affirm its place as a hub for critical dialogue on issues that shape South Africa's economy and democracy.

??PICTURE: Ignus Dreyer/SCPS

?

Page Image:

?Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Student Recruitment Division recently hosted nearly 80 principals from priority high schools across the Western Cape, along with representatives of the Western Cape Education Department. The breakfast event took place on campus at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) Wallenberg Research Centre.

This highly successful event provided an opportunity for principals from SU's top partner schools in the Cape Town Metro and Winelands districts to engage with Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath on his vision for Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票, and to further strengthen their collaboration with the institution. Members of the rectorate and faculty deans were also present.

“Partnerships with schools are not just a nice-to-have; they are essential. They are part of our collective responsibility to the next generation. The work that you do, and the work that we do as a university, is about ensuring that we leave the next generation better resourced and better equipped than we are now," said Prof Ramjugernath in his opening address.

“Our story begins in your classrooms, in your corridors, and in your care," he continued. “The foundations that you lay are the ones that we continue to build on as an institution. Without your dedication, the excellence we strive for at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 would not be possible."

Ramjugernath shared the 中国体育彩票's long-term vision, SU Vision 2040, and its aspiration to become Africa's first global top 100 university. He emphasised, however, that this ambition is “not about chasing world rankings" but rather about “the impact that we have on the lives of the people who would enable us to be a top 100 university."

Calling on schools to support SU's commitment to working in service of society, he said: “Education is not only a pathway to employment, but also a catalyst for positive social change." Universities, he added, must prepare students to be engaged citizens. “That pipeline of being in service of society begins with you. With the way you find confidence in your learners, the way you encourage them to think beyond their immediate circumstances, and the way you start them on the journey to nurture resilience and curiosity."

Highlighting SU's focus on student success and employability, Ramjugernath pointed to the impact of initiatives such as the Dell Young Leaders Programme, which supports students from disadvantaged backgrounds, often NSFAS-funded. While the average graduate success rate for these students is typically around 50 to 60 per cent, those supported by the programme achieve a success rate of 98 to 99 per cent, with 100 per cent employability. In addition, their starting salaries are 30 to 40 per cent above the market average.

He also acknowledged ongoing challenges in higher education, both globally and in South Africa, such as student debt and the financial sustainability of the sector. Transformation in education is also important, but it should never be treated as an “optional extra", he said. Rather, transformation is a continuous process of “building a truly diverse, multilingual, multicultural institution where every student feels that they belong."

The principals in attendance used the platform to raise pressing questions and share perspectives on issues such as preparing learners for the demands of higher education, encouraging uptake of STEM subjects, navigating the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and ensuring that education fosters not only academic achievement but also critical thinking, values, and ethical leadership. They also engaged SU leaders on plans to manage potential disruptions at the start of the next academic year.

The event closed with a call for continued collaboration between schools and the 中国体育彩票. “The work that you're doing is essential for us to realise the vision of SU," Ramjugernath concluded. “Together, let's keep building a future South Africa, a future Africa, and a world where we can all be proud of our contributions."

Caption:

Hosted by Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's (SU) Student Recruitment Division, almost 80 principals, representatives of the Western Cape Education Department, as well as members of the rectorate and faculty deans, spent a collegial morning in open dialogue with SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, about student success and various educational challenges.

Credit: Stefan Els

? 

?

Page Image:

?

More than 200 women from our Responsibility Centre Operations and Finance attended this year's celebration of Women's Month with the beautiful theme of Flowers at Nooitgedacht Estate.

For the first time, Prof Nicola Smit, our Action Chief Operating Officer, joined us for this day of celebrations. “As a gardener at heart, I can think of no better way to celebrate the beauty, the resilience, and the brilliance of women than through flowers," she said.

In her address, she reminded us that, like a flower, we too bloom at our own pace. “Some take longer to flourish, and that's okay because we are all on our own unique journey."

“And in the same way, Facilities Management doesn't just build structures — they shape landscapes, weaving beauty and colour between bricks and concrete. Maties Sport proudly frames our world-class sports facilities against the breathtaking fynbos backdrop on Stellenbosch Mountain. Innovus stewards the Botanical Garden, a living archive of plants that are extinct in their native lands but thrive here," said Prof Nicola.

“Our IT colleagues let us send virtual flowers — thoughtful digital blooms on birthdays and celebrations — while Finance helps us bring to life a vibrant, flower-filled event like today — within budget, of course."

“In our RC," said Prof Nicola, “every part of our ecosystem adds colour, care and creativity — much like a well-tended garden. There are also the invisible gardeners, those women amongst us who work quietly, behind the scenes, nurturing spaces and people without seeking the spotlight. A lot of them made this day happen. And I thank you for that."

