Spring ushers in fresh beginnings, and this year Stellenbosch University (SU) is celebrating with the launch of its brand-new website on 30 September. More than just a redesign, it is our University’s new digital home at a new address – www.su.ac.za – carrying forward the same maroon spirit that defines us.

Marick Hornsveld, Website Redevelopment Project Owner, says the journey to this moment has been years in the making. Way back in 2018, the need for a new website was identified, and in 2019 careful research began to shape a vision of what SU’s digital front door could become. “In 2020 the project was scoped. That’s when we realised it would be far larger and more complex than anticipated.” By 2021, the foundation was set: Service providers were appointed and redevelopment began in earnest. “That same April, the University launched its new logo and refreshed brand, creating the perfect opportunity to align our website with the University’s new identity,” she explains.

The scale of the task was immense: Over 10 000 pages across 430 subsites had to be migrated to the new site. During this digital “moving house”, some 50 000 documents and images, along with nearly 15 250 archived news articles in both Afrikaans and English dating back to 2013, were carefully transferred.

The launch marks the first phase of SU’s reimagined online presence. Visitors are welcomed into a clean, modern design with a more intuitive, user-focused experience across devices. While not all pages will be available immediately, additional content and features will continue to be added regularly. From the start, however, the platform has been designed to be accessible, welcoming and future-focused.

Some standout features include a powerful search function, an interactive calendar and a comprehensive A-to-Z listing that makes navigating the website simpler and more efficient than ever. “I am especially proud of this feature,” says Hornsveld. “We spent months working on it and testing it to ensure that everything users might want to find is easily searchable.” Together, these tools reflect SU’s commitment to creating a digital space where its community can connect, explore, and thrive.

Accessibility has been at the heart of the redesign. Developed in collaboration with SU’s Disability Unit, the new website adheres to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and includes features such as visible accessibility widgets, improved colour contrast, readable fonts and proper alt text. Contributor training ensures these best practices remain in place long term. “This will always be a work in progress, but this is a first step in the right direction,” Hornsveld remarks. “The Disability Unit does amazing work, and we want our website to support that.”

With its scalable design, the site is also prepared to grow alongside emerging technologies, including AI, ensuring SU’s online presence remains future-ready.

“This is more than just a redesign,” Hornsveld concludes. “It marks the beginning of a growing, welcoming space where everyone can feel included. We hope visitors feel inspired and at home on the new site. It’s designed to showcase that Stellenbosch University is an outstanding place to study, work and collaborate.”