​​We often say that we live in an ever-changing world, but COVID-19 and the resulting societal changes that nations across the world have been experiencing have shown just how true that cliché is. From business to higher education, all institutions have had to adapt to numerous changes, and only the most agile have been able to flourish in such a rapidly changing environment.

Through scenario planning and being responsive to our stakeholders' needs and challenges, Stellenbosch University (SU) has forged ahead, even improving our position on the Times Higher Education emerging economies ranking in 2020.

Since our last newsletter in November 2020, much has changed indeed. At the turn of the year, South Africa went through a devastating second wave of coronavirus infections. However, we have recovered well since then. Higher education has opened up and, in March, SU welcomed its students back to campus – albeit it with strict COVID-19 protocols in place.

In many ways, and slowly but surely, our campus activities are resuming. Whereas the campus was largely deserted in 2020, students are today again walking our university town's oak-lined streets, all wearing masks and practising social distancing. Classes have started and residences are open, but here too, strict protocols apply to ensure that our campus community stay safe.

We follow a hybrid teaching and learning model, with classes presented both in lecture halls (at 50% capacity) and online. Our researchers continue to work on producing real-life solutions to our current societal challenges, and having an impact both locally and internationally.

With South Africa's borders being open, SU has welcomed international students and colleagues, and we can continue our work in fostering relationships with our valued partners, both in person and in online forums. Therefore, we foresee that, in 2021, internationalisation at SU can only move forward to make a meaningful impact.

• Prof Hester C Klopper, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy and Internationalisation