This year, Innovus (and SUNCOM) played host, and with some added energy from our MC for the day, Boitumelo Ndaba, the day was full of colour, laughs, a few very lucky draws, great food, dancing, and (of course) flowers!

Have a look at the beautiful photos taken by our photographer, Curt Ruiters, here.

Well done and thank you to Anita Nel, Chief Director of Innovation and Commercialisation, and her Innovus team, including Mariette Hanekom and the team at Ceco, for another fantastic event.

?

Page Image:

?Heritage Day was celebrated in South Africa on 24 September. In opinion pieces for the media, experts at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 point out that the country's greatest strength lies in its diversity of languages, cultures, traditions, perspectives and practices. Click on the links below to read the articles as published.

• ?Drs Zameka Sijadu and Gibson Ncube (Multilingualism and the values of heritage in SA) — Cape Argus
• Prof Deresh Ramjugernath (Heritage: Language a powerful thread that connects the past with the future we want) — Mail & Guardian
• Prof Chris Jones (This Heritage Day, let's open our minds to the perspectives and experiences of others) — Daily Maverick?

?

Page Image:

?

This year, Tygerberg Campus's Security Team organised a special initiative to share kindness, foster awareness, and remind students on SU's medical campus that they are never alone. With the help of the dedicated campus security personnel, sandwiches were prepared and handed out to students across campus — a small gesture of care with a meaningful message.

Each sandwich was accompanied by a powerful quote from Nelson Mandela, reminding students of resilience, strength, and compassion. Alongside the sandwiches, we also distributed campus security pamphlets — ensuring every student received vital information about 24/7 assistance available to them, and where they can find help in times of need.

This initiative served as a dual-purpose gesture: offering nourishment to our students while also building awareness about the resources available to keep them safe. It was a moment of unity, demonstrating that safety, care, and community are everyone's responsibility — and that compassion, often led by the women in our community, is a powerful force.

As part of Women's Month celebrations at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's Tygerberg Campus, the team also took a moment to reflect not only on the significance of this month but also on the everyday impact of women in our campus community — particularly the women who serve behind the scenes, ensuring our environment remains safe, welcoming, and supportive.

To the women of our Tygerberg Campus — from security staff to students, from lecturers to admin professionals — thank you for your tireless contributions. Your presence, dedication, and leadership shape this campus daily in ways both seen and unseen.

Let us continue to build a campus culture rooted in respect, empathy, and empowerment — not just in August, but every single day.

?

Page Image:

Heike Hayward, the founder of Fleur le Cordeur and guest speaker at the RC Operations and Finance's Women's Day, is nothing short of a floral design extraordinaire, as House & Garden Magazine describes her. This mother of six (who never went to floral school and has no formal floristry training) shared her journey with us on Women's Day, not as someone with all the answers, but as a mother, entrepreneur, and woman who had learned, sometimes the hard way, that there is no single “right way" to live a full life.

She started her business while pregnant with her first child. Her dream was to be there for her family, while also pursuing meaningful work. She managed to deliver her first wedding with the help of her mother, her nanny and a one-month-old baby in tow. From then on, her family and business grew together, eventually reaching a R10 million turnover in the first five years. She did this as a single owner, working forty weekends and every public holiday and throughout the main school holidays. She manages her twelve full-time staff and twinty part-time staff herself.

But Heike's journey was not without heartbreak. She recalled the day her daughter was injured at school while she was setting up a wedding. In that moment, she was confronted with an impossible choice: rush to her child or finish the event her bride had dreamed of all her life. “That day I learned," she said, “that higher priority does not mean higher value. Sometimes you must act on what is urgent, without forgetting what is truly important."

Through the highs and lows of her life as a mother and entrepreneur, she gathered lessons that shaped her into what she is today. The lessons are:

We truly need a village. Her family, loyal nannies, and growing team became the community that made her work and her family life possible.

Ask for help. “You cannot do it all," she said. “Free yourself from the tasks that drain you, so you can focus on what matters most."

Release control. She learned to let go of perfection and embrace “good enough" when needed.

Stay authentic. In her early career, she tried to hide the fact that she was a young mother. However, when she once brought her baby to a high-profile client meeting, the response surprised her: the clients respected her honesty.

Looking back, Heike believes women carry an extraordinary resilience. “We rise when we have to, we adapt, we create, and we nurture. And just when the world thinks it has us cornered, we find a way forward."

Her story is not about balancing life's roles perfectly, but about weaving them together into one vibrant tapestry. At the heart of it all is her village — proof that women are not meant to walk this road alone.?

