Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrates a notable moment during graduation week when two members of a set of triplets follow in the footsteps of the other member of the triplets to cross the stage to receive their degree. Each of the three completed their degree in unrelated disciplines. The only common thread is that all three performed outstandingly.

Kirsten Pietersen, graduating in Food Science, is at the top of her class and recently shared first place in her New Product Development project. Her brother Liam completed his degree in International Business with distinction and plans to pursue an honours degree next year. Their third sibling, Ivan, last year graduated cum laude with a BSc Human Life Sciences degree and is now advancing through the MBChB programme at Tygerberg.

Their achievements, while individual, share a common foundation that their mother Christine credits to early habits and clear expectations. Raising triplets meant managing tight finances and busy schedules. Through the years, she remained consistent in one message: Their effort was an investment in themselves. “While they were young, I always told them, ‘You have to show up’. They seldom missed classes,” Christine says with a proud smile.

Growing up, their parents provided them with a stimulating environment and regularly took them on trips around South Africa and even Europe.

Bursaries for academic achievement eased the financial pressure, but discipline carried them further. The triplets say growing up in Stellenbosch with a mum who works at Neelsie Properties on campus meant becoming Maties felt like a natural extension of their home environment. They credit their mum as their biggest inspiration. She worked “incredibly hard” to support them as a single parent over the past seven years. Her example continues to shape how they approach their individual goals. 

‘Built-in companions’

People often assume triplets share the same interests and temperaments, but despite being born minutes apart, the Pietersens are quick to point out that their personalities and academic goals diverged early. 

Kirsten describes their closeness as a kind of built-in support system. “There was never a dull moment with the three of us going through every stage of growing up, side by side,” she says. “It means never going through anything alone and always having two friends to rely on.”

Liam remembers growing up as both ordinary and extraordinary. Having two “built-in companions” was normal but sharing everything was not always easy. “When I was younger, I wondered what it would be like to be a single child,” he says. “But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised it would have been quite boring.”

Ivan speaks of accelerated growth. “You get in trouble at three times the rate, you learn at three times the rate, but most importantly, you grow at three times the rate,” he says. “I can’t imagine a life without these companions, and I think they played a pivotal role in shaping who I am.”

Their proudest academic milestones highlight their individuality. Kirsten mentions achieving her goals in a demanding course despite financial pressures and singles out the success of her final-year project. Liam points to his third-year exchange in Germany, where he adapted to a new academic and cultural environment, improved his German and built lasting friendships. For Ivan, the turning point was earning marks strong enough to qualify for medicine – a goal he had held for years. “Seeing all the hard work paying off was by far my proudest academic achievement,” he says.

Christine speaks gently about their differences. “Beyond playful rivalries when they were younger, the triplets never competed with one another.” She remembers Kirsten coming home convinced she would fail – only to return with a distinction.

Friendships and family

Next year will bring considerable change for the Pietersens: Liam will do his honours degree and move back home; Kirsten is heading to the United States to work at a ski resort for three months; Ivan is deepening his journey through medicine. 

Their happiest memories as Maties also reflect the triplets’ individual arcs. Kirsten treasures the friendships she built in Nerina residence. “Growing up, I always dreamed of having a sister. Someone to share life, stories and even clothes with. Nerina gave me exactly that and I have the fondest memories with the incredible friends I made during my four years there,” she says.

Liam thinks of simple moments of “collective fun”: Cheering at Varsity Cup as part of a big friend group, meals at the Neelsie, late-night library sessions and spending time with his cousins on campus. Ivan’s favourite memories come down to his friends in Simonsberg men’s residence and now in Meerhoff residence at Tygerberg. “These are friends who challenge me, support me, and make my studying journey meaningful,” he says.

Asked what advice they would give first-year students, the triplets return to the lessons of their mother: build support systems, stay disciplined, give yourself grace and remember your journey is your own.

Christine is grateful for the opportunities her children had at SU. “It’s such a privilege to work on campus while my children studied here. It was nice to have all of them at home over weekends.” 

The triplets’ achievements is a source of much joy. “Maybe I am just lucky, but I have never really had problems with my children. I’ve never had to set a curfew when they go out with friends. My children know I am always there for them, no matter what time of day or night.”