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Prof Nina Schumann in a blue dress in Stellenbosch

Opinion and features

Prof Nina Schumann is finding new notes in a world reimagined by Parkinson’s

When accomplished pianist Prof Nina Schumann went for her first mammogram, she expected a routine check-up. Instead, she left with a life-changing diagnosis...

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Reuben Masia celebrates his graduation

Media release

First-generation SU medical graduate proves that dreams rooted in small places can travel far

Roossenekal, a 2,5 km² dot on the Limpopo map, is the kind of town “where the horizon feels close and the ceiling of dreams even closer”. But for Reuben Lefa...

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Chérise Adams reframes feminist theory through the lived knowledge of working-class Coloured womxn in the Winelands.

Media release

‘Skut gat and dala’ – pioneering Master’s research captures the lived reality of Winelands womxn

“Coloured* identity needs a bietjie room to breathe.” This line from Chérise Adams’ Master’s thesis stays with the reader and only crystallises once you grasp...

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Dr Florence de Vries completed a PhD that interrogated how journalism shapes mental health narratives in South Africa.

Media release

Dr Florence de Vries’ PhD shaped by loss, purpose and care

Dr Florence de Vries has spent her career thinking carefully about the power of storytelling – who wields it, who benefits from it and who can be harmed by the...

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Prof Jan Lotz

Media release

Purpose amid the pain – renowned radiologist Prof Jan Lotz graduates with a PhD at 78

At 78, an age when many of his peers are enjoying a quiet retirement, Emeritus Professor Jan Lotz has crossed the podium to receive his PhD in Applied Ethics...

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Amogelang Moagi photographed at the Coetzenburg Centre on the Stellenbosch Campus where she received her degree.

Awards and milestones

Amogelang Moagi does not allow hip of steel, loss to steal her graduation joy

“A hip of steel and a heart of steel.” That’s how Amogelang Moagi’s lecturer Dr Susan de Klerk describes her. These words are particularly apt, given the...

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Prof Salim Safurdeen Abdool Karim photographed at the Coetzenburg Centre on the Stellenbosch Campus where he received his honorary doctorate.

Institutional news

SU honorary doctorate for world-renowned epidemiologist, infectious disease expert

Stellenbosch University (SU) bestowed an honorary doctorate on world-renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Prof Salim Safurdeen Abdool Karim at...

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Dr Luthando Tiya photographed at the Coetzenburg Centre on the Stellenbosch campus where he received his doctorate in pharmacology.

Awards and milestones

From forensics to farms: Dr Tiya’s mission to protect communities against pesticides

Moving from DNA analysis in forensics to studying the impact of pesticides on farm workers may seem unusual – but for Dr Luthando Tiya, it was a natural next...

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For Taswell Mabutha, a lifelong dream was realised when he heard the news that he had been accepted to study at Stellenbosch University (SU).

Awards and milestones

Taswell Mabutha overcomes the odds to achieve an honours degree

For Taswell Mabutha, a lifelong dream was realised when he heard the news that he had been accepted to study at Stellenbosch University (SU). Diagnosed with...

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Dr Kevin Naude, a first-generation graduate, reflects on a near-decade academic path from SciMathUS to medicine.

Awards and milestones

A quiet childhood dream propelled Dr Kevin Naude to success

For as long as he can remember, Dr Kevin Naude fostered an unspoken dream: the idea that he might one day become a doctor. Now, nearly a decade after first...

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Amy Michau proves impossible goals are achievable.

Awards and milestones

Showjumping champion earns her degree while conquering world cup arenas

Before she enters the arena, Amy Michau, a showjumper champion and now Stellenbosch University (SU) graduate, is petrified.  But the moment she and her horse...

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Just weeks after being announced a recipient of the coveted Rhodes Scholarship, Kerry Porrill was awarded Stellenbosch University’s top honour – the Chancellor’s Medal (2025).