?

Page Image:

Taariq Fakier, Facilities Management's Environmental Sustainable Waste Management Specialist, who took part in an international mobility programme at Lund 中国体育彩票 in Sweden earlier this year, described this learning experience as a journey of discovery that blended culture, collaboration, and sustainability. “For me, this was life-changing," said Taariq.

Taariq was part of SU International's staff mobility programme, which entailed a week-long programme structured around group and individual activities at Lund 中国体育彩票. Participants were introduced to Swedish culture, university operations, and sustainability practices, while also shadowing peers in their own fields. Taariq was paired with a host, David, and together they explored not only their departments but also the broader systems that shape sustainability in Sweden.

Taariq said he was immensely impressed to see how deeply sustainability is ingrained in Swedish people's everyday lives. “In Sweden, even children in creches play games that teach waste separation, ensuring that by the time they reach university, recycling is second nature," said Taariq. Lund 中国体育彩票 embodies these values through meticulous waste management systems that sort recyclables into separate streams — including cardboard, tin, paper, and more — supported by the municipality's seamless collection system. The partnership between university and municipality ensures consistent messaging and shared responsibility, something Taariq contrasted with the more fragmented collaboration here at home.

The group's visit also included a tour of a cutting-edge waste-to-energy plant in the Sk?ne district, which converts household waste into electricity and heating for thousands of residents. “They do not only have impressive infrastructure, but it is a fantastic model of what can be achieved when discipline, policy, and community buy-in align."

Returning to Stellenbosch, Taariq is determined to translate these insights into action. He said he was thinking a lot about SU's campus bicycle programme and how to use these assets to promote greener mobility, including early engagement with feeder schools to instill sustainable habits before students arrive. He would also like to pursue closer collaboration with the City of Cape Town to improve local waste management. Inspired by Sweden's example, Taariq is also thinking about exploring the feasibility of a waste-to-energy project in partnership with SU's Engineering Faculty.

Yet beyond the professional lessons, the trip left a lasting personal mark. Taariq spoke of the humility and informality he witnessed in Swedish professional culture, the sense of safety that allowed for everyday freedoms, and the discipline woven into daily life. “It was life-changing," he reflects. “I gained not only new ideas for our campus, but also a broader perspective on what's possible when sustainability becomes part of everyday life."

?

Page Image:

?

On Monday, 28 July 2025, Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 staff and students came together for a meaningful tree planting initiative at the Old Quarry near the Maties Cricket Club. Celebrating World Nature Conservation day, the enthusiasm was unmistakable, despite the crisp winter weather. The participants planted ten indigenous trees including bladdernut, white stinkwood, karee, assegai, forest elder, white milkwood, Cape ash, and water berry species.  This forms part of SU's environmental sustainability goals and strengthening natural biodiversity.  

The engagement exemplified the collaborative spirit that defines our university community. Staff worked alongside students sharing knowledge about indigenous species while getting their hands dirty in service of our shared campus home.  

Starting the process of rehabilitating the degraded area of the old quarry, that have been used as a building rubble dumping site in the past, this initiative represents more than just adding greenery to our campus as it reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement. Each tree planted will grow alongside our institution, providing shade, supporting local biodiversity, and serving as a living reminder of what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal.  

Special appreciation goes to the Environmental Sustainability Team, particularly Banothile Khuboni, for coordinating this successful engagement. We also appreciate all the staff and students who took time from their day to invest in our campus's future. These indigenous trees will flourish for generations, much like the spirit of collaboration they represent. 

As we continue to enhance our campus environment, important initiatives like these, demonstrate that sustainability is not just a policy objective but a shared responsibility that brings our campus community together in meaningful ways. 

?

Page Image:

?Prof Philip Bosman from the Department of Ancient Studies in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 delivered his inaugural lecture on Thursday 18 September 2025. The title of his lecture was “The Greeks and us: ancient texts in the academic quest".

Bosman spoke to the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division about the enduring value of texts from Classical Antiquity, especially ancient Greek literature.

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

I am currently engaged in several projects centred on ancient Greek literature. The first explores the sources of Alexander the Great, and my contribution focuses on Onesicritus, a near-contemporary author who wrote a biography of Alexander emphasising his education. The second project examines imperial correspondence in Late Antiquity. I write on the letters of the emperor Julian, which represent the most extensive collection of letters by any Roman emperor.

The third project investigates the term 'cynic' – derived from the Greek word for 'dog' – for a volume on 'Humanimal Ecologies'. Finally, I'm part of a team in a joint project with the 中国体育彩票 of Ghent and the 中国体育彩票 of the Western Cape, entitled 'Responsive governance and population well-being in Late Antiquity'. For this, I am preparing a paper for an international conference in Stellenbosch in November, exploring whether the emperor Julian was a responsive ruler.

