Political prisoners organised different sports. Sport became a tool of resistance, discipline, and solidarity. Sport helped bridge political, intellectual and generational divides.

In the paddocks of Stellenbosch University, two Appaloosa mares quietly guide students and staff on a unique leadership path. A structured, research-informed programme known as HERD (Human Embodiment, Relationality & Dynamics) reimagines leadership as an embodied, relational practice. For many participants, particularly women students or those who feel like outsiders in traditional leadership spaces, the experience offers a powerful alternative to conventional leadership training.

Thirty-four mid-career academics from all 26 public universities gathered in Stellenbosch for the Introductory Conference of the DHET Future Professors Programme, Phase 1 for Cohort 4. Distinguished professor Jonathan Jansen challenged participants to claim the identity of a scholar and reflect on the deeper purpose of universities. The programme, funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training and hosted by Stellenbosch University, aims to prepare the next generation of academic leaders for South Africa’s professoriate.

World Kidney Day is on 12 March. A kidney transplant is the best treatment for kidney failure. We don’t have enough organ donations and transplants.

Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Policy Innovation Lab is part of an international partnership that has formally handed over a landmark policy report tracing the evolution of the G20’s digital agenda to South African government partners. The recent handover event was hosted jointly by the Policy Innovation Lab and the TUM Think Tank at the Technical University of Munich, in collaboration with the Global Network of Internet & Society Centers. The report analyses more than 200 official G20 and T20 documents from the presidencies of Indonesia (2022), India (2023), Brazil (2024) and South Africa (2025).

Positive link between Grade 11 repetition rates and matric pass rates in Western Cape (2018-2021). Link became weaker in size and significance when repetition rates dropped at end of 2020. High repetition rates may not be justified.

First-year Stellenbosch University (SU) chemistry lecturer Dr Marietjie Lutz is back in the saddle for a good cause, raising funds for students in need. Lutz is no stranger to cycling for a good cause, having twice ridden 600 km from George to Cape Town as part of the “Wheels of Opportunity – WOOP” initiative. The idea for WOOP developed after Lutz discovered in 2022 that one of her students was facing homelessness because of financial need and yet was still achieving academically.

International Women’s Day was celebrated on 8 March. Experts at Stellenbosch University wrote opinion pieces. They focused on some of the challenges for gender equality.

Newly appointed extraordinary professor at the Centre for Social Justice. Human Rights Commissioner marking 30 years of Constitution, TRC and GEAR. Scholar-activist advancing horizontal accountability and intergenerational dialogue.

No one should have to choose between eating and studying. The University’s approach focuses on stabilising, practical support rather than one-off crisis aid. The campaign ends on 15 April with Giving Day – an on-campus event, alongside virtual opportunities for supporters around the world.