This Women's Month, we're celebrating academic staff at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU) who are shaping minds and inspiring excellence through their teaching. These remarkable educators bring passion, innovation and dedication to the classroom, helping students thrive and succeed. Their stories reflect the impact of women at the heart of SU's academic community.
 
In a remarkable academic career spanning 25 years during which she trained close to 1 500 occupational therapists, Prof Nicola Plastow, associate professor in the Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, has demonstrated a continuous commitment to the scholarship of teaching and learning. Plastow has been a recipient of an SU Teaching Fellowship twice (2015 and 2023) as well as of an SU Distinguished Teaching Award (2021). An NRF-rated researcher (C2), Plastow received a commendation at the National ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ Teaching Awards (NUTA) in 2024. Her work is deeply rooted in the philosophy of occupational justice.
 
Can you tell us a bit about your background?
Occupational therapists promote health and well-being by supporting people to participate in the daily activities or tasks that they want to, need to, and have to do. These activities include taking care of themselves, playing, learning, having fun, working, and spending time with other people. Occupational justice is about having the right to participate, and to achieve your potential.
My journey as a teacher started in 2000 before I even graduated, when I had to host first-year students at my final-year practice placement in Imizamo Yethu (Hout Bay). In my first job I also supervised students who were completing their 1 000 hours of practice.
I really enjoyed teaching students in my clinical practice. But teaching also gave me the confidence to pursue my master's degree, and later my PhD. I became a lecturer at Brunel ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ in London in 2005 and joined SU in 2014. So, my teaching and academic journey is now 25 plus years in the making.
 
Did you have any role models who left a lasting impression?
As a woman academic, my whole career is only possible because of the women who have supported me to become who I am. My mom, Alice Tinsley, is an incredible teacher, role model, and granny. Profs Lana van Niekerk and Maddie Duncan showed me as an undergrad student that it is possible to be an academic, have a family, and do a PhD ¨C while being amazing teachers. Dr Anita Atwal supervised my PhD and taught me how to get things published.
 
What does it mean to you to be a woman in academia today?
Being a woman in academia is really hard work! There are lots of different roles that I need to play as an academic: being a teacher, a researcher, the Undergraduate Programme Coordinator, and an occupational therapist at a rehabilitation centre in Bishop Lavis, as well as dealing with the academic administration within a large organisation and caring for students' well-being. All this needs to happen within the context of all my other roles that come with their own responsibilities: like being an auntie, a mom to four children, a daughter, a friend, and the wife of an entrepreneur.
Despite these responsibilities, being a woman in academia is an incredibly rewarding experience. I get to watch people learn and grow from being students to professionals and PhD graduates; I get to make long-term, deep and meaningful connections with people from a broad range of cultures across the world, with different interests and beliefs to my own; and I get to use the gifts and talents that God has given me to make an impact in the world.
Creating a space for future generations of women educators means showing young women that it is possible to juggle these many roles and stitch them together in a way that creates a meaningful and purposeful life. For me, it's about not being restricted by my sense of responsibility and duty, but about creating as many opportunities as I can for as many people as possible.
 
What is the biggest reward of being a lecturer at SU?
I think I have taught some 1 500 occupational therapists from their first year to graduation during my career. There is this magic moment each year, around the beginning of the second semester, when I walk into a class and see a group of professionals. They aren't students anymore. It is at that moment that I know that they are ready to face the challenges inherent in working in the healthcare system in South Africa, and that they will be agents of change. I could not be prouder of the quality of our occupational therapy students.
 
What advice would you give to younger women entering the teaching profession today?
My number one piece of advice is that there is no good time to do your master's degree or PhD, and there is no good time to have a baby! Becoming a mommy was a life-changing gift that turned my world upside down ¨C with each new baby, forever. If becoming a mother is not your thing, the same applies to your other goals and dreams. Don't wait until you have finished your academic project(s) to do the other things that give life meaning ¨C the academic project(s) will still be there waiting for you.

PHOTO: Stefan Els?

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This Women's Month, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ celebrates the brilliant, brave, and compassionate women who comprise well over half of our world-class faculty. From our boundary-breaking dean, Prof Elmi Muller, and the formidable female leaders in our Management Team, to our exceptional academic staff and the unsung "sheroes" in administration who keep everything running ¨C we see you, we salute you, we appreciate you.

These remarkable women embody excellence across every corner of our faculty, driving innovation in research, transforming medical education, and delivering world-class service. Through this feature series, we shine a spotlight on their diverse contributions and celebrate how their dedication, expertise, and leadership continue to elevate the FMHS as a leading institution in medicine and health sciences education and research.

Dannielle Kenny's journey from student to science communication leader

We're kicking off our campaign by turning the spotlight on Ms Dannielle Kenny, Science Communication Manager for the Divisions of Immunology and Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, and the South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research. In her role, this science communication specialist bridges the gap between the scientific community and the public, fostering meaningful connections and promoting the societal relevance of biomedical research.

Dannielle's path to science communication began serendipitously during her Master's studies in biomedical sciences. She was introduced to public science engagement through ¡°TB under the Spotlight," a community engagement initiative aimed at educating learners in high TB burden areas about the disease. Working alongside her best friend and fellow student, Dr Carly Young-Bailie, Dannielle? led the TB research exhibit, designing interactive content that brought scientific research ¡°out of the laboratory" and into the public realm.

¡°This project showcased that a combination of hands-on interaction and creative communication methods can foster a space in which scientific research is brought 'out of the laboratory' and into the realm of the public," Dannielle reflects, noting that this experience sparked her interest in science engagement, ¡°although I didn't know it at the time."

Encouraged by her mentor, Dr Taime Sylvester, Dannielle began advocating for dedicated science communication resources within her research environment. Her persistence paid off when management recognised the value of science engagement and created the position of Communications and Marketing Officer in December 2018.

¡°Since my appointment, I have been instrumental in shaping and expanding the scope of this position to focus more explicitly on science communication and public engagement," Dannielle explains. Her role has evolved through experiential growth and her commitment to advancing science engagement as a professional field.

What Dannielle enjoys most about her work is its multifaceted nature: ¡°The first is witnessing an idea, concept, or proposal go from an abstract thought into a tangible project with measurable outputs and outcomes. The second is connecting with project partners to exchange knowledge, lived experiences, perspectives and expectations that help inform, shape and implement impactful projects."

Her dedication to the field recently earned her selection as a Fellow for the prestigious German-South African Public Engagement Exchange (PEX) 2024/2025 cohort. This unique fellowship programme fosters leadership and innovation in public engagement, connecting Dannielle with global peers and thought leaders while positioning her as an ambassador for engaged research.

¡°I regard my participation in this programme as one of my most proud achievements and a source of acknowledgement and recognition from fellow peers and leaders in the public engagement space," she says.

However, Dannielle considers her greatest accomplishment to be personal rather than professional: ¡°the incredible community of people, from my parents, husband, in-laws and family to fellow students, best friends, mentors and advisors, I have formed throughout my life and the unconditional love and support they give that inspire and encourage me to believe in my skills, worth and value."

Her advice to young women reflects this community-centred philosophy: ¡°Listen to the inner and external voices that believe you are capable; that tell you: you are smart/brave/experienced/creative/innovative enough to take on that task/project/opportunity/job, because they aren't wrong and see the worth and value you bring ¨C make sure to hold space for that woman to grow, flourish and bloom."

Dannielle draws inspiration from an extensive network of women who have paved the way for her generation. ¡°These women have faced adversity, impossible social standards, crippling workload, unrealistic expectations, stereotypes and discrimination, yet have made a success of every opportunity with grace, humility and grit," she reflects. ¡°I envy how they conduct themselves and engage with others with the utmost respect, compassion, confidence, and authenticity, and I am in awe of their achievements and aspirations."

This inspiring network includes her mother Cheryle Moore, late grandmother Wendy Waller, mother-in-law Gail Kenny, stepmom Sonja Moore, sisters-in-law Savanah Giessler and Nora Kenny, best friends Carly Young-Bailie, Ayanda Shabangu, Kim Wayne, Shelby Engelbrecht and Michaela Boshoff, colleagues Tracey Jooste, Sinazo Bali, Alyce Kapisa, Mbali Mkhonza, Caitlyne McMurchie, Tehillah Maluleke, Sedzani Ndou, Leka Mhlophe, Michaela O'Hare, Catherine Lohrentz, Robyn Lategan, Emilyn Costa Concei??o, Margaret Nolan, Denise Scholtz, Leigh Kotze, Gabriela Carolus and Stephanie Okeyo, and her mentors Dr Taime Sylvester, Dr Caroline Beltran, Dr Rouxjeane Venter, Ms Julia Moore, Dr Natalie Leibrandt-Loxton, Prof Liezel Smith, Ms Liesel Muller, Prof Marina Joubert, Prof Rene English, Prof Lynn Hendricks, Prof Susan van Schalkwyk, Prof Marlo M?ller, Dr Therese Fish, Prof Maryna van de Venter and Prof Carminita Frost. As Dannielle puts it: ¡°Because of them, we can..."

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?Collaboration is essential to universities realising their institutional goals, and for that reason, purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks are among Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's (SU) core strategic themes.

This was emphasised during a recent visit by members of the Cape Town Consular Corps to SU's new state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) at the Tygerberg Campus¡ªhome to the university's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS).

¡°It is a strategic objective of the university to foster international partnerships with people like yourselves. It makes our world bigger and brings new perspectives to our faculty and university," Prof Elmi Muller, FMHS Dean, told the delegation in her welcoming remarks.

The visiting Consular Corps members were made up of Consuls General, Consuls, Honorary Consuls and other consular officials representing 18 different countries. The purpose of the event was to showcase the university's facilities and to build on the existing relationships between SU and the Consular Corps.

SU has formal bilateral partnerships and other forms of collaboration with higher education institutions in each of these countries, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, told dignitaries. ¡°We have no fewer than 339 partner institutions in 66 countries on six continents. Which means that our level of internationalisation is among the highest in South Africa," De Villiers said.

¡°As an institution with a global outlook, rooted in Africa, we continuously ask ourselves not only what we're good at, but also what we are good for," he added. ¡°That's why our vision is not only to be Africa's leading research-intensive university, but also to be a place where we advance knowledge in service of society.

¡°One of the university's core strategic themes is to conduct research for impact, and this is exemplified by this facility. The BMRI is unparalleled on the African continent in terms of its facilities and research capacity, but also for significant human development through training some of the best students from the continent and exposing them to extensive global research networks," De Villiers said. ¡°The BMRI and the work that we're doing here is a practical demonstration of our aspiration to be a proud African knowledge hub, serving the continent through research innovation and education."

De Villiers's message of service on the continent was echoed by Prof Nico Gey van Pittius, FMHS Vice-Dean: Research and Internationalisation, who explained how the FMHS targets some of the greatest health issues facing the continent through its research. ¡°We know that Africa bears the brunt of many diseases, and as one of the leading medicine and health sciences faculties on this continent we have a unique responsibility to contribute to addressing these problems," Gey van Pittius acknowledged. ¡°We want to do that by bringing the brightest minds in science and technology together here at the faculty and providing them with cutting-edge technologies to help find solutions to some of Africa's most pressing health issues."