From a certain point in one's career you get involved in projects either because you are directly asked, or because you feel you have an important perspective to offer.

How would you describe the relevance of your work?

Classical Antiquity has been the inspiration behind some of the greatest periods of revival and renewal in history – just think of the role that an influx of ancient Greek texts played to awaken Europe from its medieval slumber!

Ancient intellectuals laid the foundations for most of the sciences, including mathematics, astronomy, medicine, geography, literary criticism, philosophy, history, political science, and law. These works continue to influence architects, artists, musicians, and writers across various fields. I can go on like this for a while. The discipline still has so much to offer to our young and developing continent.

How would you describe the role of ancient Greek philology within modern tertiary education?

The ancient Greek authors address so many contemporary issues, and we attempt to make them speak while also taking serious account of their own contexts. Some of the most influential texts ever were written in Greek.

On the classical side, there is great literature like the Homeric epics and the Attic tragedy, but also the works of philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics, and the historiographers and biographers, to list the more obvious.

On the side of Christian literature, the New Testament with its really powerful texts was of course also written in Greek, as were the writings of the early Church. By offering profound insights into thought and culture, the study of ancient Greek texts remains central to the humanities.

What challenges does classical philology face in higher education today?

I think our greatest challenge is the widespread misunderstanding of what classical philology entails and why it is pursued at universities. Modern views on higher education often prioritise utilitarian outcomes, and because it's expensive, it is regarded as an investment from which financial dividends like a well-paying career is expected. The formative disciplines of the humanities in general share this challenge of not articulating directly into a career path.

We pride ourselves in producing graduates with a distinct set of graduate attributes, but in a small and developing economy like ours it's not easy to effectively communicate these benefits to the job market.

What are some of the unique rewards the discipline offers?

For students of theology, philosophy, or history, being able to read foundational texts in their original Greek is profoundly empowering. Classical philology is unique in its scope, encompassing an entire culture from its origins to its decline, offering unparalleled breadth and depth. This makes the discipline both challenging and endlessly engaging, ensuring that for a classicist there is never a dull moment.

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

Firstly, there is always something new to focus on in the field of ancient studies – more than what one person can deal with in a lifetime. For the past few decades now, we have been experiencing an exciting discipline renewal.

Secondly, we have lovely students working in our field, and it's hugely rewarding just to see them developing and maturing into good scholars and well-rounded persons.

Thirdly, my research has over the years taken me to international conferences and inspiring institutions of intellectual accomplishment.

Finally, I had the opportunity to meet very special people: a focused research area fosters a sense of collegiality and camaraderie that motivates me to do my best whatever the challenges.

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

Well, some may find it surprising that I am a 'morfar' (the grandfather on the mother's side in Swedish). My daughter Charlotte lives in Vendels?, Sweden, and little Madeleine has just started walking and talking.

I also recently completed my tenth Cape Town Cycle Tour. I was an avid cyclist when I was younger and started cycling again three years ago. I now have a proper mountain bike and intend to branch out to gravel racing.

How do you spend your free time?

Mostly with my family, on our stoep with coffee or having a braai. We love walking our dogs in the Botmaskop woods above our neighbourhood. I also belong to a wine-tasting group and enjoy learning more about wine and the latest happenings on the wine scene. A good thing about wine is that it's so diversified (the most diversified product in the world, they say), and it changes with every vintage!

• Photo: Prof Philip Bosman at his inaugural lecture. Photographer: Ignus Dreyer

?

Page Image:

?Luther Chipembere, a doctoral student in Agricultural Economics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), achieved a remarkable feat when he was recently crowned the FameLab South Africa 2025 champion. With this accomplishment, Chipembere became the first SU participant to win this prestigious award. He was announced the winner at an event in Pretoria hosted by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement & Jive Media Africa.

Considered to be one of the biggest science communication and public speaking competitions in the world, FameLab, which is also a development initiative, creates a platform for young emerging scientists to speak to public audiences about their work.

Chipembere, who is also an administrator at the African Doctoral Academy at the Centre for Capacity Development in Africa at SU International, said becoming the national FameLab champion is both humbling and affirming. “It shows that research can matter to people beyond the walls of research institutions and that ideas about food and technology have value in society. For me, it is encouragement to keep connecting science with the people it is meant to serve."

He added that it's an honour to have represented SU at FameLab SA. “Being the first from SU to win the national title makes the achievement historic, but also a responsibility to open doors for others who will follow. More than personal pride, it feels like a collective milestone shaped by mentors, colleagues, and supporters."

