In a ceremony rich in symbolism, solemnity and celebration, Stellenbosch University (SU) formally inaugurated Prof Deresh Ramjugernath as its 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor on Wednesday, 1 October 2025 at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch.

The formal investiture, attended by dignitaries from across the higher education landscape, government and civil society, marked not only a ceremonial affirmation of Ramjugernath’s role – he officially took office in April – but also a public declaration of his vision and stewardship for the University’s future.

Amid the regal procession of academic robes, stirring choral and solo performances by SU musicians and messages of support from across the University community, it was the new Rector’s inaugural address that set the tone for what promises to be a dynamic era of transformative leadership at one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities.

A vision rooted in excellence and service

Speaking with humility, gravitas and at times disarming humour, Ramjugernath began by acknowledging the weight of history and the lineage of leaders who preceded him. 

“It is with the deepest humility and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University,” he said. “This institution has been blessed with a long list of formidable leaders. Their stewardship brought us to this moment. I honour them, and I take forward this office today mindful that I too am only a steward, entrusted for a time with the responsibility to shape new and meaningful pathways to a better future for all at our institution.”

He thanked Council for entrusting him with the leadership of SU in “an era of increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity”, and paid tribute to colleagues, mentors and his family. Ramjugernath’s voice faltered as he paid tribute to his mother, presently very ill, whom he credited as the driving force behind his academic journey and the source of his earliest encouragement.

He also singled out his wife Prathieka and their three daughters Dipika, Dayita, and Demira for their unwavering support. “You are my anchor and my inspiration,” he said, adding with a smile that the family’s two dogs, Buddy and Pal, had also played their part. To warm cheers, he noted that the family might adopt a third pup whose name will be “Matie”.

In a sweeping yet detailed vision, Ramjugernath outlined eight strategic pillars to guide Stellenbosch University into becoming Africa’s leading research-intensive institution. These include holistic transformation, digital and administrative modernisation, internationalisation, learning and teaching excellence, staff and student wellbeing, and socio-economic impact through engaged scholarship.

But he was quick to add that success would not be measured in rankings alone. “Am I going to spend my tenure chasing rankings? Certainly not,” he declared. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of academic and research excellence guided by the challenges of our time. Our thrust, however, will be through our impact and embeddedness in the challenges of our surrounding communities, in our region and our continent.”

He highlighted recent breakthroughs from SU’s Biomedical Research Institute and the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation, noting that the University’s scientists are tackling some of South Africa’s most urgent health challenges, including TB, HIV and non-communicable diseases.

Closer to home, he cited SU’s R4,5 billion economic contribution to the local Stellenbosch economy in 2024 and its role in regional innovation hubs such as the Adam Tas Corridor.

Yet, the most emphatic parts of his speech were reserved for holistic transformation. Calling for “authentic restitution” and deliberate redress, he said: “To realise its vision, the University must be more intentional and deliberate in its actions … It must examine and understand its history more carefully and intensify our process of introspection that extends from institutional culture to the core functions of our University.”

Transformation, he argued, must reach every facet of the institution: from research and student success to human resource policies and infrastructure. “As an institution, we need to transform holistically … Holistic transformation will require us to develop and implement plans to evolve and improve our research, learning and teaching, administration, stakeholder engagement … It touches all aspects of our organisation.”

Support from across the higher education landscape

SU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, Prof Nico Koopman, opened the proceedings with a reflection on leadership as stewardship. “At Stellenbosch, we have committed ourselves to a humanising culture,” he said. “It means creating opportunities for students to flourish, staff to thrive and society to benefit from the knowledge we seek.”

Chair of SU Council, Dr Nicky Newton-King, welcomed guests with a reminder that 2025 had already been a momentous year for the University, following the installation of Chancellor Lesetja Kganyago earlier in the year. “Today we gather for another defining moment,” she said. “Leadership of an institution of this magnitude is not for the faint of heart … Council stands firmly beside you as Rector. We will support, encourage and cheer lead for you.”

Prof Sam Tshehla, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs, read a message of felicitation by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, herself an SU alumna: “Your appointment is a testament to your scholarly distinction, your proven leadership in academia and your steadfast commitment to transformation and inclusive excellence.”

Gondwe added that under Ramjugernath’s leadership, SU was poised to remain “a key partner in shaping research, social justice and the future of our nation”.

University voices underline trust and confidence in leadership

In their messages of congratulation, representatives of the University community spoke with pride and hope for the future. Sonja Roux, representing the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle, praised Ramjugernath’s “calm wisdom” and academic leadership, urging support for his vision of a diverse and inclusive university while reminding the audience that integrity, empathy and resilience remain the cornerstones of success. 

Prof Juanita Pienaar, on behalf of the Senate, reflected on three decades of change at SU, noting its evolution into a more inclusive and globally connected institution. She called on the new Rector to build a legacy of both academic excellence and belonging. Dr Theo de Jager, President of the Convocation, emphasised that while alumni feel ownership, the true “shareholders” of SU are its students and future generations. He urged Ramjugernath to steer the institution with firm principles, saying that even small daily decisions would shape its destiny. “We trust this ship in your hands, and we trust our children and our future in those hands,” he stated.

Music, meaning and the spirit of a community

The event was as celebratory as it was ceremonial. SU Music Department student Athule Tshiwula moved the audience with a rendition of “Asimbonanga” and the SU Choir, under the direction of Jaylin Cupido, gave a spine-tingling performance of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now”. The choir’s rendition of “Rainmaker” by Hans Zimmer also culminated in thunderous applause.

Sashon Johnson’s moving interpretation of “You Raise Me Up” was followed by the national anthem sung by the whole congregation. The musical interludes echoed the theme of unity, hope and transformation that ran through the programme.

As the academic procession departed the Endler Hall to the triumphant strains of the SU Brass Ensemble, followed by a jubilant walk to Coetzenburg led by the VGK Cloetesville Brigade, it was clear that the day marked not just a milestone in SU’s history, but the beginning of a new chapter.

As Ramjugernath closed his address, he called on the University community to walk forward together in unity and courage. Adapting the ending of Alfred Tennyson’s famous poem “Ulysses,” he concluded: “Come my friends, it is not too late to seek a newer world … let us strive, to seek, to find and not yield in our scientific quest to deliver a better world.”