Gey van Pittius also highlighted the faculty's efforts to build capacity on the African continent. ¡°We don't see our role as only servicing our own needs, we also do capacity building for the rest of the continent," he said. ¡°We are continuously training students and colleagues from other African countries who then takes this knowledge and skills back to their own countries."

To illustrate the faculty's real-life impact, two prominent SU academics presented some of the work their teams' have accomplished. Prof Portia Jordan, who heads SU's Department of Nursing and Midwifery, made a case for the need to increase and empower the global nursing workforce, and illustrated how her department is heeding the call through several under- and postgraduate programmes. Prof Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), relayed how during the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ pandemic, his team worked tirelessly to track variants on the continent and were responsible for detecting both the Beta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-19. He maintained that their work in epidemic tracking on the content is ongoing and emphasised the importance of this work considering climate change and its link to human and animal health.

The talks were concluded with a word of thanks by Prof Karin Baatjes, FMHS Vice Dean: Learning and Teaching. ¡°It is key to our university's mission to be connected to the world, while enriching and transforming local, continental and global communities," Baatjes said. ¡°May we continue to build strong bonds in our international communities, and to that end, we express our gratitude to all representatives here today."

After the presentations, dignitaries were taken on a tour of the BMRI to experience the facility first-hand.

¡°Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ is blessed with an abundance of world-class resources, creating a compelling case for members of the Consular Corps to forge cooperation agreements with the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ," said Dr Prieur du Plessis, Deputy Dean of the Cape Town Consular Corps. ¡°A ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ is measured by the excellence of its work. At the BMRI we have seen first-hand evidence of its outstanding work. I would encourage our members and the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ to engage with each other to explore mutual opportunities ¨C opportunities in the interest of advancement in South Africa, and to the benefit of our respective countries."

Consul General of Romania and Dean of the Consular Corps, Nicolae Andrei Zaharescu, thanked SU for networking with the diplomatic mission in Cape Town. ¡°Supporting the education system in South Africa, through all diplomatic efforts, remains one of our main goals. In the words of Madiba: A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special," Zaharescu concluded.

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Esther Uwimaana is one of 30 women scientists on the continent being recognised for their work by the 14^th L'Or¨¦al-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards.

Uwimaan, who hails from Uganda, is working towards her PhD in Molecular Biology at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), where she is conducting research on potential vaccines for tuberculosis.

Each year, the L'Or¨¦al-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards recognise and support African women scientists for the excellence of their research. The 30 winners¡ªof which 25 are PhD candidates and five postdoctoral researchers¡ªhave been selected among 632 applicants.

¡°As bearers of hope and innovative solutions for the African continent, the 30 scientists of the L'Or¨¦al-UNESCO For Women in Science 2023 Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards are investing in multiple fields of research. Using unprecedented approaches, they tackle major challenges to improve the quality of life in Africa and worldwide," reads a statement issued by the L'Or¨¦al-UNESCO For Women in Science.

¡°The 30 young talents¡ªbiochemists, epidemiologists, ecologists, artificial intelligence experts and public health specialists¡ªfrom 18 different African countries are all committed to finding long-term solutions to the continent's diverse challenges. They are all a real source of inspiration for future generations."

Explaining her research, Uwimaana, says she is examining the potential of Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens as vaccines against tuberculosis. ¡°This involves priming human immune cells with mycobacterial proteins and peptides, followed by challenging the human cells with bacteria and observing whether these cells kill the bacteria," she explains. ¡°My findings could be used to develop effective vaccines to keep people safe from tuberculosis and contribute to the fight against infectious diseases."

As for her chosen career path in science, Uwimaana says she feels privileged to be able to inspire girls in her village, and showing them that a career in science is possible. ¡°The increase in opportunities for women is gradually breaking societal norms, however we still need to convince African families of the value of girls' education, create more role models and enable women scientists to work free of inequality and discrimination."

The L'Or¨¦al-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards enable its laureates to benefit from financial support to help them conduct their research projects¡ªgrants of €10 000 (nearly R200 000) for PhD candidates and €15 000 (nearly R300 000) for postdoctoral researchers. The 2023 Young Talents' cohort will join a community of more than 200 African researchers who have been supported an honoured since the creation of this regional programme in 2010.

¡°Enabling women scientists to emerge in the public arena and be recognised for the quality of their work requires urgent action. It's everyone's responsibility¡ªinstitutions, companies and civil society. Neither Africa nor the world can successfully respond to the environmental, societal, health crises of our time by depriving itself of half of the humanity," says Alexandra Palt, CEO of the Fondation L'Or¨¦al.

Caption: Esther Uwimaana.?

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?Speaking to Professor Gubela Mji about her life's work is like speaking to someone on the cusp of a brand-new adventure. Over two decades after she joined the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies in May 2002, when it was in its infant shoes, she still sounds as passionate as ever on the eve of her retirement as head of the centre.

¡°When I joined the unit, I was the only staff member back then, and I gradually saw the unit expand into a division with around 11 people," she says.

A first order of business when she started teaching the programme was inclusivity. ¡°The model back then meant only students from Cape Town could be catered for. So, I shifted the programme to block weeks every six months, which meant we could expand and include students from the rest of the country.

¡°But I also wanted to reach students in the African region. While collaborating with the Division of Family Medicine I saw they used internet-based programmes for their master's, and so in 2006, I introduced internet-based programmes for our structured master's."

Along the way she saw the need to expand again to include a PhD programme within disability and rehabilitation studies, which was approved.

Mji explains that disability is transdisciplinary and should therefore include students from other disciplines, such as from education, psychology, finance, and engineering.

¡°These students were in their respective departments, but they also wanted to understand disability. We saw a need to develop a postgraduate diploma in disability and rehabilitation studies. This one-year diploma would assist these students coming from other disciplines with regard to disability and rehabilitation studies.

¡°By the end we had a postgraduate diploma and both a structured and research master's in Disability and Rehabilitation Studies, as well as a PhD in Health Science rehabilitation."

Mji has a PhD in Family Medicine: Indigenous Health Knowledge, which she obtained from Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ in 2013; an MSc in Physiotherapy: Disability and Homelessness from the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of Cape Town; and a BSc in Physiotherapy.

But she is not a woman who rests on her laurels. One burning question kept her striving for even more: What happens with all this disability research?

¡°I had this perception that they just keep it in their cupboards and nothing eventually comes from it, so I felt there was a need to develop a network ¨C which includes persons with disabilities, researchers, government, businesses and civil society ¨C with a core goal of translating disability research into evidence-based practice to effect policies for the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities."

Professor Lieketseng Ned has worked with Mji since 2014, first having her as line manager when she joined the university as a lecturer and later Mji became her PhD supervisor. ¡°She has taught me how to be a rigorous and principled disability scholar, as well as the importance of being patient with the process of growth and being committed to the disability agenda," she says.

Ned says the highlight of working with Mji was her inclusive and empowering leadership style. ¡°She excels in bringing people with the same interest together. This is why she has built a successful disability network (AfriNEAD) which later gave birth to an accredited African Journal of Disability (AJOD)."

Mji was born in the Eastern Cape and counts herself fortunate to have had her grandmother as one of her early mentors. ¡°My grandmother really had this vision about the African continent and taught us about its best qualities and its challenges. I can remember as a young person we were very much aware of what was going on in Uganda and the women's struggle. She taught me about Indira Gandhi, who was the first female prime minister of India.

¡°She had a small radio and every morning, she listened to the news, and we were also listening and learning a lot. So those were my humble beginnings. I was just really very fortunate having mentors that really were guiding me through the process."

Mji plans to divide her time between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape upon her retirement and to continue advocacy work.

Asked about any challenges in her career, she says: ¡°I always just tried to face the day with a sincere heart, and just continued to try and solve each problem and find solutions. I will miss the academic space and mentors who were part of my education process. They were able to see the potential in me and they really wanted me to have a voice. They helped me understand even though there's mass of voices, my voice is important too."

Mji has continued what her grandmother started ¨C by having a sincere interest in the world and making it better. ¡°Our network has linked with about 23 countries, and they are now starting to produce their own disability research. I have been exploring the concept of Ubuntu with students ¨C some of these indigenous concepts and principles are important to bring to the fore. We are integrating both the new and the old and you will end up with a colourful blanket of combined knowledge systems.

¡°You will have a far more balanced future if you have these values on one side and technology on the other side. Technology itself will be enhanced and balanced by these values."

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Photo caption: Prof Gubela Mji

Photo credit: Damien Schumann

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The NeoIPC Consortium, of which Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ is a member, has launched a new surveillance toolkit to help neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) track and prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in high-risk newborns, including very preterm infants. This toolkit, which is available free of charge online, provides NICUs with essential tools to collect data on infection rates and risk factors and make evidence-based decisions about their infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies. 

¡°HAIs pose a significant threat to newborn babies, especially very preterm infants and those with very low birth weight," says Dr Brar Piening, Senior Physician at the Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine at Charit¨¦ ¨C Universit?tsmedizin Berlin (Germany) who heads the team developing the NeoIPC surveillance toolkit. ¡°Routine HAI surveillance is a critical component of IPC, and the NeoIPC toolkit streamlines the implementation of this important practice for NICUs." 

The NeoIPC surveillance system is based on standardised definitions and data collection methods, making it easy for NICUs to compare their data with benchmarking data generated from other participating NICUs in the same region and around the world. 

It has been developed in the context of the EU Horizon 2020-funded project NeoIPC, which is led by the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of Padua and the Penta Foundation (Italy). NeoIPC aims to evaluate the effectiveness of kangaroo care in combination with HAI surveillance and implementation support in reducing severe neonatal infections and sepsis in hospitalised newborns. 

¡°The NeoIPC surveillance toolkit is the result of many months of intense work and collaboration among NeoIPC partners," Dr Julia Bielicki, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Neonatal and Paediatric Infection of St George's, ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of London (United Kingdom), Penta ID Network member and NeoIPC Project Coordinator emphasises. ¡°We are excited to make this toolkit available to NICUs around the world, and we hope that it will help to improve IPC practices and to reduce the incidence of HAIs in newborns." 

The toolkit has been developed by researchers with longstanding experience in surveillance and neonatology at Charit¨¦ ¨C Universit?tsmedizin Berlin (Germany); St George's, ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of London (United Kingdom); Osakidetza ¨C Servicio Vasco de Salud (Spain); and Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (South Africa). 

Through the NeoIPC surveillance system, NICUs will collect data about high-risk infants, including their birth weight, gestational age, length of NICU stay, and the use of invasive devices such as central vascular catheters or ventilation support. They will also monitor occurrences of common types of hospital-acquired infections, namely bloodstream infections, pneumonia, surgical site infections, and necrotizing enterocolitis. 

The NeoIPC surveillance system will be piloted in 24 NICUs across Greece, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in 2024. All materials are available free of charge on the NeoIPC website for any NICU planning to participate in the NeoIPC surveillance or to establish their own HAI surveillance programme. 

To learn more about the NeoIPC surveillance toolkit, the NeoIPC Consortium is hosting an online launch event on Thursday, 23^rd November 2023, from 16:00-17:30 CET. This informative webinar is open to clinicians and practitioners interested in surveillance and IPC methods. Registration is mandatory.