Chipembere's doctoral study applies AI and strategic foresight to global challenges, including food insecurity, generating insights that inform policy and practice. “Zero Hunger is a globally shared ambition that recognises the role of food in safeguarding human dignity. My research is centred on this understanding and contributes by using AI-driven analytics to monitor food production and detect early warning signs of stress within food systems."

Using satellite imagery, climate data and household food survey data, Chipembere develops machine learning models that can forecast crop yields before harvest, generating early signals of stress within food systems. These signals create time for farmers to adapt, for governments to cushion shocks and support resilience, and for communities to protect vulnerable households. In this way, his work transforms data into foresight and helps bring us closer to the reality of Zero Hunger – the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030.

When asked why scientists should communicate their research to the public, Chipembere says science fulfils its purpose when it is understood and used. “Communicating with the public builds trust, makes knowledge accessible, and invites people into conversations that affect their lives. It is about meeting people where they are and using communication to guide them to where they need to be."

Chipembere will proceed to represent South Africa at the international FameLab competition in November at CERN (European Organisation for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Photo (supplied by Jive Media): Luther Chipembere at the national FameLab competition. 
  

?

Page Image:

?Dr Ryan Tucker from Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's Department of Earth Sciences is part of an international team of scientists* that unearthed the “teenage" fossil of a rare dinosaur group in Mongolia's Gobi Desert. The fossil represents a new species of pachycephalosaur and is both the oldest and most complete skeleton of this dinosaur family found to date.

According to a media release by North Carolina State 中国体育彩票, the “teenaged" pachycephalosaur may provide answers to lingering questions around the dinosaur group. The new research was published on 17 September 2025 in the journal Nature.

“Pachycephalosaurs are iconic dinosaurs, but they're also rare and mysterious," says Lindsay Zanno, associate research professor at North Carolina State 中国体育彩票, head of paleontology at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences and corresponding author of the work.

The specimen was discovered in the Khuren Dukh locality of the Eastern Gobi Basin by Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, who is the lead author of the paper and currently a research assistant at NC State.

The new species is called Zavacephale rinpoche, which is the combination of zava, meaning “root" or “origin" in Tibetan, and cephal, meaning “head" in Latin. The specific name, “rinpoche," or “precious one" in Tibetan, refers to the domed skull discovered exposed on a cliff like a cabochon jewel.

Z. rinpoche lived around 108 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period in what is now Mongolia's Gobi Desert. At the time, the area was a valley dotted with lakes and surrounded by cliffs or escarpments. Pachycephalosaurs were plant eaters, and adults could grow to around 14 feet long (4.3 meters) and seven feet tall (2.1 meters), weighing 800 - 900 pounds (363 – 410 kilograms).

“Z. rinpoche predates all known pachycephalosaur fossils to date by about 15 million years," Chinzorig says. “It was a small animal – about three feet or less than one meter long – and the most skeletally complete specimen yet found."

The Z. rinpoche specimen the team discovered was not fully grown when it died. However, it already sported a fully formed dome, though without much of the additional ornamentation found on other pachycephalosaur fossils.

“Z. rinpoche is an important specimen for understanding the cranial dome development of pachycephalosaurs, which has been debated for a long time due to the absence of early diverging or pre-Late Cretaceous species and the fragmentary nature of nearly all pachycephalosaurian fossils," Chinzorig says.

How to tell whether two skulls that look different belong to two distinct species or just different growth stages of the same species is a long-standing debate for paleontologists who study this group, and that's where Z. rinpoche comes in.

?“Pachycephalosaurs are all about the bling, but we can't use flashy signaling structures alone to figure out what species they belong to or what growth stage they're in because some cranial ornamentation changes as animals mature," Zanno says.

“We age dinosaurs by looking at growth rings in bones, but most pachycephalosaur skeletons are just isolated, fragmentary skulls," Zanno adds. “Z. rinpoche is a spectacular find because it has limbs and a complete skull, allowing us to couple growth stage and dome development for the first time."

By examining a thin slice of the specimen's lower leg bone, the researchers determined that, despite sporting a fully formed dome, this Z. rinpoche was still a juvenile when it died.

Pachycephalosaurs are famous for their large domed skulls and are often depicted using those domes to duel in epic headbutting contests. “The consensus is that these dinosaurs used the dome for socio-sexual behaviors," Zanno says. “The domes wouldn't have helped against predators or for temperature regulation, so they were most likely for showing off and competing for mates.

“If you need to headbutt yourself into a relationship, it's a good idea to start rehearsing early," she says.

