South African medical faculties are marking #CrazySocks4Docs (5 June 2026) to raise awareness about mental health in healthcare, encouraging openness and self-care among professionals. The campaign reframes vulnerability as strength, with medical deans emphasising compassion, dignity, and breaking stigma within traditionally high-pressure training environments. Leaders highlight the intense psychological strain on students and clinicians, urging collective support and participation, symbolised by wearing colourful socks and sharing messages publicly.

Prof Hans Strijdom has been appointed Executive Head of Biomedical Sciences, aiming to build on the department’s strong foundation through three core pillars: excellence, compassion and self-accountability. He plans closer alignment with the Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) and a stronger focus on diversifying research funding in response to recent global funding cuts. Despite his new role, Strijdom remains deeply committed to teaching, driven by his passion for students, while continuing his work as an award-winning educator and leading researcher in medical physiology.

The SAMRC has established a new Extramural Research Unit at Stellenbosch University, led by Prof Catherine Cluver, to advance research on preeclampsia, a major cause of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. The unit builds on over a decade of internationally recognised research at SU, including clinical trials, the PROVE Biobank, and global collaborations, while promoting interdisciplinary innovation and skills development. Its core aim is to develop better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for preeclampsia to reduce its significant global burden, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

A major Cochrane review found that planned early birth after 34 weeks in women with high blood pressure nearly halves serious maternal complications and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The analysis of 3,491 women across multiple countries shows no increased risk of caesarean section or neonatal unit admission with early delivery. Findings support current guidance: planned early birth (by 37 weeks for pre-eclampsia) improves outcomes, avoiding delayed emergency births that often carry greater risk.

Stellenbosch University scientists are supporting the Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda, with Prof Jean B. Nachega serving on the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group to help guide continental response strategies. The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus, a less common Ebola strain with no licensed vaccine or specifically approved treatment, making surveillance, diagnostics, healthcare worker protection, and supportive care especially important. SU-BMRI is contributing through research, surveillance, training, and partnerships, including epidemiological investigations, genomic monitoring, resource mobilisation for diagnostics and vaccines, and capacity-building programmes in the DRC.

In 2026, Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) marks 70 years of advancing health through education, research and innovation under the theme “Legacy through Impact”. A year‑long programme of showcases and events reflects on transformation, internationalisation, teaching excellence, social impact, research, alumni achievements and innovation shaping healthcare in South Africa and beyond. The celebrations honour past contributions while highlighting future priorities, including nurturing young leaders, strengthening health systems, fostering partnerships and continuing the Faculty’s commitment to excellence and community‑centred impact.

The Professor Bongani Mayosi Netcare Scholarship supports South African clinician‑scientists to complete PhDs full‑time, honouring the late UCT professor’s legacy of academic excellence, leadership and commitment to healthcare equity. Stellenbosch University microbiologist Dr Kessendri Reddy will focus on optimising antibiotic use and infection prevention to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve patient outcomes in hospital settings. Fellow SU recipient Dr Kamlin Ekambaram is applying artificial intelligence to point‑of‑care ultrasound, aiming to extend diagnostic expertise to non‑specialists and improve emergency care in resource‑limited environments.

The SpeedCourt launch at Stellenbosch University introduces Africa’s first elite system for measuring agility, reaction time, and cognitive performance. Top rugby stars like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu showcased how the SpeedCourt bridges high-performance sport and clinical rehabilitation. A six-month staff league is set to drive wellness, innovation, and research within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

This tribute celebrates Mr Eben Mouton’s more than two decades of dedicated service and the lasting impact of his insightful, values‑driven leadership on the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. The article reflects the deep respect and admiration of colleagues, recognising how his steady guidance helped the faculty and campus grow from strength to strength. The story honours his enduring investment in people, mentorship and development that shaped careers, built confidence and strengthened the faculty community.

The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences welcomes back Stefan Engelbrecht as the new Senior Director: Business Management. Engelbrecht is taking over from his mentor, Mr Eben Mouton, who is retiring after more than 20 years of service at the faculty. Digital transformation is an area of particular interest to him, and he is keen to introduce technology that can improve the FMHS’ processes and operations and help ensure its financial sustainability.