Awards and milestones

Brilliant mathematics achiever honoured with SU’s prestigious Chancellor’s Medal

Just weeks after being announced a recipient of the coveted Rhodes Scholarship, Kerry Porrill was awarded Stellenbosch University’s top honour – the Chancellor...

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David

Media release

SU to cap one of youngest doctors in SA

On 11 December, 21-year-old David Obagbuwa will graduate with an MBChB from Stellenbosch University (SU), becoming one of the youngest medical doctors to...

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A set of triplets, Kirsten, Liam and Ivan Pietersen graduated from SU with flying colours in three distinct fields.

Media release

Triple success as Pietersen triplets graduate

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...

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Chris Otto photographed at the graduation ceremony in the Coetzenburg Centrre where he was awarded an honorary doctorate.

Institutional news

SU awards honorary doctorate to renowned entrepreneur, social justice champion

Stellenbosch University (SU) awarded an honorary doctorate to renowned South African entrepreneur and social justice champion Chris Otto at its December...

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Dyan Buis photographed with his Master’s degree at the Coetzenburg Athletics Stadium in Stellenbosch.

Education

Former Paralympic gold medallist bags Master’s degree

Discipline. Resilience. Perseverance.

These qualities have taken former Paralympic gold medallist and world champion athlete Dyan Buis from the small town of...

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Dr Joy Petersen’s doctoral research uncovers how first-generation students developed agency and intellectual virtues amid the disruptions of Covid-19.

Media release

Pandemic ignites transformative scholarly journey for Dr Joy Petersen

When Dr Joy Petersen considered doing a doctoral study, she imagined her research would focus on mentoring. As First-Year Student Experience Coordinator and...

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Colin Deiner photographed with Profs Wikus van Niekerk (Faculty of Engineering) and Deresh Ramjugernath (Rector and Vice-Chancellor) at graduation ceremony where he was awarded the an honorary doctorate.

Institutional news

SU honours internationally recognised disaster-management and response expert

The Western Cape provincial government’s Chief Director: Disaster Management and Fire and Rescue Services, Colin Deiner, received an honorary doctorate from...

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Haajir September and her mother, Zubeida

Media release

For SU graduate Haajir September, setbacks are detours, not dead ends

Like so many learners, the Covid-19 pandemic robbed Haajir September of a memorable matric year. Lockdown meant no matric ball, no normal school routine and...

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Megan Hartnick rises above loss and financial hardship to complete her PGCE cum laude.

Education

Megan Hartnick turns adversity into achievement

Megan Hartnick has spent most of her life learning to hold on to the small, steady flame of possibility. When she graduated with a BA degree from Stellenbosch...

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Graduation

Media release

SU celebrates record number of graduates at December ceremonies

SU celebrates record number of graduates at December ceremonies 

More than 6 000 graduands will cross the stage in the Coetzenburg Centre this week as...

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Under southern skies

Media release

Under Southern Skies: How stargazing is shaping mental health research in South Africa

As mental health challenges rise across South Africa, a pioneering research project is turning to an unexpected ally: the night sky.

Researchers from...

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A picture of flamingos, wildebeest, and zebras drinking at waterhole.

Media release

Sub-Saharan Africa has lost nearly a quarter of its biodiversity

A new African-led study finds that sub-Saharan Africa has already lost 24% of its biodiversity since pre-industrial times. This means that, on average, the...

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An illustration of a diverse group of people with disabilities.

Opinion and features

International Day of Persons with Disabilities highlights key challenges

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated on 3 December. In opinion pieces for the media, experts from Stellenbosch University, in...

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A group of mopane worms hang from a tree.

Media release

New research highlights conservation needs for mopane worms

Mopane worms are widely harvested as a food source in Southern Africa. Containing three times more protein than beef or chicken, as well as more calcium, iron...

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A red ribbon on a black background symbolizes HIV and AIDS awareness.

Opinion and features

Listening to adolescent mothers this World AIDS Day

As we enter an uncertain chapter in tackling the HIV epidemic, approaches that prioritise the needs, priorities, and voices of adolescent girls—and provide...