Z. rinpoche fills in huge gaps in the pachycephalosaur timeline – both in terms of when they lived and how they grew, the researchers say.

“This specimen is a once-in-a-lifetime discovery. It is remarkable for being the oldest definitive pachycephalosaur, pushing back the fossil record of this group by at least 15 million years, but also because of how complete and well-preserved it is," Zanno says. “Z. rinpoche gives us an unprecedented glimpse into the anatomy and biology of pachycephalosaurs, including what their hands looked like and that they used stomach stones to grind food."

“The newly recovered materials of Z. rinpoche, such as the hand elements, the stomach stones (gastroliths), and an articulated tail with covered tendons, reshape our understanding of the paleobiology, locomotion, and body plan of these 'mysterious' dinosaurs," Chinzorig says.

• Source: Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig et al. 2025. “A Domed Pachycephalosaur From the Early Cretaceous of Mongolia". Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-09213-6

*The research was conducted by Tsogtbaatar Chinzorig (Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences and North Carolina State 中国体育彩票); Ryuji Takasaki, (Okayama 中国体育彩票 of Science and 中国体育彩票 of Toronto); Junki Yoshida (Fukushima Museum); Ryan Tucker (Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票); Batsaikhan Buyantegsh, Buuvei Mainbayar, and Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar(Institute of Paleontology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences); and Lindsay Zanno(North Carolina State 中国体育彩票).?

• ?Photo: Prof Lindsay Zanno and Dr Ryan Tucker look at the skull of the dinosaur.

Page Image:

Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) recently hosted a two-day postgraduate colloquium themed “Post'-Violence Subjectivities in the Global South", bringing together students and researchers from four institutions –  SU, the 中国体育彩票 of Cape Town (UCT), the 中国体育彩票 of the Western Cape (UWC) and Cape Peninsula 中国体育彩票 of Technology (CPUT).

Organised by postgraduate scholars of the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ), the event created a vibrant platform for emerging academics to examine the ways violence, memory and trauma continue to shape identities and communities across generations.

In her opening address, Lesedi Mashego, a research fellow at AVReQ and Master's student, set the tone for two days of critical reflection. “This year's theme invites us into a space of reflection and dialogue about how we live with, respond to, and think through the afterlives of violence," she noted. Mashego reminded participants that the notion of “post-violence" is deliberately provocative, urging them to question whether societies are ever truly “after" violence. Drawing attention to ongoing global conflicts and particularly in the Global South.

The challenge, she suggested, was to confront these continuities while also imagining new subjectivities and futures.

Prof Gqola on irresolution, memory and art

The keynote address, delivered by Prof Pumla Dineo Gqola of Nelson Mandela 中国体育彩票, stood as the intellectual centrepiece of the colloquium. In a wide-ranging lecture, she examined how art, narrative and archives enable a deeper engagement with the afterlives of violence. “What I want to present today is a set of questions that I'm working through," she began, framing her keynote as an invitation to collective thinking rather than definitive answers.

Gqola reflected on the Apartheid Archive Project, which has collected more than 5 000 narratives of everyday life under apartheid. She argued that its value lies not only in preserving testimony but in revealing “the small moments" that show how violence seeped into ordinary encounters. These fragments, she suggested, push scholars to rethink both narrative and context.

Gqola highlighted the importance of art as a space not for answers but for questions. “It's much more productive to think about the questions that art asks, rather than to settle on finding the answer," she said. By doing so, she argued, art helps scholars move beyond disciplinary silos and confront violence's ongoing afterlives through imagination, narrative and performance.

Participants reflect on anger, memory and community

For several young academics the colloquium was a transformative experience. Leza Soldaat, a PhD candidate in sociology at SU, highlighted how the event validated both emotion and embodiment as legitimate sites of knowledge. She was struck by Li'Tsoanelo Zwane's paper, which reframed anger as a necessary force for change. Zwane's call to embrace “feminine ancestral rage" revealed how suppressed emotions can be reclaimed as powerful tools of resistance and creation, Soldaat said.

She also resonated with Lauren Grootboom's emphasis on memory as matriarchal, sustained across generations through communal care networks, storytelling and embodied resistance. “These themes provide a roadmap for future work that is not only intellectually rigorous but also emotionally and spiritually sustainable," she said, noting how the colloquium reaffirmed her own doctoral journey.

Benita Petersen, a PhD candidate and associate lecturer at UWC, observed how the panels revealed the inescapable presence of history. “The lingering effects of colonialism, apartheid, and other forms of structural violence continue to shape everyday experiences," she said. For her, the event brought forward the importance of situating research within community-driven knowledge and local histories, reminding her that scholarship should support change, not only describe problems.

