This Women's Month, we're celebrating the academic staff at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (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.
Dr Marietjie Lutz, a chemistry lecturer at SU for the past 20 years, is known for going the extra mile by channelling her love for cycling into a good cause – to raise funds for students facing financial challenges. A recipient of SU's Teaching-Learning-Assessment Awards and recently also a Recognition of Contributions Towards Academic Success (ROCTAS) Award, Lutz is known as a brilliant teacher who brings energy, empathy and passion to the classroom. Whether helping to develop a new sustainable chemistry module or cycling 600 km to raise bursary funds, she is always inspiring others to challenge their limits and believe in what is possible.
Can you tell us a bit about your background – where your journey in academia began, and what sparked your passion for teaching?
The very first time I sat in the same first-year chemistry lecture hall where I now teach, I knew I wanted to become a lecturer. It felt magical! At the time, I had no idea how I would realise that dream. I had a bursary from the Education Department that required me to teach at school level for the number of years I had received funding. But I grabbed every opportunity I could find, even juggling three different research assistant jobs at one point. If no opportunity existed, I created one.
My first lecturing experience came while I was still doing my PhD. I offered to step in for a lecturer going on maternity leave, even before arrangements had been made. I was so desperate to teach that I even offered to do it for free! That part-time contract in 2005 marked the beginning of my academic journey, and I've never looked back. As Confucius said: 'Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.' What a privilege to live that every day while celebrating 20 years of lecturing at SU this year.
Did you have teachers, mentors or role models who left a lasting impression on you as a learner or educator?
Yes, several – but none more so than Prof Johan de Villiers. He taught mathematics as if he were conducting a choir, with the content unfolding like sheet music. His enthusiasm was infectious, and he had a gift of making even third-year maths seem easy (in my opinion). He was also a role model in balance, and a respected academic who found joy in music, leading the renowned Libertas Choir. Inspired by him, I carried my love for maths into the classroom during the three wonderful years I taught this subject at Paul Roos Gymnasium.
Is there a particular aspect of your course or subject area that you especially enjoy teaching?
I love teaching any chemistry concepts with a strong maths component – they're challenging but deeply rewarding. I'm also especially excited about our new third-year applied chemistry module, Green and Sustainable Chemistry, which we launched this year. It's a powerful way to nurture critical citizenship and equip students to apply their knowledge responsibly in the context of our fragile environment. But to me teaching is not just about content. It's about humanising pedagogy, truly connecting with students and supporting them holistically.
What is the biggest reward in being a lecturer at SU?
The biggest reward is knowing that I'm contributing to someone else's future. I feel like a shareholder in the success of every student who sits in my lecture hall or walks into my office. When both undergraduate and postgraduate students cross the graduation stage, that's just the beginning of what lies ahead and I'm honoured to have been part of that journey.
What inspires me most? They do. From spontaneous greetings on campus or in the Neelsie while I'm grabbing a cup of coffee to 'Can I get a photo for my res?', these are the human moments that motivate me. And ultimately, I can't expect students to do their best if I don't do the same.
What advice would you give to younger women entering the teaching profession today?
Before our family's first Wheels of Opportunity fundraiser last year, I was nervous that our R60 000 goal was too ambitious. During a live interview on Matie FM (my first ever radio appearance, which was way out of my comfort zone) I admitted this uncertainty, and the presenter simply asked: 'Why do you think it's too high?' That moment shifted something in me.
After cycling 600 km in six days, the campaign gained incredible momentum and attracted incredible media attention. It all culminated in an unexpected R10 000 donation from a complete stranger who called me directly after an interview on SAfm, increasing our total to more than R76 000. This year, we passed R100 000! So, my advice is: Never limit yourself by deciding in advance what your limits are. Let your ambition stretch beyond your comfort zone – that's where the magic happens.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
?