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Ingrid Jonker collection - documents and crate

Media release

Ingrid Jonker collection finds new home at Stellenbosch University

Earlier this month, a crate containing a very special collection of invaluable documents, was delivered to the Stellenbosch University (SU) Library and...

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Two students head to Oxford

Awards and milestones

Two SU graduates to swap Eikestad for Oxford in 2026 as Rhodes Scholars

Kerry Porrill and Dr Nandipa Mponda from Stellenbosch University will swap the Eikestad for Oxford next year when they join a global cohort of more than 100...

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SU celebrates its big wins at the recent MACE Awards

Awards and milestones

SU scoops 27 accolades at annual national marketing and communication awards

This year’s annual Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Higher Education (MACE) Excellence Awards can best be summed up with the lyrics from Frankie...

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A view of the library on the Stellenbosch campus.

Institutional news

SU secures leading positions in 2025 Shanghai Subject Rankings

If you are interested in studying Food Science & Technology, Biotechnology, Communication, Biological Sciences or Agricultural Sciences in South Africa, look no...

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A silhouette of children playing in the sunset.

Opinion and features

World Children’s Day: Spotlight falls on key challenges

Africa’s climate-displaced children, combatting violence against children, and treating cerebral palsy in children. These are the topics that Stellenbosch...

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Healthy food on a plate with stethoscope and red heart for cholesterol diet and diabetes control.

Opinion and features

World Diabetes Day: Workplaces, community-oriented primary care can curb diabetes

World Diabetes Day was observed on 14 November. In opinion pieces for the media, experts at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences argue that well-designed...

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Prof Arnold Rix photographed while delivering his inaugural lecture at the Faculty of Engineering on the Stellenbosch campus.

Engineering and technology

Prof Arnold Rix advances renewable energy technologies for a low-carbon future

Prof Arnold Rix from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University delivered his inaugural...

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An agricultural plowed field with green small shoots breaking through the soil

Media release

Pan-African Parliament adopts continent’s first Model Law on Sustainable Soil Management

Africa has taken a historic step forward for sustainable development, food security and environmental protection when the Pan-African Parliament (PAP)...

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A picture of the Library and Information Service on the Stellenbosch campus that was taken during Autumn 2025.

Opinion and features

Universities building Africa's next generation of employers — one entrepreneur at a time

African Universities Day is celebrated on 12 November every year. In an opinion piece for University World News, Anita Nel, Chief Director: Innovation and...

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Prof Bernard Bekker from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering photographed during his inaugural lecture on the Stellenbosch campus.

Engineering and technology

Prof Bernard Bekker wants to help plan SA's future power system

Prof Bernard Bekker from the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University delivered his...

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SAYAS awards

Awards and milestones

Two young SU scientists recognised for excellence in their respective fields

Two scientists from Stellenbosch University (SU) have been inaugurated as members of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). 

Dr Phila Msimang and Dr...

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French delegation visit Stellenbosch University.

Media release

SU strengthens ties with Université Paris-Saclay during high-level French visit

Stellenbosch University (SU) recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Paris Region (Île-de-France) as part of a broader regional mission to South Africa...

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A high-level delegation led by Markus Söder, Minister-President of Bavaria in Germany, joined senior South African academic leaders for the formal signing of a series of landmark agreements between Bavarian universities and Western Cape institutions.

Media release

‘A perfect match’: SU hosts Bavarian delegation to power innovation

If you were in Stellenbosch earlier this week and noticed a motorcade with flashing blue lights sweeping down Ryneveld Street, you were witnessing history in...

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At the Chancellor’s Lecture, South African-born Prof JM Coetzee and Tanzanian novelist Prof Abdulrazak Gurnah were in dialogue about how creative writing illuminates our shared humanity.

Arts, languages and social sciences

Literary giants probe writing, power and belonging in Chancellor’s Lecture

What, truly, is the meaning of the Nobel Prize for Literature? Who – writer, nation, language or market – does it finally serve? Might it be time, as JM Coetzee...

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