For Yaadein Padiachy, a Master's research fellow at AVReQ, the most profound takeaway was the sense of collective purpose. “We gathered as young academics, not only to share our research, but to weave together new relationships, exchange ideas previously unimagined, and uplift one another," she observed. To her, the colloquium embodied what she called “an ethic of care and love", a reminder that research is not just about knowledge production but also about community building, restitution and wellness.

A space of questioning and repair

The colloquium's panels ranged widely – from racialised subjectivities and generational trauma to queer memory, land politics and the ontologies of the “living dead". Yet across disciplines and topics, the same themes recurred: that violence is not past but present, that memory is both burden and resource, and that scholarship in the Global South must grapple with the lived continuities of trauma.

Li'Tsoanelo Zwane, a lecturer and PhD candidate within the Department of Religion and Theology at UWC noted how “safe, seen and held" she felt at the colloquium. “As a black woman doing work on ancestral rage, it felt good to have people so willingly hold that rage with me – even momentarily. In fact, we held each other's ancestral rage from a place of deep care."

?

Page Image:

On September 18, 2025, the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), the LaunchLab, Stellenbosch Network and Innovus at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 welcomed a vibrant gathering of innovators at the inaugural Cape HealthTech Connect event at BMRI, Tygerberg campus.

Attendees enjoyed a day filled with inspiration as a new platform was created to unite researchers, entrepreneurs, startups, and industry partners, all aimed at enriching the HealthTech ecosystem in the Western Cape for a broader impact.

Page Image:

?“This sixth offering marks a most successful examination sitting for the IEB-ISC."

~ Prof Sarah Howie, Director of the SU-UIC

The Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU) Unit for International Credentialling (SU-UIC) is pleased to confirm the approval of the release of the Independent Examinations Board's (IEB) International Secondary Certificate (ISC) and Further Studies examination results conducted between 5 and 27 May 2025. The SU-UIC found that the examination sessions were fair, valid, and reliable as well as being free from any irregularities that could have compromised the integrity or credibility of the examinations.

This May 2025 examination sitting was the sixth IEB ISC examinations to take place. The SU-UIC has been conducting the external quality assurance of the IEB ISC, Africa's first international school-leaving certificate and the Further Studies subjects since the former's inception in 2022.

The SU-UIC Quality Assurance Governance Committee, chaired by Prof Samuel Tshehla, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs at SU, confirmed the approval of the release of the results of the ISC and Further Studies examinations on 26 June 2025, after extensive and rigorous quality assurance processes. The external quality assurance processes, amongst others, included the verification of IEB's internal quality assurance processes, external moderation and approval of the examination papers, interrogation of the quality and standard of the examinations, verification of the resulting data and standardisation of the results. Prof Tshehla announced “The SU-UIC Quality Assurance Governance Committee has approved the release of the Further Studies results of the South African students. The Committee, after studying all the evidence presented by the Independent Examinations Board is convinced that no irregularities were identified or reported which might have compromised the integrity and credibility of the May 2025 International Secondary Certification (ISC) and Further Subjects examinations administered by the IEB. Therefore, the Committee concludes that the examinations were valid, reliable and fair. It commends the IEB for conducting the 6^th ISC examinations successfully.

In response, Prof Crain Soudien, Chair of the IEB Board, reflected on the growth of the ISC noting “the ISC's importance for the independent (schooling) community and in betterment of our society in general." Prof Sizwe Mabizela, Chair of the SU-UIC Standardisation Sub-committee, underlined the professionalism and integrity of the process irrespective of the scale of the examinations stating “We want to bring every ounce of integrity to this process and are committed to working cooperatively to ensure quality of assessments is at the appropriate level."

International Secondary Examinations (ISC)

The ISC, Africa's first international school-leaving qualification developed by the IEB, is rigorous and equivalent to South Africa's National Senior Certificate (NSC), allowing holders to gain admission to South African universities. The ISC is recognised by Universities South Africa and UK Ecctis as comparable to Australian, UK, and Kenyan school-leaving qualifications.

The ISC is offered in eSwatini, Namibia, and Mozambique. In May 2025, 79 learners from the three countries wrote the ISC examinations at six examination centres. All the candidates who wrote were part-time or repeating candidates. The ISC started offering examinations in May 2023 to offer candidates the opportunity to follow “more flexible learning pathways" in addition to the original November examinations. To date 195 learners have written the mid-year examinations, reflecting the need for an Africa-centred international qualification, that provides learners with an affordable and flexible alternative.

