For many students, learning to drive sits patiently on the “I’ll get to it” life list - somewhere in between exams, assignments and everything else university life demands. But what if you could start that journey right here on campus?

Stellenbosch University (SU) has officially launched Maties Driving Academy (MDA) on 1 April 2026, a new initiative by the University’s Transport Services Department, which forms part of SU Commercial (SUNCom), aims to help students drive with confidence.

The academy forms part of a broader, student-centred approach to prepare graduates for life beyond university. In today’s world of work, mobility is often not a nice-to-have, but a requirement — influencing access to opportunities, internships and employment.

“At its core, this initiative is about mobility and access,” says Neeren Juganath, Director of SU Transport Services. “We are creating a structured, supportive environment where students can build confidence behind the wheel, while gaining a skill that will serve them long after they leave university.”

The academy will initially offer affordable structured driving lessons led by qualified instructors. A dedicated vehicle has been fitted with enhanced and fully compliant safety features, such as a dual-control system with additional brake and clutch pedals to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment.

There will also be refresher lessons for students who already have a licence but want to improve their skills and feel more confident on the road.

Looking ahead, the academy plans to expand its offering to include learner licence preparation, creating a more comprehensive, end-to-end driving support system for students.

Hein Swanepoel, Senior Director of SUNCom, notes that the initiative reflects a more strategic approach to service delivery within the University.

“The Maties Driving Academy is a strong example of how we [SUNCom] are adding value to our stakeholders in a sustainable way. Maties Driving Academy delivers value in a way that strengthens the student experience, the institution and various other stakeholders.”

The academy will collaborate with relevant University initiatives where appropriate, including the MatiesHaveDrive programme, which forms part of the Maties Alumni Bridge the Gap (BTG) Fund. Together, these efforts contribute to a broader ecosystem of support aimed at improving student access to opportunities and employability.

The Academy will be accessible to students at affordable rates across all faculties on both the Stellenbosch and Tygerberg campuses, with the aim of broadening access to mobility as a tool for academic and professional success.

Ready to get behind the wheel? Book your lessons or learn more by contacting the Maties Driving Academy at www.transport.suncom.co.za or send an email to [email protected]. 

For pricing, updates and offers, follow @MatiesDrivingAcademy on Instagram.

About Maties Driving Academy

The Maties Driving Academy (MDA) is a Stellenbosch University-owned initiative, operated by the Transport Services Department within SU Commercial (SUNCom).