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??Even though South Africa has strong trade deals with the European Union (EU) and is its biggest trading partner in Africa, the amount of agri-food trade with the EU is declining, largely because of growing trade barriers and related disputes. To reverse this decline, South Africa needs to shift its export focus, improve domestic infrastructure, and tackle non-tariff trade barriers (NTMs).

This is the call from researchers at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU) and Mendel ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ in Brno, Czech Republic.

In a study published recently in the journal Agrekon, they explored how the EU's agri-food import practices may be harming the competitiveness of South Africa's agricultural sector. They used 20 years (1999 to 2019) of trade data and the Constant Market Share (CMS) model ¡ª a tool used in international trade to examine changes in a country's export performance over time ¡ª to investigate these impacts in the context of trade liberalisation and the recent slowdown in global agri-food value chains.

The researchers grouped agri-food products into four categories: bulk commodities, processed intermediate goods ¡ª products used in the production of other goods ¡ª, horticultural products, and consumer-ready goods. Citrus, grapes, wine, apples and pears, and avocados make up the top five agri-food exports to the EU.

They point out that horticulture is the leading agri-food category exported to the EU, according to 2019 data from Eurostat, the EU's statistical office. Horticultural exports grew significantly, rising from just over 58% of agri-food exports in 1999 to more than 65% by 2019. Between 1999 and 2019, consumer-ready goods made up the largest share of the EU's total agri-food imports, of which wine is the most important. Processed intermediate and horticultural products each accounted for around 15%.

The researchers also note that nearly half of the total EU agri-food imports go to Central European countries, with Northern and Southern EU countries each accounting for about 20%. The smallest but growing share is imported by the Eastern EU.

They say that while South Africa's agri-food exports to the EU have grown steadily over the past two decades, their study suggests that the trade environment is becoming increasingly challenging.

¡°Although exports increased between 1999 and 2019, growth slowed noticeably after the global financial crisis, a trend linked to the lingering effects of the recession and the rise of non-tariff barriers.

¡°Our findings also highlight shifting demand patterns within different parts of Europe. In the East, agri-food imports increased after countries joined the EU in the early 2000s and adopted liberalised trade and agricultural policies. But that initial momentum has tapered off, with annual growth falling from 6,5% to just 3,5% in the decade after the recession.

¡°A similar slowdown is evident in Southern Europe, where import growth dropped sharply ¨C from 6,3% to 2,6% per year ¨C suggesting that recovery in this region has been slower and more uneven. Meanwhile, the Central and Northern EU markets show more stable dynamics, but even here, growth has plateaued."

The researchers say this raises concerns that existing trade agreements, once viewed as a gateway to opportunity, are no longer sufficient to support the sector's development or long-term competitiveness in the EU.

They add that while South Africa remains a key supplier of agri-food products to the EU, it is increasingly competing in markets that are either saturated or growing more slowly.

The researchers say South Africa should prioritise agri-food products with rapidly growing demand ¡ª particularly horticultural products ¡ª and target fast-growing markets within the EU, such as emerging Eastern EU countries.

¡°Investment in critical infrastructure, such as container ports and electricity supply, is essential to lower transaction costs and reduce uncertainties, thereby enhancing competitiveness against subsidised EU producers. This will also support competition with other sources of supply available to the EU.

¡°Policymakers should engage in dialogue with EU counterparts to revisit NTMs, resolve disputes that limit market access, and explore ways to help local exporters adapt to stringent regulatory requirements."

The researchers add that South Africa should also explore fast-growing markets outside the EU ¡ª such as BRICS countries, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and others ¡ª as potential trade partners. Once these promising markets have been identified, policymakers can help redirect agri-food exports, especially those in high demand, to both expanding EU and non-EU markets.

They note that despite the NTMs, disputes, and other challenges, the EU is still South Africa's most valuable trade partner. ¡°The substantial trade surplus and foreign direct investment generated through EU trade highlight the broader development benefits of strong agri-food exports. These include job creation, the adoption of green and digital technologies, and improved market access ¡ª all central to current trade and development debates."

The researchers say they hope their study will help the country's agri-food industry and policymakers better understand its competitive position and identify strategic actions to enhance its export performance in the EU market.

• Source: Melissa van der Merwe, Ivo Zdr¨¢hal & Francois Lategan (22 Apr 2025): Trade or trap? The impact of EU trade policies on South Africa's agri-food exports, Agrekon, DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2025.2489934

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??Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU) is proud to maintain global partnerships and to participate in some of the world's leading higher education networks. Engaging with these partners and colleagues is a key strategic priority for my office, often leading to collaborative projects that benefit not only SU but also our counterparts around the world.

Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of participating in several enriching engagements with our partners and networks.

One such highlight was EUTOPIA Week 2025, held in June at the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of Warwick, England. Since its inception in 2019, EUTOPIA has brought together European and global institutions around a shared vision: fostering an integrated educational experience through international collaboration. Being part of this dynamic network, which collectively addresses pressing global challenges, is of immense value to SU.

During EUTOPIA Week, I had the honour of showcasing some of SU's core priorities: strengthening community engagement through multilingualism and inclusivity; recognising students as co-creators of knowledge; integrating modern technology into teaching and learning; and upholding academic freedom to ensure equitable access to knowledge and resources for all scholars.

It is a privilege for SU to align with such an inspiring organisation, and we look forward to a future shaped by inclusive collaboration and meaningful impact.

Similarly, our participation in the Times Higher Education (THE) African Universities Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, in March provided valuable opportunities to connect with key role-players in African higher education.

Engagements like these ensure that SU remains relevant and well-positioned to realise its Vision 2040 to be a world-class university and a leader on the African continent.

¡ª Prof Sam Tshela, Acting DVC: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs

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With over three decades of uninterrupted service at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, staff can hardly imagine the Dean¡¯s office without Drieka Lawrence.

Drieka is an integral part of the Faculty¡¯s daily operations. Her presence is nearly synonymous with that of the Faculty itself: involved, helpful, and always friendly. Colleagues describe her as a gentle and compassionate soul. Words like reliable and friend often come up when her name is mentioned.

¡°Drieka is the heart of our office ¨C always with a kind word and a genuinely caring heart for everyone around her,¡± says Salom¨¦ Kukard, the Faculty¡¯s Financial Manager. ¡°Regardless of the day¡¯s challenges, she brings a positive attitude and always sees the silver lining in people and situations. Nothing is ever too much to ask of Drieka.¡±

A life rooted in family and work

Drieka grew up as the third eldest of eight children on a farm near De Doorns in the beautiful Hex River Valley. After school, she worked in town, where she met her future husband, Allroy Lawrence. The two were married in December 1989 and settled in Kylemore on the Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch ¨C the place she still calls home today.

In 1990, Drieka began her career at the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ as an employee of a contract company providing cleaning services, including to the Schumann Building. Within a year, she and colleague Hazel Moses were appointed permanently by the then Dean, Professor Blackie Swart. They were responsible for the cleanliness of the entire Schumann Building, from offices to classrooms.

Now, 34 years, six deans, two acting deans, and numerous staff changes later, Drieka remains faithfully at her post.

¡°The people here have always been good to me. I¡¯ve never felt excluded ¨C from the beginning, they made me feel like part of the Faculty. It¡¯s like my second family,¡± she says with a warm smile.

Drieka goes about her work quietly and with calm dedication. Faculty Director MJ Brooks says: ¡°Drieka holds everyone¡¯s interests close to her heart and does her work with gratitude and pride. Her optimistic outlook on her work is remarkable and an example to us all.¡±

According to Ursula Wanza, Administrative Officer at the Department of Economics, it¡¯s precisely Drieka¡¯s approachable, humble nature that makes her so beloved: ¡°She¡¯s always willing to listen and will never criticize; instead, she offers advice where she can.¡±

And she has a stylish side too: ¡°She¡¯s always impeccably dressed. She loves dressing up and is passionate about perfume, especially her Issey Miyake perfume,¡± Ursula adds.

A life journey full of love and loss

Drieka speaks with pride about her three children ¨C Janine (41), Alexandr¨¦ (33), and Lee-Roy (30) ¨C and her three grandchildren. Two of her children also work for the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, while Lee-Roy is a sommelier at Bacc? Wine Estate.

Her marriage of more than 34 years is a source of treasured memories. The death of her husband in April last year was a season of mourning for her. ¡°It was the winter of my life,¡± she says softly. ¡°But now it¡¯s spring again. I remember the beauty of it ¨C the good times we shared.¡±

She firmly believes in maintaining balance between work and personal life: ¡°Never bring home matters to work or take work matters home. And steer clear of politics at the workplace ¨C it¡¯s toxic.¡±

Her advice to colleagues is something she herself lives by: ¡°Live in peace with each other; stress shortens your life.¡±

Highlights and hopes for the future

One of the highlights of her career was the Faculty¡¯s 90th anniversary celebration in 2015, marked by several special events. ¡°To now also witness the centenary in 2025 is a privilege,¡± she says proudly.

With her retirement approaching, she looks forward to a new phase of life. ¡°I¡¯m excited to spend more time with my children and grandchildren. I will miss the people at the Faculty terribly, but I would also like to get involved in community work. There are great needs in my area.¡±

She concludes with words that perfectly sum up her outlook on life: ¡°Work is the best place, but home is the very best place.¡±

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???Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ International (SU International) continues to strengthen its regional partnership strategy by expanding collaboration in parts of the world where the university has limited higher education representation. As part of this focus, Ms Sarah van der Westhuizen, Director of the Centre for Global Engagement, participated in a week of engagements in Colombia following a series of visits in Brazil.

On 7 July 2025, Ms Van der Westhuizen took part in the GLOSOUTH: Colombia¨CSouth Africa Initiative event hosted at the Universidad Cat¨®lica de Colombia. The initiative is a collaborative internationalisation programme between the International Education Association of South Africa (IEASA) and the Colombian Network for Internationalisation (RCI), supported by funding from the Colombian government via ICETEX. It aims to enhance higher education internationalisation between the two countries and to foster South¨CSouth collaboration.

The GLOSOUTH event featured opening remarks from government officials of both countries, including Mr Buti Manamela, South Africa¡¯s Minister of Higher Education and Training. The programme also included an overview of GLOSOUTH activities by Ms Carolina Cuartas Nader (GLOSOUTH Coordinator) and Dr Matias Andr¨¦s Mar¨ªn Casta?o, Chair of RCI¨CASCUN. Additional highlights included a lecture by Dr Jer¨®nimo Delgado-Caicedo, cultural performances, a networking lunch, and two panel discussions. These focused respectively on each country¡¯s journey with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the development of new partnerships and destinations in the Global South.

From 8¨C11 July, Ms Van der Westhuizen continued engagements with an official institutional visit to Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) in Bogot¨¢. Coordinated by Uniandes¡¯ Office of International Affairs (OIA), the visit built on an existing partnership between SU and Uniandes. The two institutions are global partners in the EUTOPIA ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ Alliance and members of the SGroup Network. They also hold a Memorandum of Understanding and a Student Exchange Agreement.

