Leading Together
A year of direction, a future of delivery.
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath
Rector and Vice-Chancellor
One year into his tenure as Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath reflects on a period focused on setting a clear direction and strengthening the foundations for long-term impact. With a strong emphasis on shared responsibility, inclusion, and purposeful excellence, the University is advancing its Vision 2040 - ensuring that its teaching, research and innovation translate into meaningful impact for society.
The leadership journey of
Prof Deresh Ramjugernath
From distinguished scholar to Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath’s path to leading Stellenbosch University reflects years of academic achievement and leadership experience. Below are key moments along this journey.
1 January 2021 —
Joins SU as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching
1 April 2025 —
Assumes office as Rector and Vice-Chancellor
— Prior to joining SU
Internationally recognised chemical engineering scholar and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Pro-Vice-Chancellor: Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
— 5 September 2024
Council announces the appointment of Prof Ramjugernath as the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU
— 1 October 2025
Official inauguration
A year in pictures
From Prof Ramjugernath’s inauguration to international engagements with alumni and stakeholders, these images capture key moments from the past year.
In the media
A seasoned higher education leader with extensive senior executive experience in South Africa, Prof Ramjugernath has featured in online, print and broadcast media, sharing insights on various aspects of the sector.
Looking ahead
Under the leadership of Prof Ramjugernath, the University is charting a bold and purposeful course towards becoming Africa’s leading research-intensive university and the continent’s first Top 100 global university.
The recently launched Strategy Plan 2026–2030 provides the roadmap towards Vision 2040. While the six core strategic themes remain unchanged, the University has refined its goals and objectives around three priority focus areas:
Academic
excellence
People, processes
and culture
