EMS100: Reflecting on a Century of Growth and Progress

On Friday, 24 October 2025, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrated a monumental 100 years of shaping leaders, inspiring change, and advancing society. The lively event brought together current and retired staff, alumni, university leadership, and guests to honour this milestone.

The journey of EMS began in 1925, with just 15 students enrolled in two programmes: a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Diploma in Commerce (DipCom). Today, EMS stands as the largest faculty at SU, with over 9,000 students and offering a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

The faculty has navigated many challenges, including a slower start in transformation compared to peers, but has made significant strides in advancing diversity and inclusion. As Acting Dean Prof Pieter von Wielligh remarked in his address, “We will go forward together in transforming the economy and society – not just in theory, but in practice.” Over the past two decades, EMS has reached milestones such as appointing its first Black full professor, first Black head of department, first female dean, and most recently its first Black dean. Women now comprise over half the faculty staff, reflecting ongoing progress.

The theme of our centenary, "transforming the economy and society," encapsulates our vision and mission to develop ethical, engaged leaders through inclusivity, impactful research, and societal partnerships. Notable initiatives supporting this mission include 

• The SMART (School of Accountancy Mathematics and Accounting Rural Tutoring) Programme connects Accountancy students with rural after-school centres around Stellenbosch, offering vital mathematics tutoring to underprivileged learners;
• IGNITE, a university-wide experiential learning programme that sparks entrepreneurial spirit among undergraduate and postgraduate students, equipping them with business creation skills to drive economic development and self-reliance;
• The Small Business Academy empowering small business owners from low-income communities with skills, training, mentoring, and business development support to grow their enterprises; and
• The High School Career Guidance Project provides comprehensive support to Grade 9 learners through workshops, tailored career guidance materials, a dedicated website, and personalised sessions to prepare learners for the critical Further Education and Training phase among others.

The celebration’s programme included speeches from Acting Dean Prof Pieter von Wielligh and past Dean Prof Johan de Villiers, alongside a moving recital of Lebogang Mashile’s poem "You and I" by Vice-Dean Prof Ada Jansen. The poem’s evocative lines, such as:

“You and I
 We are the keepers of dreams
 We mould them into light beams
 And weave them into life’s seams,”

resonated deeply, inspiring reflection on connection, shared responsibility, and transformation.

Spekboom plants adorned the tables, symbolising growth and resilience, much like the journey of EMS itself. Guests mingled happily, forging new connections, reconnecting across generations, and enjoying the activities that inluded Moyo face painting, mendhi artistry, and numeroud photo opportunities. 

Retired staff enjoyed much-anticipated reunions, while current colleagues embraced a well-timed respite before the busy assessment period. 

The event ended on a high note with dancing – a jubilant expression of EMS’s vibrant, inclusive community. EMS100 was a celebration of past achievements, reflection on our history, and a hopeful, united step into the future.