Founded in 1948?, Uniandes is one of the top private higher education institutions in South America, with over 19,000 students. Located in central Bogot¨¢ against the mountains?, the university is known for its research-intensive focus, offering 11 schools across a range of academic disciplines. Uniandes' key interdisciplinary themes¡ªPlanet, Democracy, and New Technologies¡ªclosely align with Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ¡¯s five strategic research areas. Uniandes features at 212 within the QS World ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ Rankings 2026 and ranked 6th within Latin America and the Caribbean.?

The 4-day programme at Uniandes coordinated by OIA, included meetings with the Vice-Presidency of Research and Knowledge Creation and with various colleagues from within their PASS environment, for example: Science Diplomacy, Academic Mobility, Japan Center, Innovation Ecosystem and Core Analytical Facilities. The purpose of the latter meetings was to identify areas where SU and Uniandes can learn from one another and share capacity or co-develop capacity. ?

During the visit, Ms Van der Westhuizen held meetings with representatives from Uniandes¡¯ School of Management, School of Economics, School of Medicine, School of Arts and Humanities, School of Architecture and Design, and the Center of Sustainable Development Goals for Latin America and the Caribbean (CODS). These engagements served to introduce Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ to the respective academic environments and to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Further engagements in Bogot¨¢ included exploratory meetings with Pontificia Universidad Javeriana and Universidad del Rosario, aimed at expanding SU¡¯s institutional footprint in Colombia.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment to future collaboration in areas such as academic and research partnerships (including faculty mobility and joint research), research internships, student exchanges, staff development, collaborative degrees, and co-supervision of postgraduate students.

As two countries with shared colonial histories and similar development challenges, Colombia and South Africa are well positioned to build mutual capacity through internationalisation efforts grounded in South¨CSouth solidarity. SU International looks forward to welcoming a delegation from Uniandes to South Africa in the near future.

For more information about the partnership with Uniandes, please contact Sarah van der Westhuizen (sarahvdw@sun.ac.za).

Photo from the campus with the sprawling Bogota in front of it

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Photo of The Japan Centre at Uniandes

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?A complex cellular process called autophagy is the topic of a major new textbook which encapsulates over 30 years of research in this growing field of study.

Autophagy is a process in which worn out, toxic or degraded cellular components are swept up and recycled to maintain a healthy living cell. When this process is disrupted or disfunctions, it can lead to diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and heart disease.  
The mammoth 335-page textbook, titled Autophagy ¨C From Molecular Mechanisms to Flux Control in Health and Disease, is the brainchild of Prof Ben Loos, head of the Department of Physiological Sciences at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU).

He says teaching and learning autophagy is extremely hard as it is such a complex process, involving over 20 proteins as part of the core machinery, and at least that many in other aspects of the process.

¡°Within a rapidly growing field, it is not easy for students and lecturers to choose suitable material. One doesn't know where to start, or discern between what is important or not," he explains.

One of Loos' PhD students, Nicola Heathcote, made a major contribution to their chapter on the precision measurement of autophagy pathway intermediates, based on her research on correlative light and electron microscopy: ¡°Through visualisation and quantitative image analysis, this chapter aims to make the learning process easier and more tangible," he says.

For Loos, the book is an effort to bring research into renewal of teaching: ¡°The book is designed to be used in the classroom. It includes questions and quizzes and alerts to cardinal papers. We believe it is going to be a very helpful guide for both students and scientists alike."

Most importantly, however, is the importance of this field of study for aging populations in the global South: ¡°It is an unfortunate reality that age-associated pathologies, such as heart disease, cancer and neurodegeneration, where autophagy dysfunction plays a big role, have a greater impact in socioeconomically vulnerable countries," he concludes.

The book is available as an Ebook here at Springer Nature.

On the photo above: Prof Ben Loos and PhD student Nicola Heathcote from Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Department of Physiological Sciences with the new ¡°teaching textbook" on autophagy. Behind them on the screen is a cell that has been acquired in hundreds of sections, creating a large 3-dimensional data set, from which now single autophagosomes have been segmented out. Part of a collaboration with Dr Lucy Collinson from the Francis Crick Institute, London, this labour-intense process has also been a cornerstone of Nicola's PhD work. Photo by Wiida Fourie-Basson

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?Microclimates ¨C as opposed to large-scale regional or even global scale macroclimate models ¨C may hold the key to offsetting the negative impacts of extreme weather events on already vulnerable insect populations.

This is the conclusion of a review paper published in Nature Reviews Biodiversity this week, titled ¡°Effects of microclimate variation on insect persistence under global change", written by an interdisciplinary team of scientists from South Africa, Canada, Taiwan, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Microclimates, also called microrefugia, can be many things, depending on the type of insect or habitat under consideration. In one instance it could be a shaded area and varied topography in a built-up landscape that buffers temperature extremes and increases the availability of moisture. In another instance, it could be the entire canopy of the Amazon rain forest.

But without a better understanding of how insect species, many with complex life cycles, make use of microclimates to survive or adapt to a changing climate, our best climate models may still get it very wrong.

For Prof John Terblanche, an evolutionary physiologist at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology and a co-author on the paper, current macroclimate models are not viable for predicting impacts on insect populations.

¡°On the ground observations are key to generate testable predictions," he argues. For example, if we observe that between two and three in the afternoon there are no bees at a specific feeder station or out and about foraging, this information can be used to validate the larger climate models. ¡°We can form testable models that do not require hundreds of hours of observation," he explains.

These fine scale models often outperform the larger macroscale models. Typically the larger models do not capture significant variations in climate conditions that directly influence insect behavior and developmental opportunities as the finer scale data are typically averaged out or not even sampled at all (e.g., under a leaf in a canopy where the insect lives).

¡°We have to be more strategic to capture high resolution data at far finer scales in order to develop stronger predictive models," he says.

Such predictive models could, for example, also be used in agriculture to inform pest control strategies in insect pests such as fruit flies.

Dr Wendy Foden, research manager at SANParks and extraordinary professor in SU's School for Climate Studies, says they are already implementing the idea of microclimates for vulnerable animal species. In the Tankwa Karoo, for example, summer temperatures regularly exceed 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.  SANParks partnered with the World Wildlife Fund and the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of Cape Town's FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on birds by providing artificial shade at waterholes ¨C these are wooden frames with heavy shade cloth tacked over them ¨C with great success.  Similar strategies for creating microclimates have been implemented in South Africa for penguins and southern yellow-billed hornbills in the Kalahari Desert, and for other wildlife globally.

¡°In a similar way, understanding the microscale world of insects will help us to better manage them on a macroscale in the case of, for example, extreme heat waves. In the longer term, faced with the slow gradual changes in climate, we can create artificial microhabitats as steppingstones across a landscape to help species move to more suitable climate," she explains.

While it remains difficult to predict how insects are going to respond to a changing climate, the best way forward is for all of us to create connected and complex landscapes, with ample opportunities in all nooks and crannies for insects to take thermal refuge, hide and survive.

¡°By managing microclimates, we could balance the equilibrium between extinction versus colonization enough to delay anticipated rises in global extinctions from climate change," they write in the conclusion to the paper.

The key word here, however, is ¡°delay": ¡°Business as usual emissions pathways could imperil a third of the Earth's species, so deploying management strategies rapidly, but with appropriate precautions, must become a priority. The future of the world's most diverse class of species, and potentially the indispensable services and functions they provide, depend on it," they conclude. 

On the images above, the fly (Pheilolece sp.) is an important pollinator of endemic flowers in South Africa, and the native predatory ladybeetle Cheilomenes lunata plays an important role in natural food webs and are buffered from the effects of climate change by their use of diverse microclimatic conditions in their natural habitat. Impacts of climate change and habitat transformation threaten these native insect populations, with as yet unknown consequences for ecosystem function. Images by S. Clusella-Trullas

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A dedicated group of student volunteers is making a tangible difference in the lives of their peers through the Tygerberg Pantry Project (TPP), an emergency support initiative addressing food insecurity among Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) students.

Established in 2015 by a student who witnessed food insecurity on campus first-hand, the TPP has evolved into a trusted support system run entirely by student volunteers. The project bridges critical gaps left by funding shortfalls, offering a lifeline to students struggling to make ends meet.

¡°The Tygerberg Pantry Project seeks to cultivate a culture of sustainable living within the FMHS by encouraging the sharing, exchange, and anonymous use of non-perishable food items, as well as essential sanitary products. At the heart of this initiative lies a firm commitment that no student should be disadvantaged in their pursuit of academic success or in their aspiration to contribute to and lead within the South African healthcare and well-being sector due to food insecurity. The project aims to foster a compassionate and inclusive academic environment where students are empowered to support one another in meeting basic needs with dignity and respect," says Prof Regan Solomons, treasurer and main donor of TPP.

"For many students, bursary allowances cover the basics¡ªtuition and essentials¡ªbut unexpected costs still arise and food insecurity is a reality for many students. The TPP offers a safety net when times get tough. Students are especially vulnerable before NSFAS bursaries are paid out at the beginning of the academic year," explains Shannon Swanepoel, fifth-year medical student and TPP chair.

The current seven-member committee operates as a registered NGO, functioning independently while collaborating closely with the Tygerberg Student Representative Council and Social Impact House committees across residences. "Generally, we will be the last resort when a student doesn't have food at the end of the month and they've used up all of the money that they've been getting from a bursary," Swanepoel notes.

The project's approach prioritises dignity and discretion. Students submit anonymous requests through Microsoft Teams forms, specifying exactly what they need¡ªfrom canned tuna to deodorant. Social Impact House committee members then deliver items anonymously to recipients.

¡°We are really well supported by the staff at Tygerberg, which I'm so grateful for," says Swanepoel. The project operates entirely on donations, primarily from FMHS staff and students. Every two months, the committee places bulk orders for non-perishable items including proteins, vegetables, starches, and toiletries, distributing supplies based on need across residences.

Dr Therese Fish, FMHS Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact, recognises the project's vital role: "Food insecurity remains a significant challenge affecting student success and wellbeing on our campus. The TPP committee's dedication and compassionate approach to supporting their fellow students exemplifies the values we strive to instil: service, empathy, and community care. Their work ensures no student has to choose between academic success and basic necessities."

Looking ahead, the TPP is developing support for students on rural rotations, recognising unique challenges faced by health sciences students placed in remote locations. ¡°Students travel to rural sites for quite a while and then we would want to put a parcel together for them," Swanepoel explains. These students often lack access to grocery stores and may drive hours to reach shops.

The initiative also provides vouchers for the campus OK grocery store through the university social worker Ms Sinazo Nyembezi, particularly supporting NSFAS students during the challenging period before bursary payouts arrive at year's start.

While TPP provides crucial emergency relief, the committee emphasises its temporary nature. Students requiring ongoing support are encouraged to contact the university social worker at support@sun.ac.za for sustainable long-term solutions.

How to help

The TPP relies entirely on community support to continue its vital work. Those wishing to contribute can make monetary donations¡ªwith tax-deductible receipts available through the project's NGO status¡ªor donate non-perishable food items and toiletries. Essential items include canned proteins like tuna and beans, rice, pasta, toiletries, and hygiene products.

