?The Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) Development and Rule of Law Programme (DROP), in collaboration with the School for Climate Studies and the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), recently (8 April) hosted an interdisciplinary workshop titled “Digitalisation, AI, Sustainability, and Soil Protection: Multiple Perspectives".

The one-day workshop brought together leading scientists, legal scholars, AI and data specialists, policymakers, and postgraduate students. Welcome inputs, which set the tone for the day's deliberations, were delivered by Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Postgraduate Studies, Prof Guy Midgley, Director of the School for Climate Studies, and Prof Kanshukan Rajaratnam, Director of the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking.

Moyo reminded participants that innovation must serve society and not deepen inequality, whilst Midgley offered a sobering climate science perspective, underscoring the vital role of soil in carbon sequestration and ecosystem stability. Rajaratnam emphasised that even the most sophisticated tools are meaningless without the right institutional incentives and open data governance.

Presentations

Key discussions centred on the transformative potential of AI tools such as soil mapping and precision agriculture while also highlighting critical concerns such as data ownership disputes, algorithmic bias, and a widening digital divide that risks excluding smallholder farmers.

Dr Andrei Rozanov, senior lecturer in soil science at SU, underscored the historical and institutional fragmentation of soil data in South Africa, urging stronger legal frameworks to unlock access and enable coordination across sectors, whilst Dr Stephan van der Westhuizen, a lecturer in SU's Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, called for transparency in AI-driven soil mapping, warning against the overconfidence often found in machine learning models that fail to communicate uncertainty. Ruda Murray, who is based in DROP, raised urgent legal questions about who owns agricultural data, likening it to “spilled water" that is nearly impossible to contain once leaked.

Prof Ilan Chabay, Research Professor, Arizona State 肆客足球 (ASU) School for Global Futures in Washington, who is currently a STIAS Fellow, provided a global futures perspective and challenged participants to consider not just what decisions are made, but who sits at the table when those decisions about land, AI, and soil are made—stressing the cultural, gendered, and ethical dimensions of land governance. He reminded the audience that soil is not only a scientific subject, but also a bearer of identity, memory, and belonging in many communities.

Core issues further revolved around four pillars: the need for transparent and humble AI models that acknowledge uncertainty; legal safeguards to prevent monopolisation of environmental data; inclusive frameworks that reflect African cultural contexts and empower small-scale farmers; and bridging persistent gaps between law, science, and public policy.

The workshop also featured presentations by several SU postgraduate researchers, who are supervised by Prof Oliver Ruppel, Director of DROP. Amohelang-Lethabo Maruping (LLM candidate), Ines Dehaene (LLM candidate from Belgium), and Ruda Murray (LLD candidate) presented cross-disciplinary work on sustainability in times of climate change, new ways of soil governance, AI ethics and regulation, and digital agriculture.

The event concluded with a clear call to action – support African-driven legal and ethical frameworks, promote open and inclusive data practices, and ensure digital innovation enhances – not undermines – climate adaptation efforts, promotes soil health and food security, and fosters social justice across the continent in times of geopolitical turmoil.

*Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixa?bay?

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When Carene Ndong Sima, a PhD candidate in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, was selected for the Female Science Talents Intensive Track 2025, she joined an elite group of 20 “exceptionally talented women" in science from around the globe.

Sima's selection to this prestigious programme grants her access to a transformative year of networking with outstanding women across all scientific disciplines. A key aim of the programme is to promote female leadership across science, business and society to boost the careers of early-career female scientists and researchers through personalised mentorship designed to help participants achieve “significant career breakthroughs."

The intensive one-year programme, targeting final-year PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, is sponsored by the Falling Walls Foundation. This Berlin-based not-for-profit organisation was established based on the concept of the fall of the Berlin Wall, with the mission to unite people dedicated to “tearing down the next walls in science and society." The foundation strives to “shape the future of humanity through impact-oriented ideas and discoveries, driven by a shared dedication for creating breakthroughs across borders and disciplines."

Originally from Gabon in Central Africa, Sima expressed her excitement about being chosen for the programme. Currently in her sixth year at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, she arrived in South Africa in 2020, just before the COVID pandemic, as a master's candidate. After graduating cum laude in 2022, she is now in the final year of her PhD.

“When I received the email informing me that I'd been selected, my initial reaction was disbelief. Then it turned to excitement," she said. “I thought to myself, 'wow, I am really doing this.' I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in this programme and to meet other women from all over the globe, and to learn about different cultures as well as to connect professionally with other women who are so good at what they do."

Sima's PhD research focuses on the pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics of anti-tuberculosis drugs, building on her master's work in human genetics that examined genetic susceptibility to TB.

Her dedication to TB research stemmed from an unexpected source. “I wasn't initially interested in TB. I was not aware it was such an important issue," she explained. “I was doing an internship at a hospital back home as a pathologist and my head of department started talking to me about the genetic susceptibility to the disease. It got me interested, and that is what brought me to South Africa. The rest is history.

“My selection to this programme really makes me feel I am on the right track," she added. “TB is still wreaking havoc and kills 1.8 million people every year. With it being a communicable disease, it is crucial for everyone that this disease is eradicated. I am really looking forward to this programme as I know I will grow from it and become even more motivated and inspired to do the work I do."

The Intensive Track Programme provides participants with numerous opportunities for personal and professional development through online and in-person workshops, mentoring, and peer-exchange initiatives. The candidates will also receive sponsorship to attend two high-level meetings in Berlin—the International Spring Gathering in May and the International Fall Gathering in November—offering valuable networking and learning experiences.

Regarding her future aspirations, Sima plans to become a principal investigator in pharmacogenetics research. “I would love to start my own research group back home in Gabon at the National Research Laboratory. I feel that I have learned so much, and, in addition to what I will learn on this programme, I am confident that I can start my own group to strengthen research capacity back home.

“Over the long term, my aim is to one day be the head of a research and development department," she said. “I'd love to head up an institution that does research innovation, development and implementation."

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Associate Professor Firdouza Waggie will become the new Executive Head of the Department of Health Professions Education (DHPE) in Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) on April 1.

Waggie, who was Deputy Dean for Clinical and Community Engagement in the Faculty of Community and Health Sciences (FCHS) at the 肆客足球 of the Western Cape (UWC) since 2020, seems perfectly placed to take over the leadership of the DHPE.

“One of the things that came out strongly in the strategy plan of Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is that it also has a focus on interprofessional education," she says. “And that, for me, is really great.

“I was fundamental in establishing the Interprofessional Education Unit at UWC in 2012. It has grown and is now a leader in interprofessional education – at UWC, in the region and across Africa, and is also positioned quite well globally.  It was one of the first universities to have a dedicated interprofessional education unit."

Specialising in teaching and learning

Waggie, who started her career as a physiotherapist at Groote Schuur Hospital after she graduated with a BSc (Physiotherapy) at UWC in 1991, was recruited by UWC in 1994 to join as a clinical coordinator and lecturer in physiotherapy. In 1996, as a foundation teaching and learning specialist, she began to coordinate, develop and integrate core interprofessional modules into the FCHS's curricula: “That was the turning point in my career."

During that period, Waggie completed an MSc (Physiotherapy) in 2002 and a PhD (Education) in 2011. Since 2012, as Director of UWC's Interprofessional Education Unit, she played a key role in developing core modules in interprofessional education in the FCHS.

“In the post-1994 [political] dispensation, there was a huge emphasis on primary healthcare," she recalls. “The whole approach to health changed – from a curative to a preventative approach. That policy change meant all health professionals needed to be reoriented to this new approach.

“UWC realised it needed to integrate this into the curriculum and prepare graduates to work in a primary healthcare setting. My role was to look at how to create spaces in the curriculum to train and develop this common core curriculum across the board."

The FCHS introduced its first primary healthcare module in 2000. “So I have good experience in curriculum development and curriculum transformation," says Waggie proudly.

Fostering collaboration

She is clearly excited about her new position at Stellenbosch 肆客足球's DHPE: “I am not coming into a space that is completely new. My goal is to enhance what is currently there and to add value to it."

Waggie points out that collaborative practice is another key part of her vision for the Department. “My strength is teamwork," she says. “But this won't take place in a vacuum. Stellenbosch 肆客足球 already has programmes that speak to this vision of mine."

She adds: “I believe higher education institutions need to start working closer together. I am not going to perpetuate a silo approach. I strongly believe that Stellenbosch 肆客足球, UWC, 肆客足球 of Cape Town and Cape Peninsula 肆客足球 of Technology need to start working together much more closely.

“If you look at the current challenges that our country is experiencing, including the major financial cutbacks in higher education, we really need to start looking at things differently. How do we start working within this climate, what are the pressing needs and how can we collectively find solutions?

“We don't have the luxury of duplicating services; we need to start being strategic and share information and resources and help each other. For me, that is going to be key. I see myself as leveraging my networks and being a bridge."

Waggie also often refers to the challenge of co-creation that faces higher education: “How do we co-create within the spaces of higher education amongst the different professions and with the communities where we are working? It is a big emphasis for me to start working in communities to co-create knowledge. In that way, we also address the issue of being socially accountable.

“That, for me, is the next level in health professions education. We need to look at the bigger ecosystem within higher education and start unpacking this notion of how we co-create – whether it is in research or innovation, in learning or teaching, or for example in our community engagement activities. These are the pillars we are responsible for as academics."

Transforming Health Professions Education

Transformation of the health professions education (HPE) curriculum is another issue that is very important to Waggie: “We need to start looking at health in a different way; our mindset has to shift to a way of looking at how we make HPE socially accountable to communities.

“We need to provide equitable healthcare systems and, for our students, we need to promote the notion of what it means to be socially responsive. For me, those are the key principles of how we can transform the health professions education curriculum."

Waggie takes a pragmatic approach to realising her vision, prioritising the establishment of trust-based relationships. She plans to engage with each DHPE staff member individually to understand their backgrounds, aspirations and perspectives.

She acknowledges the importance of a thoughtful and measured approach: “I am mindful that I am entering a space that, for the most part, is unfamiliar to me. I will start small and gradually explore opportunities to collaborate with other departments. Building strong relationships and partnerships is fundamental to everything I do, and it will be crucial to the success of my strategy. I know I cannot do this alone."

Yet Waggie is confident that there is support at the FHMS for her vision. “There is a willingness to embark on an interprofessional, collaborative practice in the Faculty," she says. “That is comforting."

Waggie is also well-positioned to play a role in higher professions education further afield. She has been a founding member of the Africa Interprofessional Education Network (AfriPEN) since its establishment in 2015 and an executive member of The Network: Towards Unity for Health since 2023.

She is especially keen to play a role in building capacity within African universities. “I want to focus more on strengthening health professions education on the African continent, particularly at other universities in Africa," she says.

“The FMHS is well-positioned to advance health professions education – locally, regionally, across Africa and globally. It has strong programmes and a respected international standing in the field."

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Beatriz Villaca?as didn't imagine her academic journey would one day lead her to the oak-lined avenues of Stellenbosch. Yet when she walks across campus, explores the town by bicycle, or settles into a restaurant after teaching Spanish to a group of eager evening students, she feels right at home.

“Even my parents noticed it," she says, smiling. “I was telling them something about my work, and I said: We are going to do this. They laughed and said: 'You never said 'we' when you were at university in Spain!' But now I feel like I belong here. I'm part of the 'we' at Stellenbosch 肆客足球."

Originally from Madrid, Villaca?as is SU's new Spanish lecturer, the first appointed through a partnership with the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), which sends native speakers to teach Spanish at universities around the world. SU is one of only a handful of South African universities offering this opportunity and Villaca?as is laying the groundwork.

“It's an honour for me to lay the foundations for what will eventually become a full Spanish course at SU and a long-lasting collaboration," she says. From 2026, Spanish will officially be introduced as a formal module in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages, joining the likes of French, German and Chinese. For now, Villaca?as leads evening classes, already drawing interest from students and community members alike. “The classes are open to everyone. If a student wants to bring their mom or their partner, they are welcome," she explains.

Villaca?as' route to Stellenbosch is as international as it is serendipitous. After completing her undergraduate and master's degrees in Spanish philology and her teacher training at the Complutense 肆客足球 of Madrid, she set off for the Canary Islands on the heels of a love interest, where she began teaching retired women in a café in Tenerife. “That was my first job ever – teaching Spanish in the corner of a hotel café to sweet ladies from Germany while guests were having breakfast," she recalls.

From there, she returned to Madrid to prepare Chinese students for official exams, before joining her government's Spanish programme in Bulgaria for three years. The experience cemented her love for language teaching and cultural immersion. “It confirmed for me that languages are meant to connect people and improve understanding, and that includes culture," she says.

That belief forms the core of her teaching philosophy. “Language apps are a great starting point," she says, “but no one becomes fluent through Duolingo or YouTube videos alone. You need a teacher – someone who can guide you, push you, identify your weaknesses and help you grow. And, most importantly, someone who can explain the culture behind the words."

That cultural element is something Villaca?as is keen to bring to SU. With plans for a growing Spanish curriculum, she also intends to host regular cultural events that showcase Spanish-speaking countries through music, literature and film. The first such event is planned for 24 April, when the well-known Spanish author Javier Moro will visit SU for a literary discussion?.

Villaca?as' passion for music sometimes finds its way into her classes. “Latin culture is so tied to music, it's a powerful teaching tool," she notes. “I let students pick a genre – rock, pop, metal – and then I find a Spanish song in that style. It often surprises them! They don't expect Spanish heavy metal."

Villaca?as is also eager to explore the languages of her new home. “I'd love to try Afrikaans," she says. “I've heard that other indigenous languages are also taught at SU. I'm very keen to try them."

Despite only arriving in Stellenbosch in January, she has already immersed herself in campus life and even attended her first intervarsity rugby match. “It was crazy, like a movie with all the cheerleaders and music! I couldn't believe the energy. I know I'll soon be shouting just as loudly 'Here we go, Maties, here we go!'"

She speaks with admiration about the sense of unity she's observed on campus. “In Spain, even at the biggest universities, we don't have this identity, this sense of belonging. Here, everyone wears their Maties colours with pride. There's real collaboration between people, a team spirit that impressed me from the start."

For all her enthusiasm, there's also a touch of realism. The AECID contract is limited to three years, and Villaca?as is clear-eyed about her role: “I know I may not be here to see the full fruit of what we're starting," she says. “But I want to build something strong – a course that can grow, a programme that others can continue. And who knows? Maybe in 10 or 15 years, I'll return and see a full Spanish department. That would be a dream come true."

Until then, Villaca?as is soaking up the local culture, exploring the town on two wheels, and finding joy in everyday moments. “I've adapted to life in Stellenbosch fast. I go to bed early and don't need to set my alarm; I wake up as the sun rises." Even the scorching summer days early in the year didn't bother her. “The heat in Madrid is far worse!" she laughs. 

· Villaca?as invites the SU community to attend the event with writer Javier Moro at 17:30 on 24 April at the Neelsie Cinema for free by registering at the bottom of this page: https://sites.google.com/view/suliteratureeventjmoro/home

PHOTO: Stefan Els

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You are invited to attend the lunch time Auxin session offered by the Centre for Teaching and Learning.?

Speaker: Delecia Davids 

Topic: Learning to Let Go: Pedagogical Courage and Uncertainty with Escape Room Pedagogies

??Date: 22  April 2025

Time: 13:10-14:10 

?Venue: MS Teams: Join the meeting now

Summary of the Auxin:

This presentation offers a reflective examination of a (virtual) escape room intervention in a teacher education module. The escape room aimed to foster student engagement and creativity by inviting them to navigate open-ended digital tasks and co-construct meaning within playful yet professionally grounded scenarios. However, it quickly evolved into a powerful pedagogical provocation highlighting the productive tensions of uncertainty, courage, and collaboration in higher education teaching, learning and assessment. This design destabilised traditional pedagogical authority and assessment expectations, echoing Barnett's (2007) call for higher education to prepare students for the unknown. The intervention required students to navigate ambiguity, make collective decisions, and creatively respond to unfamiliar challenges. It also fostered assessment as learning, prioritising reflection and transformation over correct answers, allowing students to take on a more agentic role in their learning. For educators, it offers a provocation to view pedagogical experimentation as a form of inquiry and courage, seeing uncertainty as fertile ground for growth.?

Delecia Davids is a lecturer and early career academic at the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch 肆客足球. As a Mandela Rhodes scholar, Delecia completed her master's in education policy studies with a thesis on the agency and place-attachment practices of student leaders. She is currently a PhD candidate and her research explores preservice teachers' digital agency through a sociological and sociomaterial lens.

Contact person: Simbongile Ntwasa at sim@sun.ac.za

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With their 600 km cycle challenge completed, Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) lecturer Dr Marietjie Lutz and her team of cyclists have their eyes trained on the ultimate finish line – raising at least R100 000 for science students in need.

They have already raised R92 000 with their Wheels of Opportunity (WOOP25) campaign, surpassing the R75 000 raised last year. “This campaign has not only raised awareness about the financial challenges many of our students face but has also become a powerful investment in the future of hardworking and deserving individuals. We plan to keep the GivenGain platform open until the end of April."

Their bodies may still be recovering from the gruelling cycle, but Lutz says the team never faltered in their dedication to the cause. Her four children completed the full distance with her over six days – even the youngest, Dani?l, 14, who is in Grade 8 at Paul Roos Gymnasium. “He was unsure (at the start) of what distance he would be able to cover, and he ended up doing the whole thing." She said everyone involved in the cycle kept their focus on the goal. “No one ever asked 'why are we doing this?', we all just kept moving forward."

Lutz says the experience was about so much more than just pushing limits and completing a challenge. “For each of the riders, it was a journey of personal growth. It was about paying it forward for someone else." The objective to raise funds for talented but underprivileged students resonated particularly with her two eldest sons, Ben and Jan, who are both studying at SU.

As in 2024, the cycle was not without its challenges. Long distances took their toll and on Day 2, the group cycled a demanding 125 kms, spending over seven hours in the saddle. “We were all exhausted," recalls Lutz. The curious kudu from last year made a repeat appearance, says Lutz, and this time the group was joined for a short distance by an energetic eland. Fortunately, her torn hip labrum did not play up. “Amazingly, I had no issues. I think because I was better prepared physically than before." She adds that better planning made it possible to expand the group to include her whole family and four additional cyclists. Fuelled by salted potatoes and diluted Coca-Cola, they pushed through the heat and hills to complete the distance.

The support – both financial and motivational – was overwhelming, she says. Lutz initially wanted to cap the fundraising goal at R75 000 again. But, encouraged by her husband to aim higher, she set a target of R100 000. The donations that started even before the first kilometre was cycled made her realise that “if we decide the outcome at the beginning, we limit ourselves and then how will the impossible come true?". Ultimately, adds Lutz, she decided, “If we want to do good, we should not limit ourselves. And this applies to anything in life – a student studying for a degree, for example. We should not limit the outcome of any such dream."

Lutz carried the dreams of many students with her throughout the six days, and a miniature version of SU's mascot Pokkel was attached to her handlebars as a reminder of the campaign's goal. “When things got tough mentally and physically, I looked down at Pokkel and was reminded of the reason why we did this."

• To contribute, visit: https://www.givengain.com/project/marietjie-raising-funds-for-stellenbosch-university-south-africa-99058
  
  

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The Lutz family, of which all four children completed the full 600km challenge.

Exhaustion after the second day's 125km stretch.

Beautiful scenery on the WOOP25 campaign cycle.

SU's Pokkel provided motivation when things got tough. 

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What began as a small “family meeting" in 2003 has evolved into an annual event, with 104 delegates from 67 universities across 36 countries attending the Stellenbosch International Academic Network (SIAN) meeting this year from 12 – 15 March This year's meeting spotlighted Responsible Internationalisation — a concept with many definitions and the subject of many published articles. Welcomed by Robert Kotzé, SU's Senior Director SU International, he explained that : “SU's goal with SIAN remains to highlight Stellenbosch as a prime destination for students and a place where partnerships are valued. We aim to foster collaboration, understanding, and shared growth. Together, we are building bridges between our African partners and institutions beyond Africa, helping the Global North better understand the Global South while providing opportunities to share experiences and enhance engagement with African higher education."

Kotzé says Responsible Internationalisation at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) is integrating an international, global and intercultural dimension into the complete life of the university – the people (staff and students) and the place (our campus, services, connection to town) — so that we can collectively explore the possibilities of various initiatives such as internationalisation-at-home, research collaboration, and virtual and physical mobility.

“The responsible side is then the alignment to SU's values and asking ourselves questions such as: How equitable are our partnerships, how do we ensure that mobility possibilities are accessible for all students, are we accountable in our projects, how do we show compassion through our services for and engagement with international students, how do we ensure respect in our engagement with partners? Our exploration of these questions and concepts will ensure that SU can play our role in International Higher Education and when and how we need to make difficult decisions on collaboration with countries involved in geo-political conflict."

Internationalisation is evolving

"SU International aims to contribute towards SU's aspiration to be an internationally recognised research-intensive Institution, rooted in Africa with a global reach," says Kotze. “We promote and enable internationalisation at SU by involving faculties and Professional Academic Support Staff (PASS) environments through developing a platform for International Higher Education Research in Africa, purposeful bilateral partnerships in Africa and beyond, enabling broad participation in multilateral alliances and networks, and Global Learning for a transformative student experience.

Kotzé emphasises the evolving nature of internationalisation, comparing it to an augmenting process rather than a static plan. “Internationalisation is not something you do once and it stays the same for the next five years. No, it is evolving. You learn, and then you change it. It still has direction, and should always be purposeful."

Collaboration and support

Professor Sam Tshehla, the acting DVC for Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs, welcomed the delegates to this year's SIAN meeting, highlighted the importance of collaboration and support from various stakeholders. Emphasising SU's strong partnerships, particularly in Europe, he highlighted SU's goal to increase its footprint in Africa. He emphasised the importance of research's impact on society at large, especially for the next generation.

Paying tribute to the SU International team's work, he said: “The support and academic staff are mainly the driving forces behind partnerships. We in the rectorate can talk as much as we can, but unfortunately, if that is not filtering down to the engines, it's not going to work."

Fairness, equity and collaboration

Following the opening session of SIAN, Sarah van der Westhuizen, Director Centre for Global Engagement, facilitated a panel discussion emphasising Responsible Internationalisation and highlighting the importance of fairness, equity, and collaboration within international higher education. The panelists were Dr Jonathan Noble, from the 肆客足球 of Notre Dame (USA), Prof Luciane Stallivieri, from the Federal 肆客足球 of Santa Catarina (Brazil), Eric Saulo from Strathmore 肆客足球 (Kenya), and Johanna Ackemar, from the Karolinska Institute (Sweden).

 Institutional commitment is crucial

Noble highlighted the importance of institutional commitment, collaborative partnerships, and faculty engagement in Responsible Internationalisation.

Building on a relationship of  twenty years, the 肆客足球 of Notre Dame partnered with the Ukrainian Catholic 肆客足球 in solidarity, investing $2 million to support students, scholars, and administrators. Over $1 million was also allocated for collaborative research projects developed jointly with Ukrainian faculty. “This initiative reflects Notre Dame's commitment to solidarity and shared responsibility for the common good," said Noble.

He talked about the importance of building scholarly communities and faculty engagement, mentioning that 15 percent of the tenured faculties at the 肆客足球 of Notre Dame are members of the Notre Dame global regional faculty advisory committees. “This enables an important level of faculty engagement and faculty governance, and importantly contributes to building an ecosystem of continual global innovation in ways that we can best support faculty research and partnership cooperation."

Five pillars of responsible international

Prof Stallivieri (Brazil) focused on the importance of five pillars of internationalisation to manage Responsible Internationalisation: Balance, accountability, sustainability, inclusion and compliance.

Prof Stallivieri stressed the fact that internationalisation is not accessible for all. “It is just for the elite who can pay for international programmes, who speak a different language or who can travel. So, my concern is, how do we make it more comprehensive and engage with our communities?    She also highlighted the need for a shared understanding of Responsible Internationalisation and the overlap of principles between the global North and global South.  

She feels Responsible Internationalisation should be embedded in institutional pillars, particularly in teaching and learning outcomes. “It's not just about inputs and outputs but about the transformative impact of international experiences. Exposure to different languages and cultures fosters deeper intercultural understanding, shaping individuals in meaningful ways beyond surface-level differences."

Choosing the right partner

Saulo said he landed in internationalisation almost by accident. When he was asked to head up internationalisation at Strathmore, he didn't know what it entailed and had to study and teach himself. “Then I had to teach the rest of the university what this concept was all about. The first challenge was just for people to pronounce the word 'internationalisation" he joked.

He underscored the need for strategic partnerships aligned with national priorities saying that working with embassies in Nairobi, they made informed decisions on possible partnerships with international institutions. “They would warn us if they think a university might be too big for us, which could result in us being stuck in bureaucracy."

He gave an example of a partnership funded by the French government, a collaborative project with the engineering department . “As part of this project, we co-developed an internationalisation package to enhance our understanding of the process at Strathmore. We conducted five workshops over two years, helping our team and university deans explore internationalisation beyond student mobility, including partner selection and maintaining collaboration balance."Saulo said they are also very keen to develop their service to society further and want to form partnerships that will positively impact society.

His institution is also contributing to the national framework on internationalisation and joint degrees. “In the last year, we've been engaging with the Commission for 肆客足球 Education to develop a collaborative framework for joint and dual degrees.

The need for ethical engagement

Ackemar noted the challenges of Responsible Internationalisation in Sweden, referring to their starting point for this strategy in Sweden five years ago: “Guidelines for reflection on international academic collaboration".

She discussed the challenges of communicating Responsible Internationalisation internally to increase the overall awareness of the concept. “The process is not without challenges," she said. “It has proven difficult to communicate internally about these issues without raising worry among faculty members and other staff; some are afraid to make the wrong decisions, or they assume that there are restrictions in place."

“But the proposal is for a national support structure to be established with a focus on proactive measures through information and exchange of experience at government level. The focus is very much on resource security integrity. It's about protecting intellectual assets, which are all extremely important. Still, one must also realise that the interest in Responsible Internationalisation goes hand in hand with increased tensions in the world. In Sweden and abroad, there is an ongoing process of trying to redefine what Responsible Internationalisation is about in our sector, including other dimensions, such as balance and inclusiveness in partnerships, focusing on the benefits of collaboration and trying to remind those who might need it that we are better together."

The session concludes with a call to action for internationalisation practitioners to focus on social goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) despite the challenges of the current geo-political environment.

The SIAN meeting also included a session on the value of a partnership framework and workshop sessions on integration within international student cohorts towards digitally enhanced global learning, as well as integrating sustainability into your environment. On Thursday, 14 March, some of the international delegates manned small stalls as part of a study abroad fair at the Jan Mouton Learning Centre on SU's campus, and the meeting concluded with a visit to the Sustainability Institute at Lynedoch, outside of Stellenbosch, on Friday, 15 March.

Celebrating SUI

In celebrating SU's outgoing Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, ten-year tenure at SU, Kotzé paid tribute after the meeting to his crucial role in establishing SU International as a fully-fledged division in SU's Rectorate. Prof de Villiers emphasised the importance of international partners in achieving research excellence and global competitiveness by establishing joint PhD and Master's programmes, student and staff exchanges, and partnerships with African and other global universities.

“We cannot solve the major, complex challenges we face—globally and on our continent—alone. We need you. We need our partners to help us tackle them together," said Prof de Villiers while acknowledging the challenges of internationalisation in the current geo-political climate and the need for continued advocacy for global collaboration.

肆客足球 SU International

SU International was established 32 years ago. The International Office secured 381 partners in 69 countries on 6 continents. Altogether, 201 of these partnerships are at the institutional level, while 180 are at the faculty or departmental levels. Most partnerships are with Europe (238 institutions in 25 Countries), followed by Asian and Pacific partnerships (50 institutions in 11 countries), African partnerships (40 in 11 countries), North American partnerships (40 in 3 countries), and South American partnerships (13 institutions in 6 countries). Prof Hester Klopper, (currently the new Director and Principal of the 肆客足球 of the Free State), was the first Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Internationalisation in 2006.

肆客足球 SIAN

The first Stellenbosch International Academic Network (SIAN) was held 22 years ago. Robert Kotzé, Senior Director: SU International, used to attend the Tübingen family meetings while studying there in 1991 to understand the context of the programme. The Tübingen-South Africa Programme was a cultural and language exchange programme that offered South African students the chance to be exposed to German culture and language. It also aims to bring closer ties and understanding between South Africa and Germany.  It ended in 2023.

He suggested they establish a Stellenbosch Family Meeting close to the Annual IEASA meeting. Later, at the request of participants, the name changed to SIAN as it became difficult for delegates to motivate why they wanted to attend a “family" meeting rather than an internationalisation conference. “The intention, however, remained the same," says Robert, “to showcase Stellenbosch 肆客足球 as a wonderful destination for students and a place where our partners are important. It is where we want to build partnerships, understanding and capital. It is also a platform where we build bridges between our African partners and partners beyond Africa. Here, we contribute towards helping the Global North understand the Global South better by allowing us to share experiences and build their understanding of engaging with African Higher Education."

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?Many parents in the Cape Metropole, especially those in lower-income areas, are deeply concerned about the safety of their children when they travel to school.

A new study conducted by researchers from the Department of Civil Engineering and the Department of Economics at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 examined how worried parents in the Cape Metropole are about their children's safety on roads in different areas. It also identified factors contributing to their worries.

Their findings were published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies recently.

Since they wanted to give parents an opportunity for their voices to be heard, the researchers surveyed parents of children from 19 schools in lower-income and higher-income areas across the Cape Metropole. They asked them how worried they are about the safety of children on the roads in their area and about the specific factors that make these areas unsafe for their children on the way to and from school. The schools were divided into Group A (areas with frequent pedestrian crashes) and Group B (areas with no recent crashes involving pedestrians).

“What was interesting was that the results show that most parents are worried about their children's safety on their way to school, irrespective of the area. Over forty percent (43,8%) of parents in the sample reported being 'very worried' or 'a little worried' (42,3%). Only a small group (13%) was 'not worried at all'. 

“However, parents in areas with many accidents (Group A) were significantly more worried than those in areas with fewer accidents (Group B)."

The researchers add that parents of children who walk to school expressed the highest level of concern. Those whose children use public transport are also more worried than parents of children who use private transport.

“In the Group A schools, more than three quarters (77,4%) of the children walked to school while a small number (9,1%) travelled by taxis or in private cars. In contrast, the majority of the children (95,9%) in Group B arrived by private vehicle, with only a handful walking or using a minibus taxi."

The researchers point out that traffic conditions are a major concern for parents in both groups, with speeding vehicles, reckless driving, poor infrastructure, and heavy traffic being key issues. Security concerns also persist across both groups, including crime, gangsterism, insufficient policing, and lack of child supervision.

But there were some differences between the groups, according to the researchers. “Whereas parents in Group B were mostly concerned about unsafe driving and traffic issues and minibus taxis, those in Group A were worried about crime and security issues, unsafe driving, social problems in the neighbourhood and the lack of sidewalks.

“Parents of children who walk to school, particularly those from lower-socioeconomic communities, expressed the most concerns about the lack of sidewalks and lighting, as well as poorly placed crossings – a concern also shared by parents of children who bike to school. In contrast, parents of children in Group B schools were less critical of the physical environment, focusing more on general road safety risks posed by other drivers."

The researchers say although parents are worried about the way their children travel to school, there isn't a lot they can do on their own to improve the situation. They need targeted interventions.

“Parents called for better road safety enforcement, particularly against drunk drivers and minibus taxis, along with creative solutions like safe sidewalks, including improved road signage, pedestrian crossings, and better speed management (through lower speed limits, traffic lights and the introduction of speed humps), walking buses and improved school transport. Their concerns about safer roads for their children should be acknowledged and integrated into initiatives to improve safety measures."

• Source: Sinclair, M., Du Plessis, S.W.F., Jansen, A.I. et al. Parent Concerns Around Road Safety of Children En Route to School – A Study from the Western Cape, South Africa. Journal of Child and Family Studies (2025). doi.org/10.1007/s10826-024-02976-y?
  

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The African Doctoral Academy (ADA), based at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 International, recently concluded its highly successful 2025 Hybrid Summer School, which took place from 22 January to 7 February. Hosted both virtually and in person at the Wallenberg Research Centre within the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), the event brought together over 100 participants from across the continent.

Delegates joined from countries including Kenya, Namibia, Mauritius, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, reflecting the ADA’s continued commitment to advancing doctoral education and research capacity throughout Africa.

This year’s programme featured 10 expertly designed courses aimed at equipping doctoral candidates, emerging researchers, and early-career academics with critical academic and research skills. The sessions were facilitated by an outstanding lineup of local and international academics from institutions such as Stellenbosch 肆客足球, Durban 肆客足球 of Technology, the 肆客足球 of Michigan (USA), the 肆客足球 of Bath (UK), Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), and KU Leuven (Belgium).

Beyond coursework, the Summer School also created space for meaningful engagement. A series of networking events fostered valuable connections and encouraged interdisciplinary collaboration. A highlight of the event was the official in-person welcome by Prof. Sam Tshehla, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs at Stellenbosch 肆客足球. He underscored the vital role the ADA plays in strengthening doctoral education systems across Africa.

Distinguished guest speakers added further depth to the programme. Prof. dr. John Creemers (KU Leuven, Belgium) delivered a forward-looking address on "Emerging Trends in Doctoral Capacity Development," while Prof. dr. Sebastian Gurtner (Bern 肆客足球 of Applied Sciences, Switzerland) gave a thought-provoking talk on the power and value of ideas in research and innovation.

In addition to the Summer and Winter Schools, the ADA continues to offer its free year-round Master Class webinar series, designed to support pre-doctoral, doctoral, postdoctoral researchers, and academics seeking to expand their skill sets. The next session, "Introducing the Foundations of Mixed Methods Research," will be presented by Prof. Timothy C. Guetterman (肆客足球 of Michigan, USA) on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30 (GMT+2). Participation is free with prior registration.

Recordings of past Master Classes, as well as information on upcoming training opportunities, are available on the ADA website. To register for the upcoming Master Class, click here.

The ADA extends its heartfelt thanks to all facilitators, guest speakers, and participants who made the 2025 Hybrid Summer School a resounding success. Together, we are building stronger doctoral and research ecosystems across the African continent.?

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?As the saying goes, change is the only constant. Nowhere is this more evident than in the dynamic landscape of global higher education. The sector continues to evolve, breaking new ground and reshaping traditional boundaries. Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) is no exception.

In February 2025, I was appointed Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategy, Global, and Corporate Affairs. I follow in the footsteps of Prof Hester Klopper, whose leadership has been instrumental in advancing SU's internationalisation strategy over the past years. Through this platform, Prof Klopper regularly shared insights and progress updates, and I am pleased to now step into this role and continue the conversation with you, our valued partners in international education.

1 April 2025 marked another important leadership milestone as Prof Deresh Ramjugernath commenced his tenure as SU's 13^th Rector and Vice-Chancellor. His appointment signals the beginning of a new chapter for SU, one where internationalisation remains a cornerstone of our institutional strategy. As we refine and reimagine our global vision, I look forward to aligning our efforts further to strengthen SU's presence in the international arena.

Having served as Dean of the Faculty of Military Science since 2012, I appreciated the critical importance of cultivating a global outlook within the Higher Education Sector. For more than thirty years, SU has purposefully advanced a robust internationalisation agenda that strategically positions us as a leader in higher education on the African continent. While our roots remain firmly embedded in Africa, our collaborative reach spans continents from South America to Europe, and from the United States to Asia.

Partnerships are at the heart of our internationalisation efforts. They unlock rich opportunities for students and staff to engage in collaborative learning, research, innovation, and cultural exchange. We are proud to be active participants in global networks that connect leading academics and administrative experts, enabling us to learn from and contribute to the global academic community. In my new role, I am committed to deepening existing partnerships and cultivating new ones that align with our shared values and strategic goals. Together, we will continue to build bridges that transcend borders, foster mutual growth, and shape the future of higher education.

While the change in leadership often signals a period of transition, SU remains unwavering in its commitment to internationalisation. This moment provides an exciting opportunity to intensify our efforts and co-create a bold new vision for the decade ahead. Our international colleagues, collaborators, and friends are integral to this journey. We value your partnership deeply and look forward to strengthening these ties as we pursue our mission to be Africa's leading research-intensive university.

Warm regards,

Prof Samuel Tshehla, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs

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The numerous challenges in global health, such as climate change and disease, transcend national boundaries, and no single university or research group can solve these alone. What's needed is a multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary and transdisciplinary approach to them. Universities, therefore, should be global in outlook while deeply engaged with local communities.

This was the overriding sentiment at the launch of the first Stellenbosch 肆客足球/Northwestern 肆客足球 Global Health Knowledge Hub (SU/NU Hub) March 17-18 in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The launch of the much-anticipated Hub will further strengthen the two-decades-long relationship between Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) and the Illinois-based Northwestern 肆客足球 (NU) in the United States.

Mr Robert Kotze, SU's Senior Director SU International said NU was one of the “small group of comprehensive partnerships" which SU has with seven universities, and with which it wishes to build broader collaborations. He said the conference and the launch of the Hub represent a milestone achievement in the partnership between the two universities.

“At SU, we see internationalisation as an intentional and comprehensive initiative for all students and all staff in service of society. What we do in internationalisation is not only for the 肆客足球, but for the community of context, especially in, and for, Africa. I trust that we will also use the platform that we create today as a beneficial engagement for the rest of the continent," he said.

“Within the building of partnerships, it is important that we build trust – and that researchers meet each other and go beyond what's just on paper and what we see on Zoom. It's about building mutual understanding and possibilities for future research and future collaborations."

In a recorded video message, Professor Dévora Grynspan, Vice President for International Relations at NU said the two universities had come a long way “since our humble beginnings in 2004".

Looking back on all the role players who helped grow the relationship between the two universities, she said: “It's their efforts that have led to the establishment of the Global Health Hub which represents a new chapter in our journey together, it reflects our long-shared commitment to addressing global health challenges through collaborative research, educational exchanges, and community outreach.

“This knowledge hub will allow us to connect brilliant minds across continents, while working directly with communities to improve health outcomes."

The SU/NU Hub is expected to unite academics, researchers, other faculty staff, and students from both universities to broaden the scope for international collaborations in global health research, education, and community engagement.

Key areas of collaboration will include Global Primary Care, Biomedical Engineering, Health Professions Education, Infectious Diseases and Genomics, and Climate, Health and Environmental Engineering.

The SU/NU Hub was founded in 2024, building on a twenty-year-old partnership between the two universities. It will incorporate physical laboratory space and accommodation for students at each university.

The launch, which included a ribbon-cutting event by SU's outgoing Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, incoming Rector and VC, Professor, Deresh Ramjugernath, and Dr Robert Murphy, Executive Director of the Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Health, took place at a networking conference between the two universities on 17 and 18 March 2025 at SU. The first day was held at the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) and, on day two, at the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) on the Tygerberg campus. A Satellite Meeting on Innovative Diagnostics for HIV and Related Conditions was held immediately following the Hub launch at the BMRI.

Prof Wim de Villiers said the launch of the SU/NU Hub is a new era in global health collaboration that promises innovation, resilience and shared progress. He said the launch of the SU/NU Hub brought to full circle his dream, during his ten-year tenure as rector, of ensuring that Stellenbosch 肆客足球 became a world-class, research-intensive university with a strong focus on internationalisation.

Professor Deresh Ramjugernath added that the relationship with NU remains a high priority for SU. “We see this relationship as critical in the journey at SU.  We've got all the ingredients to be a global top-100 institution, and NU is one of those strategic partners that I see into the future in us being able to realise this vision for us."

Over forty NU faculty, staff, and students attended the networking event, which, according to delegates from both universities, showed the deep commitment of the institution to the partnership with SU.

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??The Faculty of Science takes pleas?ure in welcoming Mr Mbuso Dludlu as its new director of faculty management from 1 April 2025.

He will be taking over the reins from Ms Mariétta van den Worm who has held the position for the past 25 years, and who will retire at the end of 2025.

With over 16 years of experience in the higher education sector, the last six years as departmental manager of SU's Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Mbuso says he is looking forward to combining his passion for science with management and leadership in his new position as faculty director.

Mbuso was born in Piet Retief in Mpumalanga, but raised by his late grandmother, Mrs Teressa Mazibuko, in a village called Makhosini outside the small town of Nhlangano in Eswatini. He completed a BSc in Chemical Technology at the 肆客足球 of KwaZulu-Natal in 2008, followed by a Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Technology in 2014 and a Masters in Polymer Technology in 2016 from Tshwane 肆客足球 of Technology (TUT). At the time, he was working as senior laboratory manager in TUT's Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology. It was during this time that he also lost both of his parents, Sizakele and Comfort Dludlu.

Currently pursuing a PhD in Polymer Science at SU, Mbuso says he will always be indebted to his grandmother for seeing to it that he got an education from selling handcrafts in the streets of Soweto and Johannesburg: “She wasn't educated, but she valued the importance of education. Today I am passionate about education, and I strongly believe in lifelong learning. I think it is for this reason that I have a teachable spirit, which is key for leadership."

For the past 25 years, he has been providing career guidance to learners through the not-for-profit organisation “Brighten-up your Future" which he established in 2007. He is also mentoring 12 university students at eight South African higher education institutions, pursuing studies in different fields – from the Sciences and Engineering to the Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences and Arts.

For his PhD, Mbuso is investigating the prevalence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals" because of their persistence in the environment, at wastewater treatment plants and rivers and dams in the Western Cape. The objective is to develop a polymeric membrane with nanoparticles for enhanced removals of these persistent chemicals. His research is funded by the Water Research Commission and has been presented at two international conferences and to a panel of 30 City of Cape Town managers.

Mbuso, who joined SU in 2018 shortly after completing his MBA at Regent Business School, says he is deeply indebted to all his colleagues in the Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, and specifically Prof. Peter Mallon, former executive head of department, who initially introduced him to the systems and processes at SU: “Coming in here, I was only armed with my knowledge and skills, while Prof. Mallon had the experience and understanding. Over the next five years, we became a formidable management team, working together to put the department on a sustainable footing."

For now, he is excited about his new role as director of faculty management: “I am grateful to be taking over from the current director, who is a wealth of experience and institutional memory. I would like to build on the foundation and legacy she has laid for the faculty and university over the past 25 years."

He is looking forward to working with and supporting the Dean of Science, Prof. Burtram Fielding, and the management team: “To me, leadership and management are all about serving people to the best of your ability in order to create trust. Trust is a very special human experience. And we can only trust others when we know they are actively and consciously concerned about us," he adds.

For Mbuso, the values of compassion, empathy and respect are at the core of his concept of servant leadership. These values also happen to form part of SU's ECARE values of Excellence, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Equity: “I will be taking these values with me in my new role, in service to my colleagues and contributing thus to the growth and success of the Faculty of Science."

Lastly, he honours his family and wife of 14 years, Mrs Lydia Dludlu, and his children Lwandzile (13) and Kagiso (9). The family loves hiking in the Helderberg Nature Reserve, travelling or inviting friends and family over for a braai. And, of course, nothing beats a refreshing beach walk, finished off with ice cream.

“My life is grounded in reading the Word and in prayer, which is one of the key underlying principles in my life and in raising my children," he concludes.

?Photo: Stefan Els

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Emeritus Professor Wim de Villiers, who recently stepped down as Rector and Vice Chancellor at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU), will be continuing his journey with the institution in a new capacity as Fundraising and Strategic Projects Lead for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) and Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI).

“I am delighted to be joining my alma mater in this new role that will help advance the faculty in its mission to improve healthcare across Africa and beyond," says De Villiers, who obtained his medical degree from the FMHS in 1983. He subsequently specialised in gastroenterology and built an illustrious career in medicine and healthcare leadership in the United States and South Africa before becoming Rector and Vice Chancellor at SU in 2015.

“I'm excited to join the dynamic teams at FMHS and CERI to support fundraising and other strategic initiatives that will advance and ensure sustainability of their educational and scientific activities. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience and established important connections that I can leverage in this new position," says De Villiers, whose focus on fundraising helped SU raise over R3 billion during his tenure as Rector and Vice Chancellor.

FMHS Dean, Prof Elmi Muller, expressed enthusiasm about De Villiers' new role at the faculty. “His vast experience and knowledge will be invaluable to us, and I look forward to collaborating with Prof De Villiers on many projects within our faculty," says Muller.

The role will involve managing targeted fundraising initiatives and developing strategic partnerships with both local and international stakeholders to ensure sustainability and global growth of FMHS and CERI projects.

CERI Director, Prof Tulio de Oliveira comments: “We have managed to create one of the most impactful programmes on epidemic response in the world at SU. As we expand our programme in the time of reduced global health funding, we decided to call in the expertise of Prof de Villers, who is an excellent fundraiser, academic leader and medical professional to help advance our goal."

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The African collaboration workshop, the precursor for SU International's annual Stellenbosch International Academic Network (SIAN) meeting, this year placed the concept of fair partnerships in higher education under the spotlight, highlighting the need for institutions on the continent to stand their ground as fully-fledged partners in collaborations with international partners.

A??s part of the workshop, three panellists, Lea Mehari Redae, Director of External Relations, Partnerships and Communications at Addis Ababa 肆客足球, Gerald Ochwo, Manager of international Students Services in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor at Uganda's Makerere 肆客足球, and Professor Bernard Ikua, DVC at Jomo Kenyata 肆客足球 of Science and Technology (JKUAT), shared their views on fair partnerships for an African perspective.

Dr Nico Elema, Director of the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) at the SU International, highlighted the need to amplify the voice of African institutions in these conversations: “When we talk about fair partnerships, the importance of our unique contexts is often ignored, and it is important for us to have panellists form the African continent to express their views. We were delighted to have our colleagues share their views in the panel discussion, which were then followed up by table discussions where everyone, including the partners from beyond Africa, could engage and understand each other views and contexts better".

Redae highlighted the need for African universities to reaffirm their positions as fully-fledge partners. “For far too long, African universities, including ours, were engaged in partnerships where we are considered the junior partner. We're led by external conditions, such as conditions determined by donors, and where research priorities were not our own but donor-driven. They expect us to fit into their framework."

Redae said while collaboration is essential, it is also crucial for a partnership to be fair and that it is based on co-creation, mutual respect, and shared leadership. “At Addis Ababa 肆客足球, we are now focusing on working with other African universities, as well as those from the global South, because we have come to understand that transformative change for the continent has to begin within the continent. So we should try to build our relations, research networks, and share our expertise within the continent."

Redae also highlighted the importance of financial independence and developing local funding opportunities. “Many African universities rely on foreign funding, which often comes with its restrictions. It is high time that we develop our funding opportunities that we can control and compete for, enabling us to set our research priorities. We have unique problems, pressing needs, and challenges. This would also help us enhance student mobility within the continent itself."

Redae emphasised the need for staff mobility to experience new learning opportunities and develop our institutions from the inside. She also discussed the issue of trust within African institutions and the need for harmonised degree recognition.

Professor Ikua from Jomo Kenyatta 肆客足球 of Agriculture and Technology stressed the significance of a shared vision and mutual respect in partnerships. This relatively young institution, which became a fully-fledged 肆客足球 in 1994, focuses on agriculture and technology development. He mentioned that the university already collaborates with many African universities, some in Europe and many in Japan and shared many examples of successful partnerships and projects, amongst others, the development of resources in the Rift Valley, a geothermal development project in Kenya and a partnership focusing on entrepreneurship and sustainable energy in Uganda. “These are successful projects and partnerships because we share a common vision, and we are working towards solving actual challenges we are experiencing in our countries."

Professor Ikua highlighted the need for flexibility, resource sharing, and clear roles and obligations in partnerships. “We have signed agreements in partnerships, but some changes occur along the way. It is essential that also we can accommodate these changes."

Ochu from Makerere 肆客足球 highlighted the role of practical skills and innovation hubs in enhancing student mobility and partnership sustainability. He discussed the comprehensive nature of his university and its focus on solving local problems with partnerships.

Ochu shared an example of an electric bus project amidst the country's greatest problems: traffic. “Those of you that have been to Kampala city will know it is a very chaotic city with many “matatus" (minibus taxis) and “boda-boda's" (motorcycles). 肆客足球 a decade ago, his university came up with a solar automobile bus: an idea they've shared with their government first, as the “mess in the city, made the government look terrible."

The Ugandan government invested in 70 percent of the project which gave rise to the Kiira Vehicle Plant (KVP) in Jinga; “the largest manufacturing facilities in East Africa and positioned Uganda at the forefront of sustainable vehicle production in Africa," writes the Observer. “The facility's impressive production capacity—starting at 2,500 vehicles per year and scalable to 5,000—aligns with Uganda's ambitions to establish itself as a regional leader in vehicle manufacturing."

Ochu also highlighted the role of practical skills and innovation hubs in enhancing student mobility and partnership sustainability.

The panellists also touched on the challenges of trust, accreditation, and the need for intellectual property commercialisation to ensure sustainability.

The discussion that followed the panel discussion highlighted the need for sustainable funding models and the role of individual partnerships. The Africa Charter was mentioned as a significant initiative to shift research collaborations to African-led agendas. Challenges such as power imbalances, brain drain, and the need for local impact and regional relevance were also discussed. The session emphasised the importance of mutual interest, equitable project distribution, and co-creation in fostering fair partnerships.

Following the panel discussions, Dr Elema highlighted the significance of the panel members also starting off with, without a prompt, highlighting their collaborations on the African continent before elaborating on their partnership beyond the continent. “There are so many collaborations currently undertaken between African universities and we should not just look at internationalisation to the global north. Yes, we should continue to nurture bi-lateral partnership globally, with even more opportunities arising for tri-lateral and multi-lateral partnerships, often based on specific themes".

The workshop underscored the need for African institutions to articulate their offerings clearly and to complement each other's weaknesses within Africa and with global partners. The youthful population in Africa was noted as a significant asset, emphasising the need to prepare young people for future leadership roles.

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Prevented from speaking at last year's 12th annual Frederik Van Zyl-Slabbert (FVZS) Honorary Lecture because she was detained at the airport in Zimbabwe, democracy activist Namatai Kwekweza was last week able to share her reflections on 30 years of democracy as the first speaker in the FVZS's lunch-hour conversation series.

The democracy activist and winner of the winner of the 2023 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize shared her thoughts on how African youth can demonstrate citizen leadership through constitutionalism. Drawing on her experiences – including the recent 35 days she spent in jail for alleged disorderly conduct during an earlier protest outside court – she called for more conversations about the “constitutional promise". The work does not end with the constitution, she said. “The reality is that the past is done, the past is gone. And we are here now. As young South Africans, what are we doing to add to the realisation of the constitutional promise?"

She added that those who want to ascend in power would use the constitution to actualise their power, rather than holding themselves to account. But she reminded the youth that they can counter this force. “We have our bodies, we have our minds, we have our voices, and we have the spirit of our struggle." Even locked up in prison, the spirit of the struggle allows us to show up, she added.

“Constitutions are only as powerful as how we know them, and how we believe them, and (through) what we are doing to ensure that they are delivered." Conversely, Kwekweza said without faith in the constitution, it is reduced to a piece of paper with no impact. She urged the youth to help “paint a constitutional future" by using their voices and sharing their message to make a difference. “We don't need permission to organise, and we don't need permission to act."

In her concluding remarks, Dr Heidi October, head of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development and Deputy Director: Centre for Student Life and Learning) referred to Kwekweza's poignant quote which says: “We must always be cognisant of the cost of the struggle of democracy, and depending on which part of the world you belong to and you live in, the cost might actually be higher." 

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?????Scientists from South Africa and China have successfully established the world's longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum satellite link, spanning 12,900 km. Using the Chinese quantum microsatellite Jinan-1, launched into low Earth orbit, this milestone marks the first-ever quantum satellite communication link established in the Southern Hemisphere.

In this demonstration, quantum keys were generated in real-time through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), enabling the secure encryption of images transmitted between ground stations in China and South Africa via one-time pad encryption—considered unbreakable. The results from this pioneering experiment from a collaborative research initiative between scientists from Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (South Africa) and the 肆客足球 of Science and Technology of China were published in Nature today

Stellenbosch's ideal environmental conditions—clear skies and low humidity—allowed the local ground station to achieve an exceptional key generation rate of 1.07 million secure bits during a single satellite pass.

Quantum communication leverages fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, guaranteeing highly secure information transfer. Quantum Key Distribution, a critical component, employs single photons to encode and transmit secure keys. Because single photons cannot be intercepted, copied, or measured without altering their quantum states, this technology provides unparalleled security, even against powerful adversaries.

China is currently at the forefront of quantum communication technology, guided by renowned quantum physicist Prof Jian-Wei Pan. The country's extensive quantum infrastructure includes a 2,000 km terrestrial fibre-based quantum network connecting 32 trusted nodes across major cities, from Beijing to Shanghai. Prof Juan Yin was instrumental in developing China's first quantum satellite, Micius, previously demonstrated groundbreaking satellite-based quantum links, including a notable 7,600 km intercontinental link between China and Austria in 2017. For this South Africa-China collaboration, Prof Juan Yin again led the Chinese research team.

The South African research team at Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Department of Physics was led by Dr Yaseera Ismail, the lead experimentalist responsible for successfully establishing the quantum satellite link.

?Reflecting on this achievement, Dr Yaseera Ismail emphasised the importance of collaboration: “International and national collaborations are essential to drive cutting-edge research and push scientific boundaries. Implementing the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere is an outstanding achievement for South Africa, demonstrating the significant potential to develop a thriving quantum ecosystem."

Prof Francesco Petruccione added: “This successful demonstration of quantum satellite technology firmly positions South Africa as a significant player in the rapidly evolving global quantum technology ecosystem. Collaborations such as this accelerate scientific breakthroughs, build local expertise, and enable translating advanced quantum research into tangible technological solutions."

Prof Sibusiso Moyo, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, said: “This breakthrough underscores the importance of supporting and investing in the basic sciences such as quantum computing. We are proud that our researchers are pushing the frontiers of science. This work is in line with SU's Vision 2040, to be Africa's leading research-intensive university recognised for its excellence and advancing knowledge in service of society. Congratulations to both teams."

The paper titled “Microsatellite-based real-time quantum key distribution" was published in Nature today at 18:00 SAST and is available online at Paper link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-08739-z

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Implementation of the first quantum satellite link in the Southern Hemisphere at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, South Africa. The microsatellite, Jinan 1, launched in the lower earth orbital, transmits secure keys with the portable ground station that is mounted on top of the roof of the engineering building at Stellenbosch 肆客足球. The experiment was performed in October 2024. Photo by Ignus Dreyer

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???“This is a really good university that is already globally recognised for its research excellence. But there are bolder things we can do and greater ambitions that we can have – together. This can culminate in us having even greater impact on society."

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath (52), the 13^th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU), officially stepped into his new role this morning (1 April 2025).

He takes over from Prof Wim de Villiers who completed two terms at the helm.

“Stellenbosch has a proud history of excellence in learning and teaching. Under Prof De Villiers, we have also become a strong research-intensive university. But we cannot be complacent. We must now move from good to great – continually striving to improve our teaching, research, innovation and social impact."

A seasoned and highly experienced higher education leader with extensive senior executive experience in the sector in South Africa, Ramjugernath served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at SU since January 2021.

Academic success

A more than capable cricketer in his younger days (an allrounder shining with both bat and ball) he knows only too well that in captaining one of Africa's leading research-intensive universities, there will be many difficult balls to face.

In higher education you don't advance as an institution by only playing a defensive game, states Ramjugernath. “You need to play a bold, big game. For me, Stellenbosch being the first African university to feature among the top 100 universities in the world, will be that bold step for us.  

“This ambitious goal of global excellence should not be the sole aim though. Stellenbosch 'advancing knowledge in service of society' – to quote in part our vision – should be what we all strive for. This is in the light of much noise out there of what universities can and should be. To reach that goal our focus should be first and foremost the academic project, and to ensure that we have the best academic offerings."

It is for this reason that Ramjugernath views academic excellence to be front and centre as one of his three focus areas for the next few years – with the other two being people, culture, and processes; and, partnerships and sustainability.

“One of our biggest challenges will undoubtedly be sustainability. This includes financial, social and environmental sustainability. Issues around funding – particularly NSFAS and student debt – are destabilising. Coupled with that is the misconception that a university degree is the only path to success, which burdens universities further. At the same time, universities must do more to equip graduates with not just technical knowledge but also skills, competencies and attributes for employability. That's why we will further pursue academic renewal at SU.

“And a big part of this will be the notion of futureproofing through technology. Embracing artificial intelligence, digital transformation and hybrid learning isn't optional – it's essential. It is the single biggest opportunity to improve higher education."

Overseeing the portfolio of student affairs over the last four years has given him added insight into the lives of students. “We need to become even more student-centred because student success and employability of our graduates are the highest priorities from a learning and teaching perspective.

“We want to create an academic environment where every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the resources, mentorship and opportunities needed to thrive. I believe universities should not only educate, but also empower, ensuring that each student can contribute to South Africa's development, economic growth and overall well-being.

“That is why our commitment extends beyond academic achievement. As we work to secure greater donor funding, establish new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, we are dedicated to building a future where every student has access to holistic support – academic, financial, psychological and professional. This comprehensive approach to student success reflects our belief that education is not simply a pathway to employment but a catalyst for positive social change.

People, culture and processes

“The world is changing and with it the world of work. And that is why I also want to focus on fostering a humanising and enabling culture at the 肆客足球. I want to prioritise people, culture, and systems that will allow everyone at SU to thrive."

Bringing out the best in people is a question of working together in an inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary manner, reckons Ramjugernath. “Some of the greatest breakthroughs we see now is the result of interdisciplinary research – by fostering a sense of teamwork. That is how we tackle the most 'wicked problems' in the world.

“We can only be great if we work together and, importantly, if we all move forward together. I believe in a fresh, service-oriented approach to leadership. I lead by example – if I expect academic excellence, I must model it myself. Leadership, to me, is about service, not status. It's about empowering others – giving people agency and helping them realise their potential, just as others did for me."

Partnerships and sustainability

“Universities cannot thrive in isolation. Strategic partnerships are the keys to sustainability and to opening doors to opportunity. We need to further grow our various streams of income to the benefit of all partners. 

“Amongst others, I am broadening our internationalisation agenda. It's however not just about collaborating with other universities but also with government, civil society and industry – both locally and globally. To support this, we will be establishing a Partnerships Office to coordinate efforts while empowering champions across the 肆客足球.

“In all of this, we should not forget our unique setting, says Ramjugernath. “Stellenbosch is known as the innovation capital of South Africa – an African equivalent of Silicon Valley. In our work, our teaching, our research, and our social impact, we should adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. To a large degree, this is what inclusive transformation is about – it means belonging, representation, and growth. It is about building a truly diverse, inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual institution where we should never settle for complacency but continue changing, exploring, and discovering. Transformation is about fostering a culture that brings out the best in everyone."

Shoulder to the wheel

Universities are only great when they have the support of all its stakeholders, says Ramjugernath. “I firmly believe we have what it takes, and I am excited to now put shoulder to the wheel with the support of my management team and our incredible staff, our Council, our alumni, our donors and the many other stakeholders, partners and friends of our beloved 肆客足球. Let's shape tomorrow together – one conversation, one breakthrough, one act of courage at a time."

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The Chair of Council, Dr Nicky Newton-King, commented that Council is excited about Ramjugernath's bold vision for the 肆客足球 with academic excellence, people and partnerships at its centre. “Prof Ramjugernath is stepping into this role at a challenging moment for all higher education institutions. At the same time, there are great opportunities to position Stellenbosch 肆客足球, its academics and students for top tier academic performance and to build deep and sustainable partnerships in South Africa, on the African continent and abroad with other higher education institutions and the private sector. As an excellent academic and seasoned administrator, Council looks forward to Prof Ramjugernath's stewardship of our special institution."

• Ramjugernath resides in Stellenbosch with his wife, Prof Prathieka Naidoo, an accomplished academic in her own right, and their three daughters. Besides being a dog lover and an avid sports fan who plays tennis, paddle and golf, Prof Ramjugernath loves the outdoors.

MORE ABOUT PROF DERESH RAMJUGERNATH

Before making Stellenbosch his home, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Pro Vice-Chancellor: Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the 肆客足球 of KwaZulu-Natal.

He boasts extensive board and governance experience having served on several company and organisation boards.

A pre-eminent scientist in the field of chemical engineering and specifically in chemical thermodynamics and separation technology (becoming the youngest full professor in his field in Africa at age 31), Ramjugernath served as the DST/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) for Fluorine Process Engineering and Separation Technology until 2018.

He has successfully graduated over 130 master's and PhD students and supervised over 20 postdoctoral fellows. Ramjugernath has published in excess of 350 peer-reviewed journal papers and has presented at least 300 papers at international conferences

Ramjugernath studied at UKZN and obtained the degrees BSc Eng (Chemical) in 1993, MSc Eng (Chemical) that was upgraded to a PhD in 1995 and a PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2000.

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?A new study at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) found that tax administration in many African countries is inefficient, hindering revenue collection. This points to potential gaps that could be addressed through institutional reforms.

“Widespread inefficiencies in tax systems undermine the mobilisation of government resources, limiting their capacity to deliver public services and make essential investments. These inefficiencies create systemic gaps that foster corruption and manipulation, often exacerbating income inequality," says Dr Onesmo Mackenzie, who is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Economics at SU. He recently obtained his doctorate in Economics at the 肆客足球.

As part of his study, Mackenzie used different techniques and case studies to investigate the efficiency of tax administration in 32 African countries, including South Africa, from 2000–2021. He sourced data from multiple organisations, including the African Tax Administration Forum and the World Bank.

Mackenzie says many countries in Africa lack the capacity and technological infrastructure to maintain accurate taxpayer databases.

“Tax authorities are often understaffed and lack proper data management systems to effectively track taxpayers, collect data and store records. The absence of proper records for some taxpayers further complicates this process.

“A lack of institutional coordination limits the ability of tax administrations to cross-check taxpayer data with third-party organisations.

“Perceived inefficiencies erode taxpayers' trust in tax administration, reducing compliance and further weakening the system. Ultimately, such inefficiencies lead to significant revenue losses, diminishing fiscal capacity, hindering economic growth and development and increasing reliance on external support."

According to Mackenzie, efficient tax administration seeks to maximise revenue within the limits of available resources and the tax base. It also prevents unequal tax burdens on particular groups, promoting fairness and enhancing taxpayers' trust in government institutions.

“By enhancing efficiency, tax authorities in Africa can curb revenue leakages, and tackle corruption, tax evasion and avoidance to ensure stable revenue. This will, in turn, empower African countries to fund their development priorities, reduce dependence on external aid, and promote equity and trust."

He adds that in African countries with large informal sectors, efficient tax systems can play a key role in engaging with the informal economy, thereby expanding the tax base.

Mackenzie expresses surprise at seeing that efficiency levels vary depending on the type of indicator used. “Notably, African countries excel in tax registrations, yet they struggle to translate them into revenue because taxpayers remain inactive in filing and paying taxes."  

According to Mackenzie, the continent's low tax-to-GDP ratio—the revenue a country generates from taxes compared to its economic output—indicates the potential for revenue growth. A higher ratio means more tax revenue, while a lower one could suggest challenges with tax collection or a smaller tax base. According to Mackenzie, improving tax administration could help tap into this potential.

He also emphasises the importance of elites paying their taxes. “Their contributions are significant and when they comply, governments can collect more revenue. Elite compliance shapes broader taxpayer behaviour, as individuals often judge fairness based on the taxes paid by high-income earners. Non-compliance by the elite can increase non-compliance among other taxpayers.

“Tax authorities are more successful in ensuring compliance and meeting revenue targets when elites back tax policies and reforms, rather than resisting them. To enhance revenue mobilisation, African countries might have to prioritise strategies to improve elite compliance and effectively address their resistance to tax reforms."

Mackenzie says tax administrations should use multiple indicators to assess their performance and ensure that registered taxpayers are actively contributing to revenue generation.

“They should also enhance taxpayer education and consider replacing the term 'tax administration authority' with 'tax administration service' to improve the relationship between tax officials and taxpayers, shifting the focus from coercion to voluntary compliance.

“They must become more responsive to the needs of taxpayers by making it easier for them to file returns, make payments, access tax information and services for personalised support, and know about tax obligations, rights and benefits." 

Mackenzie urges African governments to support tax authorities by ensuring effective use of revenue for public services and investments. ?

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The Assessment in the Age of AI: Principles, Practices and Innovations for the Future of Learning symposium was hosted by UCT and SU at the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika on the 9th of April 2025.

Presentations touched on topics such as: AI in Assessment Design, Theoretical Perspectives on AI and Assessment Culture, AI, Student Learning and Assessment, AI Policy, Equity and Institutional Change, AI, Ethics, and Academic Integrity, and AI in Disciplinary Assessment Practices.

A student panel, chaired by SU's Jodie Lemphane, unpacked how students view, critique and utilise GenAI in their learning process. Two of our CTL colleagues, Dr Hanelie Adendorff and Emma Swart, presented the plenary session and a pecha kucha lightning session respectively.

In her presentation on AI Literacy in Higher Education, Emma discussed innovative assessment practices at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 “I think sharing the scenarios not only shines a spotlight on the excellence displayed by many SU academics," said Emma, “and it highlights the importance of pedagogical shifts in the age of AI. AI isn't replacing learning—it's transforming it." These case studies can be found here: https://bit.ly/coolthingsatsu

Hanelie Adendorff presented the symposium's plenary session, discussing Rethinking Assessment as an act of learning in the age of AI, based on a paper co-authored by Hanelie Adendorff, Nicoline Herman, and Dalene Joubert.  Hanelie reminded us that while “Higher Education promises transformation, care, and lifelong learning, its current systems prioritize sorting, control, and uniformity, optimizing students for performance" This, she adds, though not a new issue, poses significant risks and is unsustainable in an AI-driven society.

In reflection, Hanelie also shared, “I was thrilled to be part of this regional conversation about assessment, a perennially important topic. I was particularly encouraged by the depth of discussions, which have progressed beyond the initial knee-jerk reactions, and I hope it becomes an annual institution."?

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??Substantive equality – not just equal treatment, but deep structural justice – took centre stage at the 19th Annual Human Rights Lecture at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) on 9 April, hosted by the HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law and the Faculty of Law.

Prof Cathi Albertyn, South African Research Chair in Equality, Law and Social Justice at the 肆客足球 of the Witwatersrand, delivered the keynote address . She was closely involved in drafting South Africa's post-apartheid Constitution, adopted in 1996, and has long shaped the country's legal and policy approaches to gender equality.

The event opened with remarks by Prof Nicola Smit, Dean of the Faculty of Law, who described the lecture series as “a cornerstone of our annual programme". Prof Sandra Liebenberg, HF Oppenheimer Chair in Human Rights Law at SU, introduced Albertyn and praised her “tremendous contribution to constitutional democracy and human rights".

The law firm supporting the lecture series since its inception was represented by Jos Venter. “Webber Wentzel remains deeply honoured to sponsor this important Human Rights Lecture at SU," he said.

Competing notions of equality

Albertyn's lecture, titled “Substantive Equality in South Africa: Past, Present and Future", offered an account of how the constitutional right to equality has evolved over the past three decades – and what must still be done to realise it.

She reminded the audience that during constitutional negotiations in the 1990s, 'formal' equality – the idea of treating everyone the same – clashed with the more expansive vision of 'substantive' equality, championed by the ANC and sections of the women's movement. Substantive equality, grounded in redress and redistribution, prevailed in the end, but remains unevenly implemented.

She placed this in a broader global context:

“In recent weeks, we've heard a lot from America about laws in South Africa – how 'terrible things' have happened in this country, being used to justify the withdrawal of funding and economic agreements, putting jobs, lives and health at risk. Formal equality is back with a particular vengeance," she said, adding that this should not be surprising.

“Deploying the language of a colour-blind formal equality, Solidarity, AfriForum and others have advanced multiple arguments that race based preferences in policy and law impermissibly discriminate against whites, cast them as victims in the land of their birth, and deny them access to rights, opportunities and resources," Albertyn said.

She maintained that such arguments, often framed as “fairness" or invoking “merit", seek to roll back hard-won constitutional gains, but cautioned that there is “evidence of a judicial impatience" with this approach. She argued that limited success in South African courts was behind the decision by some groups to take their claims to such international forums as the International Labour Organisation.

Under Section 9(2) of the Constitution, measures such as affirmative action and equity targets are not exceptions to equality but part of its fulfilment. In this regard, she quoted former Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who had said “our Constitution heralds not only equal protection of the law and non-discrimination but also the start of a credible and abiding process of reparation for past exclusion, dispossession, and indignity within the discipline of our constitutional framework."

'Changing lives'

The central theme of Albertyn's lecture was the concept of “transformative substantive equality," which she defined as requiring “a complete reconstruction of the state and society, including a redistribution of power and resources along egalitarian lines". This, she said, would lead to “the eradication of systemic forms of discrimination and material disadvantage."

Albertyn proposed the idea of “equality of condition" – not just removing barriers, but actively creating the conditions that allow people to flourish.

Reflecting on her role as an academic, she said: “You're trying to say, if I put something out there that is pushing the boundaries of what judges and lawyers are comfortable with – maybe I can create some space for more transformative thinking."

Albertyn reminded her audience that the constitutional promise of equality is not a destination but an ongoing struggle. “It's about actually fundamentally changing people's lives."

She emphasised that courts alone cannot achieve equality. Real transformation depends on a broad coalition of actors – including social movements, civil society, academics and policymakers – to contest inequality and imagine new legal, social and economic arrangements.

* Photograph by Ignus Dreyer/SCPS ?
Desmond Thompson is a freelance journalist.?

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??“We've been busy," Prof Johann Mouton remarked at a recent conference marking the 30th anniversary of Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST).

With that, the Director of the Centre summed up three decades of serious intellectual labour – and remarkable institutional achievement – in typically understated fashion.

“I grew up in a Calvinist household. My parents always said never to boast," he added with a smile. “So this is not boasting. This is what I'm proud of – what we've achieved, and what we've built with the help of many people."

And the list is long. Since its founding, CREST has produced:

• 29 books, cited 14 434 times
• 230 book chapters and 448 journal articles, cited 12 945 times
• More than 200 research reports and 1 200 conference presentations
• 40 seminars and conferences, and over 60 workshops
• 1 878 graduates

Even a cursory reading of the CREST story, said Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, shows how the Centre has enhanced the standing of SU. In her opening remarks at the anniversary conference, she commended CREST for “exceptional contributions" and delivering “unparalleled performance and impact" that has been “recognised nationally and internationally".

Impact for Africa

The conference also saw the launch of the African Science, Technology and Innovation Leaders' (ASTIL) Forum – a significant new initiative. The Forum brings together six founding organisations, collectively representing some of the continent's most influential and respected bodies in the field: the African Academy of Sciences, Network of African Science Academies, Association of African Universities, African Research Universities Alliance, Science for Africa Foundation, and the Science Granting Councils Initiative, represented by the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

A story in three chapters

Prof Mouton divided CREST's 30-year journey into three distinct stages.

Its genesis phase (1995–2003) began with the Centre's establishment as the Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies (CENIS). Early academic offerings included an M.Phil in Social Science Methods (1996) and an M.Phil in Science and Technology Studies (1997).

In the same year, the Centre participated in a national Research and Technology Audit – a pivotal early milestone. This produced important new data on the publication patterns of South African academics, laying the foundation for what became the South African Knowledgebase.

“That's our baby," Mouton said affectionately of the pioneering database combining publication metrics with demographic information.

By 2003, the Centre had refocused and adopted its current name – a reflection of its growing identity as a hub for research evaluation, scientometrics and science, technology and innovation (STI) policy.

CREST's growth phase (2004–2013) saw a steep increase in externally funded projects, particularly in scientometrics and STI policy. It also included the founding of the African Doctoral Academy (ADA), now housed within SU International, and the establishment of a national Research Directors' Forum. During this period, CREST launched a suite of academic programmes in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), in response to growing demand in government and civil society.

Then came the sustainability phase (2014–2024), characterised by exponential growth in output, data infrastructure and income generation – which reached R438 million by the end of last year.

The Centre was awarded:

• the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Scientometrics and STI Policy (SciSTIP) in 2014
• a SARChI Chair in Science Communication in 2015
• an SU Chair in Science Futures in 2024

A recent external evaluation noted: “The review panel found that SciSTIP may be regarded as a national asset for South Africa and the continent. Its work is of high quality, at the level of excellence, and has had an important and highly relevant impact on the National System of Innovation."

In December 2024, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation renewed SciSTIP's funding for a further five years.

“It was astonishing," Mouton said. “They effectively gave us carte blanche, asking us to work towards establishing a fully-fledged national STI Observatory – something South Africa has never had."

Little wonder then that Prof Moyo described CREST as “an excellent prototype to use for establishing sustainable future centres and schools within SU and the higher education sector."

Recipe for success

CREST's strategic value to the country has been repeatedly demonstrated. Over the past three decades, the Centre has produced more than 50 strategic planning reports for South African universities. It also continues to influence national science policy debates.

So what is the secret behind CREST's sustained success?

Calling the Centre “a rather interesting animal", Mouton credited its impact to a clear long-term vision, consistent planning, good people – “and a lot of hard work," he added, only half joking.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, who was still Vice-Chancellor designate when he delivered the vote of thanks at the gala dinner on 19 March, captured it succinctly: “This milestone is a testament to your commitment to advancing knowledge and shaping the future of science, technology and innovation in this country."

* Photograph by Ignus Dreyer/SCPS ?
Desmond Thompson is a freelance journalist.

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World Health Day: 7 April 2025

Even though a third of South Africans experience a mental health condition and more than 27% are affected by depression, only 5% of the national healthcare budget is allocated to mental health services.

Prof Renata Schoeman, head of Healthcare Leadership at Stellenbosch Business School, says limited access, stigma and an underfunded system leave millions without support, exacerbating the burden on hospitals and emergency services.

“The lack of investment in mental health is shocking,” says Prof Schoeman. “We cannot continue to treat mental health as an afterthought when it is central to the overall wellbeing of our citizens.”

According to the Sapien Labs report Mental State of the World in 2024, South Africa, with a mental health quotient of 50, ranks 69th out of 71 countries across all mental wellbeing dimensions. The country also has the highest percentage of mentally distressed or struggling respondents (35%).

A third of South Africans suffer from a mental health condition, yet the majority do not seek help. Teen mental health issues are escalating, fuelled by economic hardship, social instability, and lack of access to services.

“The 2024/25 national healthcare budget increased by only 3,5%, failing to keep pace with inflation. Even more alarming, the 2025/26 budget is set to drop to R28,9 billion, despite mounting healthcare needs,” says Prof Schoeman.

“This money will mainly cover salaries and pharmaceutical supplies, leaving little room for infrastructure development, innovation, or system-wide improvements.

“South Africa spends 8–9% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on health, which is high by global standards, yet our system remains inefficient and underperforming. It’s not just about a lack of funds – it’s about how funds are used. Corruption, mismanagement and inefficiencies are bleeding the system dry.”

Prof Schoeman says the healthcare system is under-resourced. “Shortages of mental health workers, a lack of experienced practitioners as well as insufficient resources to follow up and ensure compliance with treatment all contribute to a persistent treatment gap.”

The South African state sector has an average of only 0,31 psychiatrists per 100 000 population, with an unequal distribution between rural and urban areas. Some predominantly rural provinces have only 0,08 psychiatrists per 100 000 population in the state sector. There is also a critical shortage of child psychiatrists, with only three of the nine provinces having any child psychiatrists in the state sector. Around 50% of state hospitals offering psychiatric care do not have a psychiatrist, and 30% have no clinical psychologists.

“The gap between policy and implementation is stark. While frameworks exist, the lack of dedicated resources and trained professionals means that mental health remains the ‘poor cousin’ of the healthcare system,” says Prof Schoeman.

According to her, South African healthcare workers are among the hardest hit, struggling with understaffed hospitals, extreme workloads and stagnant wages. Many are leaving the public sector or emigrating, further destabilising an already fragile system.

“Our country’s system is buckling under the strain of an overwhelmed workforce, neglected mental health services, and inefficiencies that drain critical resources. We are not just facing a funding crisis – we are dealing with an emotional recession among healthcare professionals,” says Prof Schoeman. “Doctors and nurses are running on empty, and this affects patient care and the future of our healthcare system.”

She argues for a shift to a value-based healthcare model – a system that prioritises patient outcomes, efficiency and accessibility, while reducing costs. “We cannot continue to apply Band-Aid solutions to a system in distress,” she says. “It is time for real reform, or we risk the total collapse of our healthcare sector.”

Value-based healthcare focuses on:

• improving patient outcomes rather than just increasing service volumes;
• enhancing patient experience and satisfaction;
• eliminating inefficiencies to make the most of existing resources; and
• reducing costs by focusing on long-term quality improvements.

“The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) is not a solution – it’s a funding model, not a service reform plan,” says Prof Schoeman. “Without tackling corruption and inefficiencies, simply pouring more money into the system will not achieve fundamental restructuring of South Africa’s healthcare system. Addressing staff burnout, strengthening mental health services, eliminating corruption and adopting a value-based healthcare model are crucial steps towards a sustainable future.”

This article appeared on South Africa Today on 7 April 2025.

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The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences School of Accountancy (SoA) graduates have once again demonstrated their exceptional talent and dedication. The January 2025 Initial Assessment of Competence (IAC) results from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) were recently released, with the SoA 2024 students achieving an impressive 98% pass rate, surpassing the national pass rate of 82%.

Adding to this achievement, two of SoA graduates ranked in the Top 10 nationally:

• Corbin Stander (3rd place)
• Elizabeth Smith (8th place)

Furthermore, five of SoA candidates, including Corbin and Elizabeth, passed the exam with honours (75% or more).

Prof Stiaan Lamprecht, Acting Director of the School of Accountancy, shared: "The School of Accountancy is very proud of its results. At Stellenbosch, we are privileged to attract excellent students, have exceptional lecturers, and deliver our programmes in world-class facilities. When these elements come together, such amazing results are a testament to the collaborative efforts of the faculty."

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??Have you made your contribution? Shared the message? Encouraged others to get involved? Our annual #It'sGivingMaties campaign is in full swing, and we're counting on YOUR support to help us reach our goal.

Running until 16 April 2025, #It'sGivingMaties aims to raise R2 million for bursaries, student meals, and debt relief – ensuring that more students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their financial circumstances.

"With the rising cost of education, many students struggle with the harsh realities of debt and food insecurity.  #It'sGivingMaties tackles these challenges head-on to ensure every student has the support to succeed," says Viwe Benxa, #It'sGivingMaties organiser at SU's Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR).

Season of giving

Benxa explains: “We're doing things differently this year. We have expanded the event into a 'season of giving', allowing you plenty of time to support our students. The season will culminate on Giving Maties Day, set for 16 April, which will feature a series of social events across SU campuses."

Our Rector, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, emphasises the importance of collective action. "I'm inspired every day by the generosity of the Maties community. Financial hardships should never be a barrier to success. I encourage everyone to take part in this season of giving and help us make a lasting impact."

"Thanks to generous support from our community and partners, the campaign is gaining momentum. We're proud to announce that Standard Bank has come on board as a sponsor, further strengthening our efforts to uplift our students, says Alwin Mabuza, #It'sGivingMaties ambassador and DAR fundraiser.

“Since the campaign's launch on 6 March, we've surpassed R70 000 in donations from individual supporters—a strong start toward our R2 million goal. With Giving Maties Day on 16 April fast approaching, now is the time to accelerate our efforts.  

“Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If each supporter raises just R100, we will meet our target and transform countless student lives," he adds.

Funds raised will go to SU's Annual Fund, BridgeTheGap (BTG), which supports initiatives designed to address the most pressing needs of students.

These initiatives are:

#Move4Food – Providing emergency food relief to food-insecure students

#GradMe – Assisting students with unpaid fees to secure their degrees

#CaughtInTheMiddle – Helping students who don't qualify for government financial aid but still can't afford their education

#EndPeriodPoverty – Ensuring all students have access to basic sanitary products

#Action4Inclusion – Supporting students who face financial barriers to registration and accessing their academic records.

Here's a look at the events happening during the Giving Maties celebrations:

Forest of Giving (Tygerberg 9 April and Stellenbosch 15 April)

Stakeholder groups decorate trees on Victoria Street with a student support theme, accompanied by live music performances.

Staff #Groove4Good (16 April, Rooiplein)

Staff divisions compete in a fun dance competition.

The Amazing Chase (16 April, Rooiplein)

Residences and 肆客足球 race in creative soapbox cars on the Rooiplein.

Matie Parent Virtual Trivia Challenge (16 April, Online)

Parents of Maties test their knowledge in an online Trivia event.

Show Your Colours (16 April, Social Media)

Alumni are encouraged to wear SU colours to work and share their Maties pride on social media.

Pokkel Dash and Prize-giving (16 April, Coetzenburg)

Students team up to 'rescue' Pokkel from Maties sports teams, ending with a prize-giving ceremony.

What can you do?

• Click here and select the initiative you would like to support.?

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