Stellenbosch University (SU) thrived during the Covid-19 pandemic because of the hard work, dedication and “agile resilience" of its staff.

This was the main message from Prof Wim de Villiers, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, during the second staff assembly of 2022, and the first in-person staff meeting since the start of 2020. It was held in the Konservatorium's Endler Hall.

The theme was 'Changing the game for sustained success', and De Villiers thanked staff again for going the extra mile during the difficult and ever-changing circumstances of the past two and a half years.

Because of this, he said the institution achieved its two main goals during this time. Firstly, it completed the academic years successfully, and secondly, secured the sustainability of the institution.

De Villiers said for all intents and purposes SU is “back to normal", but warned staff to remain cautious about a possible resurgence of Covid-19 and urged staff to get vaccinated.

Furthermore, he highlighted SU management's focus on transformation in light of the Huis Marais incident in May. He said the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of racism at SU, led by Justice Sisi Khampepe, is expected to deliver its report with recommendations by mid-October at the latest.

August being Women's Month, De Villiers also highlighted the #Womenof SU campaign and the extraordinary achievements of women on staff, and said he's excited about the role Prof Sibusisu Moyo, SU's new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, will play. “She will no doubt strengthen and support our women leadership at SU."

Prof Eugene Cloete, outgoing DVC for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, said he has known Prof Moyo for some time. “She is an excellent person to do this job at SU. I wish her well, and I promise you that she will try her level best and that she will take this University forward," he said.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, DVC for Learning and Teaching, gave an update on the support structures SU is putting in place after recent suicides in residences.​ He said they have constituted a contingency committee to look into mental health.