For donation inquiries, contact the TPP via email at supportus@sun.ac.za?, or follow their social media pages for banking details and updates on current needs.

TPP Facebook page
TPP Instagram feed

Banking details for monetary donations:
Bank: Standard Bank
Account Name: Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ
Account Number: 073006955
Reference: KP R5232?

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?Members of the Division of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences have completed a project to support Afrikaans children with specialised communication needs.

Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy lecturers Monique Visser and Prof Juan Bornman collaborated with Tobii Dynavox, an international leader in communication solutions for persons with disabilities, to translate and adapt an augmentative and alternative communication symbol series specifically for Afrikaans children.

¡°This project supports the fundamental right of every child and adult to have their own voice, regardless of their ability to speak," explains Bornman. ¡°There are approximately 7 million Afrikaans first-language speakers in South Africa, of which about 35 000 require augmentative and alternative communication (ACC) to communicate effectively."

The symbol series is designed to adapt to users' evolving communication needs and enables therapists to set targeted goals for clients. Children and adult AAC users, teachers, therapists, family members and support staff all benefit from this culturally adapted symbol series, as the symbols are easy to understand and culturally relevant. ¡°When symbols relate to users' everyday realities¡ªfor example, seeing 'Table Mountain' or 'Rand' instead of unfamiliar international items¡ªit doesn't just ease communication, it becomes more meaningful and useful in the local context," explains Visser.

The team also developed a systematic approach that serves as a guide for translating and adapting similar symbol sets in any other language. ¡°While it was applied to Afrikaans in this instance, the process and insights generated are also relevant to other South African languages, like isiXhosa and Sepedi, or even international languages facing similar challenges regarding access and cultural relevance," says Visser. ¡°This also offers postgraduate students the opportunity to engage with studies focusing on translations, as well as continued work on the social validation of the Afrikaans symbol set."

The project represents more than a translation¡ªit is a strategic step towards equitable access to communication for all people, regardless of their language, culture, or ability to speak.

¡°The project aligns with Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's values of excellence, empathy, responsibility, respect and innovation, and addresses a real need in the South African context," says Visser. ¡°It recognises the university's responsibility to apply its knowledge and technology in ways that make a positive impact on society. By making these communication aids more accessible, we are taking an important step towards equity for people with language impairments."

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Caption: Prof Juan Bornman and Monique Visser. 

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???The Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS) was abuzz with academic pride recently, as Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU) hosted its annual Celebrating Excellence in Teaching-Learning-Assessment event. The festive occasion brought together educators, institutional leaders and scholars to honour the dedicated individuals who continue to transform teaching-learning-assessment at the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ and beyond.

Prof Lis Lange, Acting Senior Director: Learning and Teaching Enhancement, opened the evening by welcoming guests and acknowledging the importance of partnerships between faculties and the division she leads. She introduced the keynote speaker, SU's Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath who highlighted the essential role of teaching-learning-assessment in achieving the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Vision 2040.

¡°We are on a journey of transformation," said Ramjugernath. ¡°Our curriculum, programmes, methodologies and our pedagogies must be relevant and in keeping with the times, but importantly, in terms of producing the kind of graduates the world needs today and into the future."

He praised the honourees for their creativity, scholarship and unwavering commitment to inclusive, transformative education. ¡°Your efforts are not merely about imparting knowledge," he told the audience. ¡°They are about shaping futures. That is what you do as academics in this institution. You shape futures by building confidence and ensuring that our students thrive, both academically and personally," Ramjugernath said.

He also affirmed the significance of the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Teaching Fellows and the national Teaching Advancement at ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (TAU) fellows. ¡°They serve as flag bearers ¡­ reminding us that teaching is not a static craft. It is an ever-evolving practice driven by curiosity, critical inquiry, and a commitment to excellence."

Following his address, the programme shifted to recognising recipients across a number of prestigious teaching awards and fellowships, introduced by Dr Nicoline Herman, Director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning.

The first group celebrated were the winners of the 2024 Teaching-Learning-Assessment Awards: Dr Sophia Brink, Munira Hoosain, Dr Ruenda Loots, Dr Marietjie Lutz, Dr Rhoda Meyer and Prof Lungiswa Nkonki. Through a video montage, each honouree shared insights into their teaching philosophies ¨C emphasising reflective practice, inclusivity and innovation.

Next, two scholars who recently completed SU Teaching Fellowships were recognised: Prof Deborah Blaine and Prof Taryn Bernard. These fellowships support in-depth research projects that impact teaching-learning-assessment at the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ and nationally. The current holders of the SU Teaching Fellowships are Dr Marnel Mouton, Prof Nicola Plastow, Dr Mari?tte Volschenk, Sybil Smit, Prof Debra Shephard and Dr Rhoda Meyer.

Further recognition was given to the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's TAU Fellows, part of the national ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ Capacity Development Programme. Current fellowship holders Prof Elize Archer and Prof Shantal Windvogel were acknowledged, while two new fellows were welcomed: Profs Bronwyne Coetzee and Simone Titus-Dawson.

In the national category, two SU academics were honoured for their impact: Prof Faadiel Essop, who received a 2024 TAU Fellows Award for his work in multilingual medical education and challenging scientific elitism; and Prof Nicola Plastow, who received a commendation in the 2024 National ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ Teaching Awards (NUTA).

Faadiel, who couldn't be at the event, said in a video message that to be recognised by the TAU Fellows Award was a ¡°great honour and privilege". He reflected on his journey from medical researcher to the scholarship of teaching. Emphasising critical consciousness, human potential, and curricular transformation, he advocates for interdisciplinary learning, storytelling in the classroom, and a more contextually grounded approach to medical education. ¡°Where there's a will, there's a way," he said, as he called for deeper reflection, creativity, and a humanising pedagogy rooted in justice, curiosity, and compassion.

Plastow, associate professor in Occupational Therapy and a past recipient of both a SU Teaching Fellowship and a Distinguished Teaching Award, offered a deeply personal and impactful address. Standing beside a patchwork quilt she had sewn for her daughter, she drew a parallel between the craft of quilting and the academic journey.

¡°When we intentionally sew together the pieces of being an academic you get a product that is more than the sum of its parts," she explained. Plastow spoke about teaching, research, community work and parenting, reflecting especially on her passion for social participation and occupational justice. One of her most poignant examples involved supervising a PhD student from Gaza.

¡°Academic life is a legacy project, it continues beyond our time here," Plastow noted. ¡°It's really important that we recognise that the work that we're doing is going to leave an indelible mark on students who we work with," she concluded.

Academic staff who completed different short courses were also recognised at the Celebrating Excellence in Teaching-Learning-Assessment event, as well as the winners of the ROCTAS Awards (Recognition of Contributions Towards Academic Success) that was held earlier this year.

The evening concluded with a thought-provoking address by Prof Richard Stevens, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching. He addressed the complexity of contemporary students and the moral and pedagogical imperative of recognising them as individuals.

Drawing on poetry and literature, Stevens urged the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ to move beyond rigid academic structures. ¡°We need to define academic renewal and operationalise it meaningfully ¨C looking at how our programmes reflect changing knowledge bases, global trends, and the needs of society," he said. He emphasised that curriculum renewal must be more than administrative compliance; it must be holistic, coordinated and centred on student success. ¡°Our challenge is to provide enabling environments within faculties so that academic renewal is a success and an ongoing process," Stevens said.

? Some of the winners recognised at the event will be profiled in SU's Women's Month coverage in August. Look out for their stories on the SU website.

COMPLETE LIST OF AWARDEES AT THE CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING-LEARNING-ASSESSMENT EVENT:

2024 SU TLA Award recipients

SU Teaching Fellows

TAU Fellows at SU

TAU Fellows Awards

NUTA Awards (commendation)

ROCTAS winners

Names of winners celebrated at function in May ¨C all information available here:  http://www.sun.ac.za/english/learning-teaching/ctl/t-l-awards-and-grants/roctas?

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Conference:  2024 prize-winners

Scholarship of Educational Leadership short course:  2024 participants

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning short course:  2024 participants

Assessment short course:  2024 participants

Professional Educational Development for Academics (PREDAC) short course:  2024 participants

AI short course:  2024 participants

AI and Socially Responsible Pedagogies short course:  2024 participants

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???Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU) took home three prestigious accolades at the annual National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)/South32 Awards, also known as South Africa's 'Science Oscars'. Prof Shahida Moosa, Prof Yin-Zhe Ma and the Innovation and Commercialisation Division were recognised as winners in their respective categories at a ceremony held in a hybrid format in Johannesburg and Cape Town on Thursday, 31 July 2025.

?Moosa

Moosa, Head of Medical Genetics at Tygerberg Hospital and Professor of Medical Genetics in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, won the NSTF-SAMRC Clinician-Scientist Award for her pioneering work in medical genetics through the Genomics for Health in Africa project. A first-of-its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, the project is revolutionising clinical genomics and precision medicine on the continent. It aims to provide diagnoses to the 100 million Africans living with undiagnosed rare diseases and familial cancers.

Moosa also established sub-Saharan Africa's first Undiagnosed Disease Programme (UDP), which forms part of Rare Disease Genomics Research Group that she heads. The UDP is transforming patient lives and providing unique opportunities for capacity building and training for the next generation of genomics experts in southern Africa. She has received numerous other awards, published her research in accredited journals and supervised several postgraduate students.

Moosa said winning a 'Science Oscar', especially in the category of clinician scientist, means a lot to her.

¡°It's tremendous, especially because being a clinician scientist is something that's very under-recognised, not very well supported, and there's very little understanding for what it means to live in both worlds, in the clinic and in the laboratory.

¡°It's a recognition of the people, the vulnerable people that I work with, that I serve, families and patients with rare diseases. It's a win for them because for the first time, somebody out there is recognising that the work that helps them is important."

?Ma

Ma, from the Department of Physics, received the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researchers for his groundbreaking work on understanding the universe's large-scale structure, contributing to detecting ¡°missing baryons" (or matter that is not directly visible) and pioneering detection methods that investigate how these baryons interact, and their critical role in galaxy formation and evolution. Ma, who heads the Astrophysics Group at SU and holds the Stellenbosch-Groningen Joint Research Chair in Computational Astronomy, has shaped the trajectory of research on missing baryons, positioning him as a key figure in cosmology and large-scale structure studies. Through innovative techniques and collaboration, he has significantly advanced our understanding of baryonic matter in the Universe.

Ma has been leading South Africa's participation in several international astronomy collaborations, including the Square Kilometre Array, the MeerKAT telescope and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time at the Vera C Rubin Observatory. He boasts many publications in peer-reviewed journals and has been elected to the Academy of Sciences of South Africa and the Royal Society of South Africa.

In response to his latest accolade, Ma said: ¡°This award is a wonderful recognition of my pure curiosity-driven research that I am pretty sure will never be monetised but nevertheless enrich human's experience and expand people's horizons. The discovery of the 'missing baryons' in the universe confirms our conjecture that our universe is made out of 4,8% atoms ¨C most of which have been repelled from the centre of dark matter halos into cosmic filaments and voids, and will be recycled back to the cosmic ecosystem. The research I am conducting opens new avenues to connect fundamental physics with astronomical data, and will leave new questions to the next generations."

