An increase in the number and value of medical malpractice claims against the State. Legal system for calculating and payment of future medical expenses and compensation unsatisfactory. Two alternatives: Undertaking-to-pay for future medical expenses and a ceiling cap for pain and suffering.

Mr Bernard Fick, an independent non-executive director of companies, was elected as the Chair of the Stellenbosch University Council. The election of Chair followed the process prescribed in the SU Statute and had to be elected from among the external Council members in specific categories. Fick is a SU alumnus and a member of the actuarial profession (Chartered Actuary, being a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries) and has spent more than 30 years working in the financial sector.

SU’s first Student Engagement Conference brought together students, staff and community partners to explore the meaning of being “in service of society.” Speakers emphasised that academic success must be coupled with social responsibility and active citizenship. Student voices and community partners highlighted the importance of sustained, meaningful engagement in addressing inequality and driving social impact.

Hunger does not only affect the body. It affects concentration, energy, participation, emotions, and ultimately success. #GivingMaties: There is something profoundly human in the way our SU community is choosing to engage. A donation, a conversation, a visible act of support – these are not small things. They are part of how culture shifts.

Curiosity about science and a TV programme led Sibulele Tonisi from Mfuleni to a master’s degree in biochemistry. Tonisi chose SU because of its academic excellence. He completed his degree despite financial hardship.

Teenage pregnancy and early parenting did not deter Noku Katom from her dream of higher education. She has graduated from SU cum laude with a master's degree in practical theology. She plans to partner with churches across South Africa to build faith-based entrepreneurship ecosystems, particularly aimed at empowering women.

Several senior public servants graduated last week from Stellenbosch University. Graduates span national Parliament, provincial government and key executive offices. Their stories highlight a shared commitment to ethical leadership, continuous learning and service delivery.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath shared reflections of his first year in office as SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor with the Cape Town Press Club. The year was one of setting direction and alignment. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to acceleration and momentum.

An international conference, Decay without mourning: Future-thinking heritage practices, will take place in Stellenbosch from 15–17 April. It is the culmination of a five-year research project at Stellenbosch University, KTH Royal University (Sweden) and the University of São Paulo. Alongside the academic programme, a curated series of artistic works that form part of the conference’s thematic arc will be presented. These events are free and open to the public. Please note booking is essential.

Dr Luphiwo Mduzana obtained a doctorate in health sciences rehabilitation. Role model for emerging medical orthotists and prosthetists. He hopes his achievement boosts orthotics and prosthetics in South Africa.