Stellenbosch University (SU), a founding sponsor of the Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees, is looking forward to having thousands of festivalgoers come and share in what the Eikestad and SU's Stellenbosch campus have to offer again this year. 

Or, as Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, puts it: “This year’s festival theme, ‘Share’, is an invitation to visit, learn and participate. Come and experience the festival and celebrate all that we share and reflect with compassion and respect on that which divides us. How ever you experience the Woordfees, you are part of something bigger – a celebration of our shared humanity, our stories and our voices.”  

SU Hub 

Of interest is the all-new Stellenbosch University Hub. SU’s marketing team hosts this vibrant engagement hub at the Konservatorium Amphitheatre – the home of SU’s festival programmes.  

The space will feature the Ongehoord series, which explores topical conversations about gender, identity and community; the Student Discourse series, where students are invited to share their perspectives on university life and the future; and the Science Café, which brings research and innovation to the public in an accessible way. These conversation series are free to attend and open to all festivalgoers. 

In the evenings, the venue will come alive with a series of jazz performances. TheMaties Jazz Society will open each evening, followed by leading South African artists such as Schalk Joubert, Sima Mashazi, Ramon Alexander and the Melisizwe Plaatjie Collective – celebrating the creativity and diversity of SU’s musical community. 

The hub serves as an activation space for SU to connect with festivalgoers and stakeholders through conversation, visibility and audience engagement – complemented by branded giveaways and interactive moments. 

Audience Development Project 

Also noteworthy is the Audience Development Project – a strategic initiative that enhances the student experience by promoting cultural diversity and encouraging meaningful engagement with the arts.  

Introduced during the 2024 Woordfees, the initiative reflects SU’s commitment to delivering a transformative student experience. Managed and implemented by the marketing team within the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division, in collaboration with the Centre for Student Life and Learning, it provides students with limited exposure to the performing arts the opportunity to attend selected productions and participate in post-show discussions at Woordfees. 

In 2025, 317 students – many of whom will experience a formal performance for the first time – will attend 55 theatre, music, dance and visual arts productions across 11 genres, presented in five language categories – Afrikaans, English, Afrikaans and English, Multilingual, and Afrikaans, English and Xhosa. 

• See www.woordfees.co.za for more information.  

MORE INFORMATION ON THE VARIOUS EVENTS AT THE SU HUB 

Tue 14 October: 

09:30: Ongehoord: The price of anti-gender ideology 

17:15:  Student discourse: How do we share our campus? 

18:30: Science Café: SA-China: The scientists (and science) behind South Africa’s first quantum satellite link with China 

Wed 15 Oct: 

09:30: Ongehoord: A sense of community 

17:15: Student discourse: How do we share in each other's joys and struggles 

18:30: Science Café: Why study space rocks?  

Thu 16 Oct: 

09:30: Ongehoord: Digital Culture & Afro-Optimism 

17:15: Student discourse: What does life look like after your degree? 

18:30: Science Café: From the pill to menopause: Balancing health versus risk 

20:30: Jazz: Schalk Joubert Band featuring Sima Mashazi 

Fri 17 Oct: 

09:30: Ongehoord: We need to talk about family 

20:30: The Melisizwe Plaatjie Collective 

Sat 18 Oct:  

20:30 Ramon Alexander Quintet: The Throwback Project