SU Vision and Strategy
SU VISION AND STRATEGY
At Stellenbosch University (SU) we are firmly committed to the pursuit of knowledge, research and innovation, in service of society. We provide a world-class centre for learning and development, which is globally relevant, yet rooted in the upliftment and transformation of our local communities. Our actions are guided by key values and attributes, and enabled by outstanding staff and students, sound operating systems, and a deep sense of purpose.
The SU Vision and Strategy is guided by Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework, which is divided into:
- Vision 2040 and the SU mission, values, attributes and enablers.
- The Strategic Framework, which identifies six core strategic themes to enable Vision 2040.
IN SERVICE OF SOCIETY
Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework direct SU’s strategy and illustrate where and how the University is positioned. The essence of our vision and mission, namely, to be in service of society, is therefore embedded in everything we do.
SU’s aspirations for the realisation of Vision 2040 is:
- An impeccable reputation as a proud African knowledge hub that serves the continent through research, innovation and education.
- A transformed and integrated academic community that celebrates critical thinking, promotes debate and is committed to democracy, human rights and social justice.
- Having an all-encompassing impact on the social, financial and environmental wellbeing of the town, region, country and continent.
- A systemically sustainable institution in economic, social and environmental terms, as a national asset that serves the diverse needs of our communities.
Navigating Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework
SU’s vision and strategy, Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework, consist of two components:
- Vision 2040 encapsulates SU’s vision statement, mission statement, values, attributes and enablers, whilst the Strategic Framework addresses the University’s strategic themes encompassing SU’s core business and key stakeholders.
- These components are supported by SU’s Restitution Statement (2018) and Code 2040, SU’s integrated code of ethics and code of conduct.
Vision 2040
Strategic Framework
Source document: Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework
Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework articulate the positioning of SU as a leading research-intensive South African university in Africa, with a global reach. The aim of this strategic framework is to guide SU’s future positioning, direct SU’s strategy and illustrate where and how the University is positioned. The core strategic themes provide a framework for further planning. This detailed planning forms part of the annual Institutional Plan and serves to integrate and effectively coordinate SU’s institutional strategy, priorities and goals. The respective environmental plans of all the responsibility centres, faculties and professional administrative support services will be aligned with this strategic framework and the Institutional Plan.
The source document provides the complete strategic framework, approach, processes, context and overall journey that led to the development of the Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework.
SU Restitution Statement
Stellenbosch University accepted a Restitution Statement in the University’s Centenary year (2018).
Looking forward, since 2018, we strive to be a relevant University that will play a key role in the development of our nation and our continent. We are committed to contributing to a society of dignity, healing, justice, freedom and equality for all. We also acknowledged and demonstrated an awareness that the previous 100 years included great injustices to many people in our country. This is formally recorded in the University’s Restitution Statement.
Code 2040
Stellenbosch University’s Code 2040 was approved by Council in 2022 and represents the combined input of various role players in the student and staff populations. The aim of the Code is to provide a mechanism to guide and manage organisational integrity and ethical culture at SU, and to promote and maintain ethical behaviour in the conduct of SU’s business with its stakeholders.
Code 2040 is aligned with Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework. It can best be described as an integrated ethics code, which seeks to translate SU’s institutional values into a set of high-level regulative guidelines that govern conduct at SU. Code 2040 is thus aspirational and directional. However, its primary focus is on our values – rather than legalistic compliance – as the basis for behaviour that we aspire to.
Code 2040 is a mechanism to guide and manage the organisational integrity and ethical culture of SU, and to promote and maintain ethical behaviour in the conduct of SU’s business with its internal and external stakeholders. It guides the daily work of SU staff and those stakeholders who are affiliated with SU’s activities. It is a statement on how SU’s ethical values direct its culture, strategies, business, and relationships (with both direct and indirect stakeholders).
Code 2040 was developed with reference to the governance principles set out in SU’s Statute, and in recognition of the fact that good governance does not stem primarily from legal imperatives but from an ethical commitment (underpinned by SU’s strong institutional values of excellence, respect, equity, compassion, and accountability). SU is a public tertiary institution that utilises public funds and is accountable for doing so in an ethical and accountable manner. Code 2040 gives expression to our unique institutional legacy as the unfinished and ongoing task of ethically advancing knowledge in service of society.
