When Simoné Cillié walked across the stage to receive her degree in actuarial science cum laude earlier this year, her grandparents and family members beamed with pride. Not only is the gifted student a fifth generation Matie, her great-great-grandfather, Prof GG Cillié (1870–1958) was the first rector of Stellenbosch University (SU). He became the institution’s first professor of education in 1911. The education building in Ryneveld Street still carries his name.

Two other formidable descendants would carry the Cillié name forward for many decades: Simoné’s great-grandfather, fondly known as “Prof Gawie” (1910–2000), was a prominent professor of mathematics and astronomy at SU who obtained a PhD at the University of Oxford and a master’s degree at Harvard University. As a choir conductor, Prof Gawie is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in South African church music. His brother Piet Cillié (1917–1999) was a newspaper stalwart, chairman of Naspers and editor of Die Burger for over two decades. In 1978 he became the first head of the Department of Journalism at SU. 

Simoné’s grandfather, who carries the family names Gabriël Gideon with pride, began his own academic journey at SU. He obtained a master’s degree in physics in 1968 and was a member of the SU choir before moving to Pretoria where he lectured physics at the University of Pretoria and Unisa. Her grandmother Eunice completed a diploma in music at SU and was later a teacher at Paul Roos Primary School. 

“We are so proud of Simoné,” Gabriël said shortly after Simoné’s graduation. “It’s such a privilege to see a fifth-generation member of our family graduate at Stellenbosch University.”

Pride in family tradition

During the first two-and-a-half years of her studies, Simoné stayed with her grandparents who live close to the Botanical Garden in Stellenbosch. Their house is not far from the original house of the first rector in 36 Van Riebeeck Street. Growing up in Pretoria, Simoné says it was a “no-brainer” that she would want to come to SU to study. 

“It’s an honour to follow in the footsteps of generations who made such significant contributions. When I lived with my grandparents, I picked up there’s a lot of pride and respect for the Cillié family’s legacy – not as hubris, but as real warmth and connection to history. It’s a huge privilege to be a Matie,” Simoné says with a smile and adds, “And it’s cool to carry the Cillié name.”

Her dad Gawie, one of four brothers, also studied at SU for two years. His younger sibling Charl, a digital expert and corporate executive with two SU degrees, served on the SU Council from 2018 to 2022.

Another relative, also Gawie Cillié, was a stalwart at SU’s Department of Industrial Psychology for 31 years. He is a well-known employment relations expert and former lecturer at Stellenbosch Business School. 

Supportive environment at SU

Now busy with an honours degree, Simoné says she decided to study actuarial science because she was looking for a challenge. “It also appealed to me because actuarial science leads directly into a profession,” she explains. 

The high demands of actuarial science meant there wasn’t much time for extramural activities in her undergraduate years. “The academic pressure was enormous, so I was grateful I could live with my grandparents and also experience Stellenbosch’s history and beauty through their eyes.”

When she takes a break from her studies, she goes for walks in Coetzenburg. “I appreciate the support I get from my church community and the friends I’ve made at Stellenbosch. Although there’s stiff competition, the students in our honours class are all rooting for each other.”

When Simoné’s name was called out at the March graduation ceremony, the announcement accidentally omitted that she received her degree cum laude. “My classmates were very upset on my behalf,” she recalls. “They were so supportive and made an effort to tell me, ‘Don’t worry, we know you got a distinction.’ It was a blessing in disguise because it opened my eyes to how much they cared.”

Simoné has started the process of applying for actuarial work for next year, but beyond finding employment she does not have any specific plans. “I’ve never really planned too far ahead. I’ve always focused on what’s in front of me and tried to do it to the best of my ability. I believe every opportunity comes with a responsibility to make the most of it. As the saying goes, ‘If we plan, the Lord laughs.’ So, I trust that if I stay faithful to the work in front of me, my path will unfold as it should. I’ll see where the road leads.”