Further Studies Subjects

A total of 895 learners took the IEB May 2025 Further Studies examinations, compared to 699 in 2024. Further Studies courses in English, Mathematics and Physics are regarded as challenging, enrichment academic offerings. These optional examinations allow learners to enhance their academic credentials before entering tertiary education, providing an advantage for local and international admissions and students' success.

This year, 95% learners sat the examinations for the first time, while 5% retook specific subjects to improve their scores. Impressively, 5% were Grade 11 learners. The IEB Further Studies courses are available to learners pursuing the IEB ISC in eSwatini, Mozambique, and Namibia, as well as the National Senior Certificate (NSC) in South Africa from both independent and public schools. A UK ENIC (Ecctis) benchmarking exercise found the courses comparable to UK A-levels, underscoring their global competitiveness.

?

Page Image:

Diploma in Sustainable Development students recently participated in a summer school programme at China’s Xiamen 中国体育彩票, an experience that combined academic learning with cultural immersion while equipping them with valuable skills for their studies and future careers.

The summer school consisted of a business programme hosted by the Xiamen 中国体育彩票 School of Management, one of China’s leading business schools, which ran from 1 to 10 July. It also offered a language programme hosted by the International Chinese Education School which took place from 31 June to 10 July.

According to Mr Shaun Dunn, a lecturer in the Diploma of Sustainable Development programme in the School of Public Leadership, opportunities such as these are essential for preparing students to thrive in the global sustainability sector.

“We encourage our students to pursue experiences that broaden their skill sets and expand their understanding of sustainability,” Dunn said. “China, as a BRICS leader with a strong focus on sustainable technologies, offers an ideal environment for this. Exposure to such an environment not only boosts our students’ employment prospects in and beyond South(ern) Africa but also helps them forge partnerships for future entrepreneurial ventures.”

Final year student Christian Christians and second-year students Yehudi Chihale and Richard Haacke all participated in the business programme at the summer school, while Ropafadzo Takawira, also a second-year student, enrolled in the language programme.

For Christians, the trip was transformative both academically and personally.

“The summer school wasn’t just about academics, it was also about personal growth and cultural discovery,” he explained. “We covered a range of topics, from international business and Chinese culture to AI in business and sustainability. I especially valued the guest lectures, which offered practical insights into global perspectives. For example, one lecturer specialising in Chinese economic development explained how the country achieved such rapid growth, which made me reflect on how some of those lessons could be applied in Africa.”

He recalled two standout experiences: “Visiting the bustling night markets in Xiamen with fellow international students was unforgettable; the lights, the atmosphere and the food captured the city’s energy perfectly. And presenting our final projects at the end of the programme was another defining moment. I was nervous, but afterwards I felt an immense sense of pride, not only for the academic achievement but also for the confidence I had gained.”

Reflecting further, Christians added: “Most importantly, the experience gave me a new perspective on the world. It made me realise that while cultures may differ, people share many of the same hopes and challenges. This has motivated me to be more curious, more open to diversity and more committed to contributing positively in my community.”

Chihale also pointed to the company visits and cultural tours as highlights of the trip.

“We saw first-hand the country’s advanced technological development, visited cities like Xiamen and Shenzhen, and learned how China became one of the world’s leading economies. It also showed me how deeply culture shapes society and business.”

He added: “I learned that AI and technology are the future as they are one of the biggest reasons why China is so developed. It's something I want to explore more in sustainability and entrepreneurship. I also learnt that culture plays an important role in shaping people and society. It's what sets us apart. Culture shapes resilience, work ethic and innovation – it’s what turns challenges into opportunities.”

Haacke found the academic and industry sessions particularly valuable.

“The lectures on AI and finance really stood out for me. They showed how sustainability and technology are driving business innovation in China,” he explained. “The company visits and cultural insights complemented this learning perfectly. These experiences connect directly with my studies in sustainable development and will definitely benefit my future work or entrepreneurial projects. I also built relationships with peers from across the world, who may well become collaborators in years to come.”

Meanwhile, Takawira took part in the pilot language programme, which introduced students to Chinese language and traditions while also opening up pathways for potential postgraduate study or international career opportunities in China.

She described the experience, which included lectures on Chinese traditions, lessons on the origins of the language, an island excursion and sampling local cuisine, as eye-opening.

“The programme taught me so much about Chinese culture and really challenged me to see the world differently,” she said.

The Diploma in Sustainable Development, offered by Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票’s School of Public Leadership, is a three-year programme designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Its focus areas include sustainable design methodologies, ecological intelligence, systems thinking, facilitation and leadership, small business management, social entrepreneurship, strategic communication, and sustainability reporting.

Page Image: