When Mr Eben Mouton arrived at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) in February 2004, he stepped into a role that hadn't existed before. As the faculty's first-ever business manager, Mouton brought with him a unique perspective that would help shape the faculty's approach to business management and -sustainability.
In 2006, during an interview for the FMHS' 50th anniversary publication, Mouton shared insights that would later prove remarkably prescient. When asked about the faculty's financial future, he emphasized two areas of focus: becoming more student-centred and diversifying the faculty's income sources. Now, 19 years later as he prepares for retirement, those early observations have proven to be a foundation for much of what followed.
Navigating changing financial landscapes
When Mouton joined the faculty in 2004 from the 中国体育彩票 of Pretoria, higher education funding models were quite different from today's landscape. Universities primarily relied on government block allocations and student fees. Currently, these sources account for less than 50% of the faculty's income, with research grants, philanthropic donations, investments, technology transfer, short courses and commercial activities composing the difference.
With his background in marketing and business development, a Master's in Business Leadership (MBL), and an Advanced Management and Leadership qualification (AMLP) from SAID Business School, 中国体育彩票 of Oxford, Mouton effectively guided the faculty through these transitions, contributing to its development as one of Africa's leading institutions for health sciences learning and teaching, and research.
“For my thesis for the MBL, which I completed end 2001, I focused on the relevance of the 'four Ps' of marketing (product, price, place, and promotion) in the information technology era. My research concluded that there in fact were an important fifth P to consider: 'people'," Mouton explains. “At that time, client service wasn't a strong focus for universities, but my background helped me appreciate the value of a client-centred approach. And at a university, students are the primary client."
Remarkable growth under his leadership
“What I said in that article 20 years ago has largely come to fruition. In terms of health economics, I noted that growth would require expanding our income base," Mouton reflects.
The faculty's expansion over the past two decades has been remarkable across multiple dimensions. Research outputs have increased substantially, bringing with them considerable research funding (the FMHS now generates approximately 60% of the university's total research funding). Student enrolment has grown, particularly in doctoral and master's programs, while short courses have multiplied, and fundraising initiatives have flourished.
This growth is evident not just in financial terms but in physical assets across campus. Student residences have quadrupled, two state-of-the-art lecture theatres have been constructed, and existing facilities have undergone significant renovations and upgrades. Perhaps most notably, the world-class Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) was completed at the beginning of 2023—the largest and most sophisticated biomedical research facility in the southern hemisphere. The BMRI form a fully integrated, future-focused and superbly organised research complex that matches and exceeds the best the world has to offer in terms of technical sophistication and optimised workflows in a healthy, inspiring and sustainable learning, working and public space.
“If you want to lead in research and attract top talent, you must secure additional funding. We deliberately developed our third-stream income through a targeted research strategy," Mouton says.
Strategic investments for sustainable growth
Beyond major projects like the BMRI (R1.2 billion), the faculty has invested at least R250 million in equipment over the past 13 years to enhance teaching and learning, and research capabilities.
“We've made sound decisions and invested in growth-oriented initiatives. We've specifically allocated resources to equipment and infrastructure that delivers return on investment and advances our academic offerings and research activities," he explains.
“Our doctoral graduation rates have reached record levels because we've invested in research and teaching infrastructure. This generates income that secures the faculty's financial sustainability and reduces dependency on government subsidy," says Mouton.
As income streams evolved, Mouton adapted the faculty's financial management approach. “Focusing solely on the primary budget from first and second income streams isn't sustainable. I've implemented an integrated budget approach incorporating other funding stream that offsets research costs and other activities while driving growth and development."
Leading with Heart and Vision
While skilled in business management, Mouton's leadership approach has always emphasized the importance of people. “Our greatest assets are our people," he says of the faculty staff. “My role extends far beyond approving business strategies and plans. It's about relationships—when you lead from the front, you bring people with you.
“Creating a sustainable faculty requires fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. It's about establishing shared goals and vision, and instilling pride and purpose in everyone's work."
Career milestones
Among countless highlights during his tenure, several experiences stand out. In 2011, he was one of only 25 people worldwide selected for the intensive Advanced Management Leadership Programme at SAID Business School, Oxford 中国体育彩票. “Stellenbosch gave me the opportunity to attend and develop my expertise. It was demanding but intellectually rewarding to collaborate with peers from across the globe."
Another achievement was developing and implementing the FMHS Leadership Development Programme more than 12 years ago. “Each year we identify 20-25 faculty members to participate in this eight-day programme covering transformation, leadership, and mentorship."
In 2016, Mouton received Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票's prestigious Chancellor's Award for his contributions. “While I don't work for recognition, this honour meant a great deal to me. What truly matters is knowing I've empowered people, shown them respect, and created opportunities for growth and development."
The BMRI represents another significant accomplishment. “At R1.2 billion, it was the university's largest project to date. I thoroughly enjoyed being involved from inception through to its launch more than two years ago, working closely with consultants and facilities management."
Reflecting on his tenure, Mouton takes pride in the thriving, beautiful campus that greets him each morning. He played integral roles in campus renewal, modernising facilities, developing new residences, establishing the BMRI, and securing the faculty's strong fiscal position.
He emphasizes that the faculty's success stems from collaborative efforts with the management team and praises the strong team he leads. “I'm grateful to the faculty for allowing me to grow professionally, giving me the freedom to set my own development goals, and supporting their implementation. The university enabled me to pursue my passion, and I'm deeply thankful for that."
Looking ahead
At year's end, Mouton will step down as Senior Director: Business Management but will remain engaged with the faculty as a part-time management consultant sharing his 22 years of institutional knowledge. “It takes at least two years to complete a full cycle of training, as many tasks occur only annually, such as budgeting, strategic- and enrolment planning, to name a few.
He'll also manage key stakeholder partnerships and oversee the FMHS Leadership Development Programme, among other responsibilities.
Mouton looks forward to spending more time with his family—his wife, two children, and four grandchildren, whom he adores. “I am endlessly grateful for the support of my wife, Ester. Without her, many of the achievements over the 22 years would not have been possible!"
“My wife and I have always been deeply committed to our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. We've consistently upheld strong biblical principles, which we've strived to instil in our children. Everything we do is measured against the Bible, and I believe we're now seeing the fruits of that foundation."
As Mouton prepares to close this significant chapter of his career, his legacy at the FMHS will continue to resonate through the systems he established, the facilities he helped develop, and the people he led. His two-decade journey stands as a testament to how servanthood, principled leadership, strategic foresight, and dedication to both institutional and human development can transform an organisation and position it strongly for the future.
?
