Soon after Stellenbosch University (SU) marked World Movement Disorders Day with a Parkinson’s awareness flash mob at the Neelsie Student Centre, one of the University’s most celebrated musicians offered a deeply personal glimpse into her life with a movement disorder. The documentary Concerto combines present-day footage with archival clips of the virtuoso in her prime to show how Schumann is finding renewed purpose in the face of devastating loss. To keep playing, Schumann has had to reimagine her relationship with the piano and adjust her technique.

Reuben Lefa Masia, who graduated from Stellenbosch University (SU) with a ​MBChB, hails from Roossenekal, a 2,5 km² dot on the Limpopo map. Masia declared in kindergarten that he wanted to be a doctor. SU’s SOAR programme for first-generation university students provided a pillar of support.

Chérise Adams reframes feminist theory through the lived knowledge of working-class Coloured womxn in the Winelands. Her thesis – written partly in Afrikaaps – centres the care, resilience and everyday strategies of survival often overlooked in mainstream feminism. Her work honours womxn whose intellectual labour has long been misread as circumstance rather than theory.

Communications leader completed a PhD that interrogated how journalism shapes mental health narratives in South Africa. De Vries turned personal loss and lived experience into a study grounded in care, empathy and responsibility. Her research calls for newsroom cultures that treat mental health reporting as an act of public service, not spectacle.

Renowned radiologist Emeritus Professor Jan Lotz obtained his PhD in Applied Ethics from Stellenbosch University at the age of 78. The murder of his only daughter, Inge, in 2005 profoundly shaped his life. Teaching and mentoring young registrars became his source of purpose and healing, and his PhD thesis is dedicated to her. After suffering a traumatic brain injury and months of recovery, Lotz overcame significant physical and cognitive hurdles to complete his PhD.

Amogelang Moagi received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy. She had to overcome a traumatic assault, hip surgery and her mother’s death. She dedicates the degree to her mother.

Prof Salim Safurdeen Abdool Karim received an honorary doctorate. His scientific contributions to policy development crucial in fight against HIV and Covid-19. He fosters and supports the growth and development of African science.

Dr Luthando Tiya obtained his doctorate in pharmacology. He investigated farm workers’ exposure to pesticides. Herbicides or their breakdown products in blood of some people in farming-intensive areas.

Taswell Mabutha was diagnosed with dyslexia at age eight. He has completed undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He contributes his success to SU’s Disability Unit.

A first-generation graduate reflects on a near-decade academic path from SciMathUS to medicine. Loss, faith, and family shaped Naude’s resilience during the most demanding year of his degree. Mentorship, community and leadership helped him earn top recognition, including a Rector’s Award.