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.

ARISE is an art-led education project at Ikhaya Primary in Kayamandi. Learners create ceramic birds symbolising belonging, aspiration and possibility. The project is led by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University.

International Mother Language Day was celebrated on 21 February. Mother-tongue instruction is important for learner success. Multilingualism must be promoted in all spheres of society.

World Day of Social Justice was on 20 February. Many obstacles stand in the way social justice. We need a credible vision of social justice in South Africa.

The EU–Africa Track 1.5 Cyber Diplomacy Dialogue brought together leaders from government, industry, academia and civil society to tackle pressing cybersecurity challenges. The diplomatic corps in South Africa, led by the Ambassadors of Austria and Italy, also participated. It has established a historic platform for future EU–Africa cybersecurity cooperation.

A stokvel that funds education, fights procrastination and invests in community upliftment has earned two Stellenbosch University (SU) lecturers top honours at the 2025 Absa Stokvel Awards. The award-winning model was conceptualised by Phodisho Kgwale, a lecturer in academic and professional literacies at SU’s Language Centre, and her friend Reginald Kgwedi, a lecturer in the Department of Logistics. The Absa Stokvel Awards celebrate and recognise stokvels across South Africa, including those that demonstrate strong financial discipline, community impact, innovation, or sustainable group savings habits.