From Stellenbosch to the world stage. A lifelong Matie connection. Intent on supporting a revival of tennis in South Africa through the establishment of a new Stellenbosch Racquet Centre.

Thirty-seven exceptional first-year students honoured for outstanding Grade 12 results and choosing Stellenbosch University. Fifteen students received Vice-Chancellor’s Awards valued at R100 000, while 22 received Achievers Awards valued at R75 000. Recipients represent six provinces and 32 high schools, reflecting a highly competitive national pool of academic talent.

Baroness Valerie Amos warned that apparent global stability masks deep fractures of poverty, conflict and eroding rights. Social justice cannot wait for perfect conditions; it must be the foundation for peace and prosperity. Stellenbosch University marked its entry into the ILO’s Global Coalition for Social Justice with a lecture on World Day of Social Justice.

World Wildlife Day was celebrated on 3 March. Experts highlight key conservation issues. Wildlife must be valued by humans.

Three-day visit deepens South Africa-Denmark Democracy Learning Partnership. Dialogue spans welfare states, inequality, youth disengagement and experiential learning. Collaboration enters consolidation phase with plans for mobility, joint projects and research.

Snoek populations are split into distinct groups that do not mix freely. Genetic diversity and catches have declined. Species less able to cope with environmental change and fishing pressure.

Prof Liezl van Dyk is a full professor, an NRF-rated researcher and a professionally registered industrial engineer with more than 27 years’ experience in higher education. She holds a PhD in industrial engineering from SU. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Van Dyk will serve as SU’s chief academic authority for learning and teaching.

Recharging Hope is a seven-part documentary series about an SU-led team's epic journey through Africa on a solar-powered bike. The premiere event provided an opportunity to see first-hand how electric transport solutions can be adapted for African realities. The documentary can be viewed on YouTube.

A group of 13 SU students balance demanding studies with frontline wildfire response. Volunteer Wildfire Services crews hike into the most inaccessible terrain to fight blazes by hand. From juggling academic work to facing 10-metre walls of flames, these Maties are redefining service.

Urobo Biotech claimed the R100 000 grand prize at the high-profile two-day SWEAT Africa 2026 event. Fellow SU spin-out companies ReSurfify and Nanosene also showcased their innovations, underlining the University’s growing footprint in Africa’s startup landscape. The event aligned with SU’s Vision 2040 strategy’s strategic focus on purposeful partnerships and inclusive networks.