Innovation and Commercialisation

The Innovation and Commercialisation Division ¡ª comprising Innovus Technology Transfer Office (TTO), the LaunchLab and the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ of Stellenbosch Enterprises ¡ª won the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation for establishing more than 30 new startups, co-founding the first venture capital fund in Africa dedicated to investing in university technology, and implementing several new initiatives and tools to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship. A team of dedicated professionals has been working to create a solid and functional innovation and entrepreneurship platform at SU. They identify exciting research outputs, work with research teams to ensure that technologies respond to market needs, file patents, present investment opportunities to commercial and industrial partners and nurture spin-out companies.

Reflecting on the national acclaim that her division received, Anita Nel, SU's Chief Director: Innovation and Commercialisation, said: ¡°Winning this award demonstrates the significance of the work being done at the Innovation and Commercialisation Division in supporting the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's research outputs and ensuring that impact is delivered, as it is intended, to our society at large. I am incredibly proud of our team at Innovus TTO, LaunchLab and to our USE spinout companies ¡ª all of us are grateful to the NSTF for this meaningful recognition."

• ??Photo: Prof Yin-Zhe Ma, Prof Shahida Moosa and Anita Nel with Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy-Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, at the awards ceremony.

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?Dear colleagues and students
Please find below an important ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ statement for your information:

Case of meningitis at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ

The health, safety and well-being of all staff and students remain a priority for Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ. To this background, the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ confirms that it has been informed that the Matie student who passed away over the weekend, Mr Chris Scheffers, died of meningococcal meningitis.

Meningitis is endemic to the Western Cape, where it circulates more commonly during the winter months. Most cases occur without a clearly identifiable source of contact.

As this strain of meningitis can spread  in close-contact environments and is considered serious, the protocols of the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Campus Health Services have been activated - guided by provincial and national health policies ¨C with the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ working in close partnership with the Western Cape Government: Health and Wellness to ensure all relevant protocols and preventative measures are adhered to. 

Detailed contact tracing of people who were in close contact with Mr Scheffers over the past ten days is underway so that chemoprophylaxis (a preventative medication) can be issued within the next 24 hours to reduce risk of infection. In this regard, Campus Health Services will directly engage with and medically advise those identified as close contacts over the next 24 hours. These include both students and staff.

Although no further confirmed cases have been reported, the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ will continue to monitor the situation and contacts very closely over the next few days. If there are any concerning symptoms experienced by close contacts after receiving their chemoprophylaxis, they are advised to seek medical assessment urgently.

In accordance with protocol, identified close contacts are encouraged to only attend lectures if asymptomatic, and wear masks in lectures and avoid gatherings (for example singing in groups) and not take part in contact sport. 

As a precautionary measure all general meetings and gatherings in Dagbreek have been postponed until the weekend. 

According to Campus Health, the bacterial infection initially presents itself with flu-like symptoms - headaches, muscle pains, joint pains and photophobia (eye sensitivity to light) ¨C which then become steadily worse: high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, diarrhoea or stomach pains, painful joints, cold hands and feet, seizures; and/or drowsiness that can deteriorate into a coma. Red or purple rash may also be present which does not disappear when pressed[R[1] .

Rapid deterioration in a healthy young person is sadly not uncommon; however, it is important to emphasise that in general secondary cases (amongst contacts) are usually rare.

Important information:

• Contact Campus Health Service at 021 808 3493/6 (office hours) and ER24 010 205 3032 after hours.
• Contact the Stellenbosch Hospital 24/7: 021 808 6100.
• Stellenbosch Medi-Clinic: 021 861 2094 (emergencies).
• Students in need of counselling are encouraged to contact the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's 24-hour Crisis Service on 010 205 3032 after hours and during office hours: 021 808 4994 (Stellenbosch Campus) and 021 927 7020 (Tygerberg Campus). Students can also email supportus@sun.ac.za to arrange individual counselling.
  
  

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MORE ABOUT Meningococcal meningitis

A bacterial form of meningitis caused by the bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This is a serious infection of the meninges, the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can be fatal or cause long-term side effects.

This condition occurs more often in the winter months and is caused by bacteria that is commonly found in the throat and nose of healthy people. It is still unknown why these bacteria move into the bloodstream and nervous system in some individuals.

Transmission

The bacteria are transmitted from person-to-person through droplets of respiratory or throat secretions from carriers. Close and prolonged contact ¨C such as kissing, sneezing or coughing on someone, or living in close quarters (such as a dormitory, sharing eating or drinking utensils) with an infected person (a carrier) ¨C enables spread of the disease.

Average incubation period is 4 days but can range between 2 and 10 days.?

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?We have negotiated some great benefits and discounts for Maties alumni in the Global North. Take a look below, and enjoy!   

Alumni to benefit from new SACCUK partnership

We are pleased to announce a brand-new collaboration between Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Development and Alumni Relations Division and the South African Chamber of Commerce UK (SACCUK).

Maties alumni joining the Chamber as individual members now receive 20% discount on their membership fees. You will also be invited to exclusive joint Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ¨CSACCUK events. Simply let SACCUK know you are a Matie when signing up ¨C they'll do a quick verification, and you're in!

This strategic partnership with SACCUK is about more than discounts, though. It forms part of the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's commitment to help Maties thrive long after their days of sunning on the Rooiplein or grabbing a chicken salad at the Neelsie. After all, we're rooting for you for life, not just until you graduate.

The collaboration is about building and strengthening global networks that open doors, spark ideas and create opportunities. It's about bringing Maties together in meaningful ways ¨C whether you are doing business in London, leading a startup in Joburg, or still daydreaming under the oaks of Victoria Street.

We know that careers can take twists and turns, and that the right connection at the right time can make all the difference. That's where alumni networks shine: They offer support, mentorship, and the kind of lekker community that is hard to beat.

So, whether you are keen to expand your professional network, explore and expand your business into either South Africa or the United Kingdom, attend top-class events, or simply connect with others from Mzansi ¨C make the most of this partnership.

•   For more on SACCUK membership, and to join, click here.

A Taste of Home ¨C Special Offer from Antons USA

Maties across the USA, here's a lekker deal just for you! Antons USA, based in Texas, is bringing you the flavours of home with a 10% discount on their full range of biltong products.

• Simply use the discount code MATIES when ordering online at biltongusa.com or antonsusa.com.

And if you're in the Dallas¨CFort Worth area, make a turn at their store for a warm welcome, great conversation and shelves full of proudly South African goodies:
3814 Highway 287, Sunset, Texas, 76270.

Support a proudly South African business abroad ¨C and enjoy a proper taste of home!

SA Shop slashes prices for Maties in Canada

Whether you're in snowy Vancouver, chilly Calgary or bustling Toronto, you can now stock up on some South African favourites (yes, even Mrs Ball's and Ouma Rusks ¨C we checked!) at specially reduced prices.

This is thanks to a kwaai deal between Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's Development and Alumni Relations Division and Callie van Graan of The South African Shop in Vancouver. Callie is a man on a mission to transcend tariffs and borders to bring a taste of home right to your door.

Enjoy the following, just because you studied at the Bosch:

• 20% off almost everything on the shop's site ¨C use the code Maties
• 10% off their clothing range ¨C use the code MatiesK
• A free South African flag bumper sticker ¨C use the code MatiesS

Pro tip: You can use all three coupons on one order, so don't hold back ¨C 'add to cart'! 

• To start shopping, go to https://thesouthafricanshop.ca/.

Since shipping costs could be high for some parts of Canada, do let us know if you are in contact with a local SA Shop in your province and want us to approach them about securing similar discounts for Maties.

Delheim wines at cellar door prices for Maties in Germany

Delheim Wine Estate, nestled on the slopes of the Simonsberg near Stellenbosch, has deep German roots. Founded in 1938 by German immigrant Hans Otto Hoheisen, the estate blossomed under the vision of his nephew, Michael ¡°Spatz" Sperling, who arrived from Germany in 1951. Spatz would go on to become one of South Africa's great wine pioneers, co-founding the Stellenbosch Wine Route and helping put South African wines on the world map.

Over the years, several members of the Sperling family have studied at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, strengthening the close ties between Delheim and our alma mater. From collaborative research in viticulture to cultural events and sustainability projects, Delheim and the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ have grown alongside each other.

Through this special Matie connection, Delheim is now offering Maties in Germany the opportunity to purchase their wines at cellar door prices ¨C a rare treat compared to regular retail. By making use of this offer, you will not only be able to sip on some top-notch wines. You'll also be supporting South African producers, celebrating our shared Matie heritage, and strengthening Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's global alumni network.

If you are based in Germany, stock up on Delheim and savour the flavours of home.

• ?To order, complete the form here and email it to orders@delheim.com, citing the Maties discount.
  

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For the seventh year in a row, a group of determined Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ alumni will swap city pavements for country lanes as they take on the iconic London to Brighton Cycle Ride. But the team of nine Maties is not just cycling for the thrill of the 89 km challenge ¨C they're chasing a combined fundraising target of ?5 300 to support academically talented Maties who face financial barriers to completing their studies.

Under the enthusiastic leadership of long-time team captains Lani Swart and Tania Mouton, this year's group includes riders from across the United Kingdom and Europe. While each rider has a personal story, they share a motivation: to make a tangible impact by contributing to Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's UK-EU Bursary Fund and the Stutterheim STEM Bursary Fund. Both initiatives unlock access to education for students who might otherwise be left behind.

Why ride?

South Africa's youth face daunting odds: With unemployment hovering around 45%, the chance to graduate debt-free from a top university such as Stellenbosch can mean the difference between stagnation and success. Each year, more than 500 Matie graduates leave campus with unsecured student debt, which prevents them from accessing their transcripts and taking up job offers. The UK-EU Bursary Fund was specifically created to break this cycle, assisting students with the final push to the finish line.

Take Monique Moore-Barnes, for instance. The proud Matie alumna remembers what it was like to face financial uncertainty during her studies. Today, she holds an MSc and MBA as well as a leadership role at a global pharmaceutical company. To help current students who find themselves in the same financial fix she was in, she will be trading her boardroom seat for a bike saddle on 14 September to raise ?500 for the UK-EU Bursary Fund. ¡°If they can push through to pursue their degrees, I can push through this ride," Monique says.

The power of giving back

Each rider brings something unique to the team. Roxine Staats, who hails from the Eastern Cape, is riding to raise funds for the Stutterheim STEM Bursary Fund, supporting young women in rural areas who dream of becoming engineers and scientists. Fellow rider Karien Botha co-founded the bursary fund, inspired by her roots as a native of the Eastern Cape town of Stutterheim, and a commitment to closing the gender gap in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Cally Ballck-Naud¨¦??has already exceeded her original ?300 target and has raised her goal to ?500. ¡°Education is the great equaliser," she says. ¡°This ride is a small effort to help level the playing field."

Robert Watkins, in turn, is taking on the ride with memories of the #FeesMustFall protests and the resilience that his time at Stellenbosch instilled in him. Now an engineer working across the United Kingdom and Singapore, he is cycling to give back to the university that shaped him.

Arnold Marambire, joining the event for the first time, hopes not only to raise funds, but also to encourage his peers to find ways to support causes they care about. ¡°This is my small contribution, but together, we can make a huge difference," he says.