SU vision and mission
Our visionStellenbosch University will be Africa's leading research-intensive university, globally recognised as excellent, inclusive and innovative, where we advance knowledge in service of society. | Umbono WethuIYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch iya kuba | Ons visieDie Universiteit Stellenbosch sal Afrika se voorste navorsingsintensiewe universiteit wees wat wêreldwyd as uitnemend, inklusief en innoverend erken word en waar ons kennis tot diens van die samelewing bevorder. |
Our missionStellenbosch University is a research-intensive university, where we attract outstanding students, employ talented staff and provide a world-class environment; a place connected to the world, while enriching and transforming local, continental and global communities. | Ubizo lwethuIYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch yiyunivesithi egxininise kuphando nalapho sitsala abafundi abagqwesileyo, siqesha abasebenzi abanesiphiwo kwaye sibonelela ngemeko ekwinqanaba lehlabathi; indawo eqhagamshelana nehlabathi, ngeli lixa ityebisa ngophuhliso kwaye iguqula uluntu lwendawo, elizwekazi nolwehlabathi. | Ons missieDie Universiteit Stellenbosch is 'n navorsings-intensiewe universiteit wat uitmuntende studente lok, talentvolle personeel aanstel en 'n wêreldklasomgewing bied; 'n plek wat met die wêreld verbind is en gemeenskappe plaaslik, op die vasteland en in die res van die wêreld verryk en transformeer. |
SU values and Code 2040 pledge
The University’s shared values relate to the beliefs and attitudes that guide our behaviour towards ourselves and others (“our action guides”).
The institutional values of SU, as set out in Vision 2040, pertain to our work (excellence), our engagement with our direct and indirect stakeholders (respect, equity, compassion), and the execution of our conduct (accountability). Together, these values promote ethical behaviour at SU. Values come to life in relationships, and values are nurtured through conversations. The SU values are equally important, are interconnected, and inform SU’s code of ethics and conduct (Code 2040). All stakeholders contribute to the attainment of Vision 2040 through the consistent application of our values.
Code 2040 pledge
In support of the principles set out in Code 2040, Stellenbosch University is always committed to ethical conduct, in particular excellence in our work, respect and compassion in our interactions with others, and accountability for our actions. Our commitment is set out in the graphic.
Enablers
Enablers are the elements that make everything possible. They describe the capabilities, forces and resources that contribute to Stellenbosch University's success.
Attributes
The University’s attributes define the qualities and characteristics of SU. These eight attributes embody what we stand for.
SU Restitution Statement
Restitution statement (2018)Stellenbosch University (SU) acknowledges its inextricable connection with generations past, present and future. In the 2018 Centenary Year, SU celebrates its many successes and achievements. SU simultaneously acknowledges its contribution towards the injustices of the past. For this we have deep regret. We apologise unreservedly to the communities and individuals who were excluded from the historical privileges that SU enjoyed and we honour the critical Matie voices of the time who would not be silenced. In responsibility towards the present and future generations, SU commits itself unconditionally to the ideal of an inclusive world-class university in and for Africa. | Ilizwi ngembuyiselo (2018)IYunivesithi yaseStellenbosch (SU) iyavuma ngezinto ezingazange zisonjululwe phakathi kwayo nesizukulwana esidlulileyo, esangoku nezizayo. Kumnyaka ka-2018 wokugqiba iNkulungwane, i-SU ibhiyozela impumelelo nokufezekisa kwayo izinto ezininzi. Kwangaxeshanye, i-SU iyalivuma igalelo layo kwizenzo ezichasene nobulungisa zexesha elidlulileyo. Ngelo galelo siyazisola kakhulu. Siyaxolisa ngokungazenzisiyo kuluntu nakubantu abazivinjwayo iinyhweba zembali ezazisonwatyelwa yi-SU kwaye siwahlonipha kakhulu amazwi eeMatie angelo xesha angazange avume ukuvalwa imilomo. Ukubonakalisa inkathalo ngokujoliswe kwisizukulwana sangoku nesizayo, i-SU iyazibophelela ngokungagungqiyo ukubandakanya bonke abalungele ukuxhamla kwiYunivesithi equka wonke ubani nekwizinga lehlabathi, phakathi eAfrika neyeyeAfrika ngokunjalo. | Restitusiestelling (2018)Die Universiteit Stellenbosch (US) erken sy onlosmaaklike verbondenheid met die geslagte van die verlede, hede en toekoms. In die 2018 Eeufeesjaar vier die US sy talle suksesse en prestasies. Die US erken terselfdertyd sy bydrae tot die onreg van die verlede. Hieroor het ons diepe berou. Ons vra sonder voorbehoud om verskoning aan die gemeenskappe en individue wat uitgesluit was van die historiese voorregte wat die US geniet het en ons huldig die kritiese Matie-stemme wat nie tot swye gebring kon word nie. In verantwoordelikheid teenoor die huidige en toekomstige geslagte, verbind die US hom onvoorwaardelik tot die ideaal van 'n inklusiewe wêreldklas-universiteit in en vir Afrika. |