​More than 100 Stellenbosch University (SU) staff members gathered at the Endler Hall on Tuesday (24 July 2018) to listen to Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, officially launching the Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024.

In his opening remarks, the Rector recognised the staff as one of the key stakeholders and sited the importance of keeping staff abreast with the university plans.

The Vision 2040 will be driven by five values which are; excellence, compassion, accountability, respect and equity. Prof Hester Klopper​: Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Strategy and Internationalisation,  said the values relate to the beliefs and attitudes that guides behaviour.  

The Rector mentioned a transformative student experience, networked and collaborative teaching and learning, research for impact, purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks, employer of choice, and a thriving Stellenbosch university as the core strategic themes.

Corporate Communication spoke to a few staff members to hear their opinions about the new Vision 2040 and Strategic framework 2019-2024.

“The new Vision 2040 for us is really exciting because entrepreneurship and innovation are in the centre  and that's exactly what we do. Therefore, we excited to see how we can support and spearhead this new vision in the next 22 years," said Brandon Paschal

“I think when you embark on a new vision and strategy; it's a very exciting moment in the history of any organisation. I am excited because we have to keep looking forward. SU can build on a very successful past. If you look at the core strategic themes, I think it's so important that we will have a transformative student experience which is the core business of any university," said De Wet Schoeman.

“ I feel excited, more excited than I expected. I think this is very well crafted, it's very integrated and bold without being  too over ambitious. I think it deals with relevant issues, connecting to peoples day to day lives. Of course the devil is always in the details. Big words are excellent and they are excellent big word but having been in management and now in a teaching position , I think the challenge to management is going to be making it a dfay to day challenge and making sure people are part of the exercise, so we will see what happens from here," said Prof Maureen Robbinson.

“I think today the strategic plan the rector delivered was very impressive. We need to dig deep interms of research and try to help communities by putting strategies in how we can help the country with issues like landgrabs. We as the university have the capacity, we work with communities  and know the challenges and with research we can help," said Dr Sipho Mchokoto.

Watch the video to see other staff members' comment on the Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019-2024.

• Cellphone users click here ​for video.