Captain Lani leads by example with a personal goal of ?1 000. ¡°Every year, we face the dreaded Ditchling Beacon ¨C and somehow, we conquer it together," she laughs. ¡°It's a reminder that big obstacles can be overcome when we ride with purpose."

Here's how you can help

Whether it's ?5 or ?500, your donation helps clear the final hurdle for a student who has worked incredibly hard to succeed. And if you're a United Kingdom taxpayer, do not forget to activate Gift Aid ¨C an easy way to add 25% to your donation at no extra cost.

Please get involved by:

• donating to a rider's fundraising page (see box below for KindLink details) ¨C every pound makes a difference;
• sharing the riders' stories with your network; and
• cheering them on as they power through from London to Brighton on 14 September.

Let's help our Maties cross the finish line ¨C both on the road and in their mission to open doors for the next generation of South African graduates. Support the ride. Transform a future.

To donate, the riders' KindLink pages are available by clicking on the relevant name below:

• Robert Watkins
• Monique Moore-Barnes
• Tania Mouton
• Roxine Staats
• Cally Ballck-Naud¨¦ 
• Lani Swart
• Karien Botha
• Arnold Marambire
  
• Hercules Wessels?

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We are thrilled to introduce a dynamic Matie making waves from the heart of Europe. Based in Paris, Sine Maphumulo blends her professional passion for finance with her commitment to inclusive development. She is also one of the driving forces behind the Matie alumni presence in France, building bridges between people, ideas and continents.

Working in the finance sector, she also engages in global development initiatives. Her focus is to use finance as a tool for sustainable development, especially in emerging markets. ¡°I'm passionate about ensuring that finance serves people ¨C and that systems are built with equity and inclusion at their core," she says.

Never saying 'au revoir' to her Matie roots

Sine completed her master's in Development Finance at the Stellenbosch Business School, which was a time she describes as transformative. When she moved to Paris, getting involved as a Matie volunteer felt like a natural step.

¡°Volunteering for the local Matie chapter was a meaningful way to stay connected to that community and contribute to strengthening our global network," she explains. ¡°It's been incredibly rewarding to create platforms for dialogue and collaboration ¨C especially across continents."

Recently, she co-hosted and helped moderate a panel on sustainable growth in Africa, an event jointly organised by Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, the Stellenbosch Business School and Emlyon Business School. ¡°It was a proud moment, bringing African innovation into the spotlight in a European setting."

Proud professional moments, and a purposeful passion project

Sine's journey up the corporate ladder started when she was appointed finance head for L'Or¨¦al South Africa's Professional Products Division. A stellar accomplishment in itself, the achievement was even more impressive considering that this happened before she even turned 30. Her performance there led to an international opportunity with L'Or¨¦al at their global headquarters in Paris ¨C a career highlight, and testament to her talent and tenacity.

Additionally, her core values of equity, inclusion and impact clearly shine through in the work she does through her platform Leave No One Behind (LNOB), so named after the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its sustainable development goals (SDGs). Here she leads dialogues, campaigns and community-driven content centred on advancing the SDGs, particularly gender equity and reducing inequality. ¡°We're offering a platform for voices that aren't always heard ¨C and using social media to reach further and wider," she says. Maties can follow or partner with LNOB for SDG-aligned projects (see box below for details).

Where Matie memories meet global ambitions

While she did not live on campus during her time at Stellenbosch Business School, she remembers her studies fondly ¨C not least being inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society. Now, she's excited to keep building a future where the lessons she learned at Stellenbosch and the possibilities of global citizenship meet. ¡°I'm looking forward to deepening my impact in both corporate and social spaces," Sine says, ¡°especially by growing LNOB and curating more cross-continental events that spotlight African innovation."

Paulo Coelho's words from The Alchemist serve as her inspiration in everything she tackles. ¡°When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it," he wrote. ¡°It reminds me to trust the journey, stay aligned with my purpose, and believe that with intention and effort, the right opportunities and people will show up at the right time," Sine says.

Follow LNOB:

Twitter/X: @LNO1B
Instagram: @Leaveno1.behind
Facebook: @LNO1B
LinkedIn: LNOB (Leave No One Behind)?

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?Over in West London, we catch up with Karien Botha, one of our most energetic and inspiring volunteers. A former engineer turned chemistry teacher, Karien brings her love of science, education and the outdoors to everything she does ¨C including her role in the Matie alumni network.

Karien lives in leafy Ealing, where life is a vibrant mix of family time, tutoring GCSE and A-level students in science, and finding any excuse to get outside for a run or a cycle.

Her professional path has been anything but ordinary. After 16 years in the oil and gas industry as a chemical engineer, she took a career break. Having retrained as a teacher, she now brings chemistry to life for local learners. ¡°I recently bored my son silly when he asked about the difference between baking powder and baking soda," she laughs. ¡°My chart of chemical formulae and balanced equations was a thing of beauty!"

Keeping the Matie flame alive

A need for making connections was what inspired Karien to get involved in the Matie alumni network. ¡°You don't meet that many South Africans where I live ¨C so it's a great way to stay connected." But what she found was much more than a link to home: ¡°I've met so many talented and interesting Maties through volunteering. It's been such a positive experience."

Whether organising alumni events, connecting with fellow volunteers, or raising funds for Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, she brings energy and heart to her role. One highlight? Taking part in the London to Brighton Cycle Ride in aid of Matie student bursaries. ¡°It's been incredible ¨C and the support I've received from friends, family and even strangers has blown me away."

Engineering marvels and teaching triumphs

She is proud of her engineering achievements, such as designing parts of the Mongstad Refinery in Norway and the Dragon LNG Import Terminal in Wales. Nevertheless, retraining as a teacher has been one of her most courageous moves, she says. ¡°Facing a room full of critical teenagers every day brings some of the worst ¨C but also the best ¨C moments of my professional life," she says.

Matie roots run deep

Karien studied Chemical Engineering at Stellenbosch from 1992 to 1998 and still keeps in touch with her Monica residence roommates and Engineering classmates. ¡°The scent of jasmine on a warm summer's evening always takes me back to campus," she says. Her favourite hangout spot? The quiet, green calm of the Botanical Garden next to Monica.

Although she did not meet her partner at Stellenbosch, her closest friendships were forged there ¨C and they have stood the test of time. ¡°I'm still in touch with my old Matie friends," she says. ¡°They remain a big part of my life."

Being a force for good

This year, Karien is (quite literally) gearing up for another London to Brighton Cycle Ride, and she is particularly excited to see the momentum building in her fundraising. Whether through kilometres cycled or lessons taught, she continues to live her core value, namely being a positive force in life.

This is a mindset she is also passing on to her son, who is preparing for his GCSEs. On his cork board is a poster she made, filled with inspirational quotes. Her favourite? Jan Smuts's words: ¡°When in doubt, do the courageous thing." Wise words from someone who knows a thing or two about courage, change, and chasing meaning.

• ? Join Karien's fundraising campaign in aid of student support via KindLink.
  

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???In Germany, we meet Arnim Ritter, a financial whizz with a heart full of fond Stellenbosch memories, a growing young family, and a passion for staying connected to the Matie community.

Living 20 minutes outside Frankfurt am Main, Arnim balances a fast-paced professional life with the joys of family time. By day, he is immersed in financial due diligence for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) ¨C a field he finds both intellectually challenging and deeply rewarding.

Outside of work, life is filled with books, travel, and time spent with his family. He is even looking to take up sailing as a hobby. ¡°I haven't quite figured out when or where yet, but I'd love to give it a proper go," he says with a grin.

Why he volunteers

When asked what drew him to the alumni volunteer network, the answer comes easily: ¡°I spent some of my best years at Stellies," he shares. ¡°Even now, when I meet a fellow Matie ¨C whether I know them or not ¨C there's always this natural, special bond. I really cherish that."

This sense of shared experience and connection motivates him to give back. Volunteering offers a way to stay in touch with the unique Matie values and to connect with people who understand what it means to have walked down Victoria Street, crossed the Rooiplein, and called Stellenbosch home.

Work, growth, and a surprising stint

Arnim studied BAccLLB at Stellenbosch from 2010 to 2015, followed by a year of postgraduate studies. While his honours attempt did not go quite as planned, he turned the experience into fuel for the next stage of his journey ¨C completing a master's degree in Law and Finance in Germany.

Today, he applies his expertise to M&A transactions across industries, learning and growing along the way. ¡°I don't see myself as especially talented," he says modestly. ¡°But if I stay focused and keep learning, I know I'll keep moving forward." He draws m motivation from the timeless lines of Marcus Aurelius (¡°The most noble thing is to be yourself"), Hemingway (¡°There is nothing noble in being superior"), and the stirring verses of If by Kipling as well as Invictus by Henley. These are all a reminder that strength, character and courage come from within.

Not everything about him fits the serious lawyer or accountant stereotype, however. In fact, one of his most memorable experiences was serving on the protocol team ¨C and briefly as a bodyguard ¨C for Namibian opposition leader Hidipo Hamutenya during a political rally in Walvis Bay back in 2009. ¡°It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience," he laughs.

Fond memories and future plans

Thinking back to his student days, a few memories stand out, especially the Joolmentorskakels in Helderberg residence (aka the Republic) and lazy afternoons spent on the stoeps of residence sections Kanonkop and Lokkenfekker. While he does not have regular contact with too many classmates these days, the friendships he has maintained from his student days are strong and meaningful.

Looking ahead, Arnim hopes to deepen his involvement as a volunteer and build stronger connections with other Maties in the region. ¡°I enjoy interacting with fellow Maties ¨C there's just something lekker about meeting people with that shared background, even this far from campus."

Personally, his biggest joy is watching his young son grow up, and discovering the world with him. ¡°Spending time together outdoors, teaching him new things ¨C that's what I'm most looking forward to this year."??

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?When Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's (SU) transport department began renewing its bicycle fleet, Dr Leslie van Rooi, SU Senior Director of Social Impact and Transformation, and Dr Therese Fish, Vice Dean of Clinical Services and Social Impact at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), saw an opportunity. Their vision has become Operation Maties Bikes, which has delivered 150 bicycles to rural communities where transportation barriers often determine life outcomes. 

Over the past month, the FMHS has distributed these Maties Bikes to under-resourced rural schools, undergraduate students on rural health placements, and NGOs supporting community health workers across the Western Cape.  

¡°Access to reliable transportation shouldn't determine whether a child can participate in school activities or whether a health worker can reach the communities they serve," explains Fish, who leads the initiative. ¡°These bicycles represent more than mobility¡ªthey represent possibility and dignity. When we remove these barriers, we create pathways for education, healthcare access, and community engagement that can transform lives." 

The project targets three key beneficiary groups. Rural schools receiving the bicycles are expected to see increased movement and physical activity among learners, fostering healthier, more active school communities. For undergraduate health science students conducting rural service-learning placements, the bicycles provide enhanced mobility at training sites. 

The initiative also aims to boost the operational capacity of community health workers, supported through partnerships with NGOs and the Western Cape Government's Department of Health and Wellness. The bicycles will allow them to cover larger geographic areas and maintain more consistent community contact, creating increased opportunities for community engagement and support. 

