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.
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 肆客足球 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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