Dr Zara Trafford received a prestigious Wellcome Early-Career Award. To date, she is the only SU recipient of this specific grant. Her project focuses on disabled young people in low-resource communities.

Many packaged foods for babies sold in South Africa contain flavourings. Flavourings could harm the eating habits and health of babies. Flavourings need to be re-evaluated, and labelling regulations properly enforced.

Google and policymakers join SU’s Policy Innovation Lab to explore the future of AI in policymaking. The Lab recently hosted a workshop with Google and the Policy and Research Services branch in the Presidency of South Africa to explore how AI could transform policymaking. By involving Google, the workshop added the perspective of experts on the newest AI technologies and applications.

Stellenbosch University hosted the 10th Russel Botman Memorial Lecture celebrating his legacy of hope and transformation. The event honoured Prof Russel Botman’s lasting impact on leadership and social justice. A new publication, Dare to Hope: The Russel Botman Memorial Lectures, 2014–2024, was launched.

Dr Bambesiwe May won a L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award. She develops sustainable frameworks to manage mining waste. Her work reduces environmental risks and makes the industry more sustainable.

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers keynote address at Stellenbosch University’s 7th Social Justice Summit in Cape Town. Summit focuses on food security, climate change and peace as pathways to equality and resilience. President endorses the Musa Plan for Social Justice and urges collective action against hunger and inequality.

Stellenbosch University (SU) has honoured the outstanding achievements of a record 87 students at this year’s annual Rector’s Awards for Excellent Achievement. The red carpet was rolled out at the Stellenrust Wine Estate on Thursday (15 October) to recognise student excellence in its many forms – academic achievement, leadership, resilience, creativity and service. Among the successful 87 recipients were awards for academic excellence across all faculties, as well as outstanding achievement in leadership, culture and social impact and sport.

World Food Day is celebrated annually on 16 October. SU experts wrote opinion pieces for the media. They highlight the importance of promoting indigenous foods.

Prof John Babafemi from the Department of Civil Engineering delivered his inaugural lecture on Tuesday 14 October 2025. His research focuses on developing and testing sustainable concrete. He promotes material efficiency and environmental sustainability in the cement and concrete sector.

SU drama student Jeanne-Marié Koekemoer makes her mark at 2025 Toyota Stellenbosch Woordfees by taking part in four productions in various capacities. She recently attended a theatre and performance course at Edinburgh University. Now in her final year at SU, Koekemoer has her sights set on theatrical opportunities in Cape Town.