A key component of Operation Maties Bikes is the Pedal Forward programme, managed by Prof Eileen Africa with the FMHS' Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine. This initiative integrates bicycle use into daily school routines, encouraging regular physical activity while fostering learner autonomy. The programme includes built-in evaluation mechanisms and emphasises long-term sustainability, ensuring benefits extend beyond individual recipients to transform entire school and community environments. 

Africa's connection to this initiative runs particularly deep¡ªshe completed both her primary and secondary school education at the rural schools now benefiting from Operation Maties Bikes, making her contribution a deeply personal act of giving back to communities that shaped her own journey.  

Pedal Forward recognises that sustainable change requires systematic integration. By embedding bicycle use into school culture, the programme promotes healthy habits and independence that will serve learners throughout their lives. 

Worcester RK Primary School's Deputy Principal, Mr C Felix, together with a team of staff and young learners, received the Maties Bikes on behalf of the Principal, Mr HCW Titus. Felix expressed the school's gratitude for the opportunities that the donation provides these young learners. In addition to establishing a cycling club, the learners will also have the opportunity to develop mechanical skills to maintain the bicycles.  

Cathy Roodman from Esselenpark Secondary School, one of the recipient schools, expressed her appreciation: ¡°A particular word of gratitude for the kind contribution of 20 bicycles. These bikes serve as a link to opportunity, not merely a means of transportation. We are thrilled to establish a riding club for learner, and we are using this effort to encourage physical exercise, improve interpersonal skills, leadership skills and cultivate a sense of community." 

The project is managed by Fish with support from Colleen Charters, her office manager. Mr Roelof Loubser, Mobility Manager for Transport Services, facilitated the initial bicycle transfers that enabled the initiative. 

Operation Maties Bikes aligns with SU's broader social impact strategy, which seeks to advance health equity and community well-being through education, research, and service. The initiative demonstrates how institutional resources can be leveraged to address real-world challenges in rural communities, creating increased opportunities whose full potential will only be revealed with time. 

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??On June 27th, the South African Finals of the 18th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, along with the 5th Chinese Bridge Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students, were held at the Southern Sun Newlands Hotel in Cape Town. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, and organized and supported by Confucius Institutes and Classrooms across the country.

CISU students shone on stage with three delivering standout performances. Two students from Rietenbosch Primary School achieved excellent results: Mario Jooste won the champion title in the primary school category, while Lyle Zimry secured second place. Jenne Leigh, from the Worcester Gymnasium Confucius Classroom, affiliated with Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, received the Excellence Award in the secondary school category. Confucius Institute teacher Ms. Qian Qian was honoured with the Excellent Instructor Award.

In the primary school category, Mario Jooste captivated the audience with his heartfelt and dynamic performance. His speech, How Chinese Changed My Life, vividly described his journey of learning Chinese and the many rewards it brought him. His sincerity and confidence resonated deeply with the audience, earning enthusiastic applause. During the talent segment, Mario performed a song and dance titled Xue Long Yin (Song of the Snow Dragon), impressing the judges with his graceful movements and melodic voice, fully expressing his passion for Chinese language and culture.

When asked how it felt to be named the national champion, Mario said, ¡°I was so excited, I jumped into the air!" Having participated the previous year as well, Mario reflected on the experience with confidence: ¡°I felt less scared because this time I knew what to expect. I also had important people there to support me at the competition, like my grandmother, my Chinese teacher, as well as my teachers from school, Ms. Crowley, and the Principal, Mr Jappie."

As South Africa's primary school category winner, Mario will now travel to China to represent the country in the international round of the Chinese Bridge competition for foreign primary school students. ¡°I feel very proud ¨C I've never been to another country and I'm so excited to go and represent South Africa." he said. When asked what he was most looking forward to about his travels to China, his answer was clear: ¡°I really want to see the Great Wall of China!"

To other students interested in studying Chinese, Mario offered heartfelt encouragement: ¡°You must give it your all and study very hard because this is a very special opportunity to show your talents and hard work to the world. I've learned that hard work and dedication can take you far, and to experience that through Chinese is very special."

Fellow Rietenbosch Primary learner Lyle Zimry also delivered a stellar performance, placing second nationally. His speech, My Chinese Dream: A Different Future, reflected on the aspirations that motivate him and the unique joy he finds in learning. ¡°It was about the things I want to achieve in my life, and my love for learning new things ¨C like the Chinese language.

In the talent segment, Lyle performed the song Gu Yong Zhe (The Lonely Warrior) with heartfelt passion and conviction. ¡°The song is about a warrior who fights for justice. I chose to sing it because I wanted to show other people that it's possible for them to also fight for what's right and help make South Africa a better place."

The path to the competition was not without challenges. ¡°The hardest part was preparing for the competition while also writing exams at school," Lyle admitted. ¡°As the day of the competition got closer, the pressure increased, and I felt a bit nervous." But the reward made it all worthwhile: ¡°When I heard I had made the Top 2, I immediately realized that hard work is definitely worth it ¨C it made me so excited and happy to know that all my effort wasn't for nothing!" Reflecting on the experience, he added, ¡°I discovered that I can be very dedicated and determined when I'm working toward something that means a lot to me."

Both learners were supported closely by Rietenbosch staff. Teacher Ms Glynn Crowley, who has been a liaison between the school and the Confucius Institute since 2017, helped coordinate preparations and even drove the learners to their practice sessions during school holidays. ¡°Rietenbosch Primary is one of the first schools in Cloetesville to offer Chinese as an extracurricular activity," she noted. ¡°With this being our third time participating in the competition, we made a special effort to ensure the learners, and their families understood what a unique opportunity this was."

Principal Mr Jardine Jappie added, ¡°Both learners are academically strong and know how to work hard, but this competition pushed them to perform in a foreign language and express themselves through another culture's traditions. It taught them the value of confidence and dedication. It's been incredible to see them grow in self-belief and motivation to pursue their goals."

Both educators are passionate about multilingual learning. ¡°As language teachers ourselves, we're strong advocates for learning multiple languages beyond one's home language. Mario and Lyle's performance shows that multilingualism is not just about speaking another language ¡ª it's a tool for building bridges between South Africa and the world, and in this case, China."

He also offered a heartfelt word of thanks: ¡°I want to sincerely thank Ms Crowley for her tireless dedication, and also extend my deep appreciation to the teachers of the Confucius Institute at Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ. Their passion, mentorship, and unwavering support have played a huge role in preparing Mario and Lyle ¡ª not just for a competition, but for a moment that has inspired our entire school."

Representing the secondary school category, Jenne Leigh from Worcester Gymnasium delivered an inspiring speech titled Dancing with the Han Spirit: Following My True Heart, recounting her dedication to Chinese and expressing her passion with heartfelt sincerity. For the talent segment, she performed Step by Step in Dreams, a beautiful blend of classical Chinese dance and song that highlighted the elegance of Chinese culture. She received the Excellence Award and shared, ¡°I love dancing. Chinese dance has helped me discover new aspects of myself and deepened my understanding of Chinese culture."

Mr. Tang Changan, Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town, attended the event and presented the championship trophy to Mario Jooste and the Excellent Instructor Award to Ms. Qian Qian. He commended the contestants for their outstanding performances. These achievements were made possible thanks to the dedicated efforts of the CISU teaching team. Over the past three months, the teachers provided comprehensive training ¡ª covering language expression, speech writing, stage performance, and talent development ¡ª supporting the students in every aspect to shine on stage.

As South Africa's primary school category champion, Mario will represent the country in the global finals of the Chinese Bridge competition for foreign primary school students in China. CISU will continue to provide dedicated guidance and full support, helping him shine on the international stage and share the story of South African Chinese language learners with the world.

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A new Cape Willow tree on the front lawn of Wilgenhof men's residence on the corner of Ryneveld and Victoria Street in Stellenbosch symbolises a new beginning in a renovated residence.

Wilgenhof celebrated their return to a refurbished building and reintegration to the student community with a special tree planting ceremony on Friday afternoon,? 25 July. Following a decision by the Stellenbosch ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ (SU) Council on 16 September 2024 to close the Wilgenhof Residence ¨C and the extensive discussions between the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ, students, parents, alumni and former Wilgenhof residents that followed ¨C the residence closed for the first semester of 2025 to be refurbished in totality. Students moved back in the beginning of the second semester after the building reopened on Friday, 18 July.

The ceremony was attended by Wilgenhof house committee members and residents; members of the SU Rectorate; representatives of the Wilgenhof Alumni Association; representatives of the Division for Student Affairs, the Division for Development and Alumni Relations, the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division, Facilities Management and the Prim Committee; student leaders; Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd, a facilitator in the Wilgenhof Rejuvenation Process; and Judge Edwin Cameron, former SU Chancellor and primarius of Wilgenhof.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said the reintegration of the Wilgenhof community into the historic building, is done ¡°with a shared sense of purpose, namely, to recognise the past, to acknowledge the present, and to commit ourselves to a future rooted in respect, renewal, and unity".

¡°The act of planting a tree is a gesture of growth, regeneration, and a long-term commitment. It also signifies the evolving relationship between Wilgenhof, SU and the broader university community. Wilgenhof has undergone, and will continue? to undergo, a process of deep reflection and renewal. The word 'renewal' is intentionally powerful, because it's not only structural. It is also emotional and cultural, and above all, it provides hope.

¡°The events that have led us to today have been challenging. It has involved difficult conversations, critical decisions, and courageous leadership from many sides. The newly imagined Wilgenhof is now aligned with the values and principles that guide our broader residence community. It is a space where dignity, learning, accountability, and mutual respect are not negotiable, but foundational.

¡°Wilgenhof is not stepping back into the past. It is stepping forward into a renewed commitment to transformation and inclusion. Today we not only planted a tree, but a promise. Our promise, and our hope, is that this space, and the people who inhabit it, will continue to grow. Let it be a reminder that transformation is not an endpoint, but an ongoing process ¨C and when rooted in shared values, it can thrive. May this tree, and this moment, stand as a living symbol of what we can achieve together," said Ramjugernath.

Mr Ashmind Daniels, Wilgenhof Residence Head, said the planting of a tree is a symbolic act of renewal, growth, and the enduring commitment of the Wilgenhof community.

¡°Just as this tree will take root and grow over time, so too must we, as a community, be rooted in values that sustain and uplift. May this tree serve as a living reminder of the care, accountability, and pride we carry for Wilgenhof ¨C not only as a building, but as a shared home. The tree speaks to what we can achieve if we work together," said Daniels.

The Cape Willow (Salix mucronate) is a semi-deciduous, fast-growing, indigenous tree that can grow up to 15 meters. The planting of trees contributes to increasing the ÖйúÌåÓý²ÊƱ's biodiversity and is part of the SU Environmental Sustainability plan to reduce the carbon footprint on campus. The biodiversity part of the plan aims to maintain and design all landscapes to be resilient to environmental change and to improve biodiversity and the sustainability of open spaces.

* The student-led and facilitated Wilgenhof Rejuvenation Process, under the leadership of Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, is intended to mark a decisive break from the past and foster a renewed residence culture grounded in inclusivity, transparency, and shared values. This process is ongoing and continuous and not concluded yet.?

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