As Mr Eben Mouton, Senior Director: Business Management, retires at the end of March, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) marks the conclusion of an extraordinary chapter defined by service, insight and principled leadership. Over more than two decades, his influence has shaped the faculty and campus, strengthened systems, expanded opportunities and, most importantly, invested in people whose careers continue to flourish because of his guidance.

When Eben joined the faculty in 2004 as its first business manager, he entered a role that required vision, courage and a deep understanding of how sustainable institutions are built. Through periods of significant change in higher education funding and governance, his leadership enabled the faculty to move from strength to strength. Diversified income streams, sound financial management, strategic infrastructure investment and a people-centred approach have left the faculty well positioned for the future.

Yet colleagues are quick to note that his greatest contribution lies not only in systems and buildings, but in the culture he helped foster. Stefan Engelbrecht, current Director: Operations for Stellenbosch Business School, who will be taking over from Eben in April,  reflects on more than a decade of close collaboration, saying, “I have always admired the calm, thoughtful and highly professional way in which you led such a complex environment.” He adds that Eben’s leadership “shaped not only the systems and structures of the Faculty, but also a culture of professionalism, stability and care.”

That calm authority was paired with integrity and strong values. Lezel Fisher, Business Management Coordinator for the FMHS recalls her early impressions and how they evolved over time. “Initially, I felt intimidated,” she says, but soon came to appreciate “his strong sense of structure, clarity of purpose, and high standards.” She highlights that “he leads with integrity and consistently supports his team, even when they are not present to speak for themselves,” noting the important role his guidance played in shaping her career.

Trust and approachability feature strongly in how colleagues speak about Eben. Professor André van der Merwe, who head the Department of Urology, describes him as “a steadfast person I could trust since I started working at SU in 2007,” adding that “his openness and humbleness to talk to ordinary staff is an example to everyone.” He credits Eben’s “superb administration skills” with leaving the faculty “in a much better position than before he started.”

For those who worked alongside him daily, his leadership was marked by fairness, respect and genuine care. Nadia Boezak, who served as his personal assistant for almost four years, says, “He has always been understanding, approachable, and easy to talk to; leading with fairness, genuine care, and a trusted 100%.” She adds that his support “allowed me and my colleagues to grow with confidence, not only in our roles but as individuals.”

Eben’s commitment to developing people has had tangible and lasting impact. Vusi April reflects on a journey shaped by consistent support across multiple roles within the faculty. “From my early days in the Anatomy and Histology Division, through Research Development and Support, and now in Business Management, you have supported my journey at every stage,” he says. He notes that faculty bursary support enabled him to pursue his studies and adds, “I am grateful to be completing my LLM this year because of your investment in my development.” As a manager, Eben “entrusted me with responsibility and gave me space to grow,” a pattern echoed by many others.

Academic leadership likewise benefited from his experience and mentorship. Professor Brian Allwood expresses his appreciation, saying, “Thank you for the way you have led in your role, and for the support and guidance you have shown me in my career.” He describes Eben’s “experience, wisdom and dedication” as a blessing and looks forward to continued engagement in the future.

Dr Florence de Vries, Manager: Marketing and Communication, captures the depth of Eben’s influence in personal and professional terms. “As a leader, you have steered the course with wisdom and established a lasting legacy of integrity in me,” she writes. She reflects on his expertise as “indispensable” and wishes him a future rich in possibility, encouraging him to “enjoy your free time and cherish that beautiful family of yours.”

As Eben steps into retirement, he does so with the respect and admiration of colleagues across the faculty and campus. His legacy endures in a stronger institution, a culture grounded in professionalism and care, and in the many careers he helped shape through mentorship, opportunity and trust.

The faculty thanks him sincerely for his exceptional service and visionary leadership, and wishes him every happiness and fulfilment in the years ahead.