Stories

Discover stories of our pursuit of impactful solutions, building learning communities that leverage the latest technologies, 
and our exceptional people.

Growing up in Eldorado Park, Tyrese Human learned early that being different often comes at a cost – but he refused to let others define who he could become. The final-year education student has risen through Stellenbosch University's (SU) student leadership structures while remaining committed to helping others find their voice and sense of belonging.
Image by: Stefan Els

Campus life

Tyrese Human wants every child to know they belong

When Tyrese Human was eight years old, he made a bold announcement to his family. One day, he declared, he was going to move overseas, buy a limousine and a...
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Final-year MBChB student Joy Schoor survived cancer as a teenager and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. The recipient of the CEFF-Chancellor’s Bursary hopes to specialise in haematology after experiencing lifesaving care firsthand.

Impact

Joy Schoor’s second chance at life inspires hope for others

At 14 years old, Joy Schoor was forced to confront something most teenagers cannot begin to imagine: the possibility of dying before her life had truly begun. 

I...

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Master’s student Risuna Risimati has become one of SU’s most impactful student leaders through her work in governance, constitutional matters and student advocacy. The recipient of the Rector’s Award for Excellence in Leadership says young people have the power to shape what South Africa’s future looks like.

Impact

Risuna Risimati helps to shape the future of student leadership at SU

Long before she became a member of Stellenbosch University (SU) Council, chaired the Academic Affairs Council or served as Chief Justice of the Student Court...

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Through his Get Active Project, Adam Venter has raised more than R20 000 for charities while promoting mental wellbeing through sport and exercise. Venter believes community is built through everyday acts of kindness, connection and service.

Impact

Adam Venter believes community is built through everyday acts of kindness, connection and service

When a series of rugby injuries brought Adam Venter’s sporting ambitions to an abrupt halt, he could easily have focused on what he had lost. Instead, he...

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Dr Anneke Erasmus was awarded a PhD in Physics during the March 2026 graduation ceremony

Media release

Curiosity with light leads to PhD in physics

As an undergraduate science student, Dr Anneke Erasmus’ curiosity about lasers made her stay behind after physics classes to ask lecturers about their research...

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Winner and runnerup in the first Integration Bee held at Stellenbosch University

Events

Engineering students take laurels in first ‘Integration Bee’

Room 1005 in the Mathematical Sciences Building was packed Friday 13 March to witness the final “face-off” in an Integration Bee organised by third year Applied...

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Prof Swart and Aztec

Media release

Learning leadership from horses at SU

Leadership lessons at Stellenbosch University (SU) sometimes happen beyond lecture halls and meeting rooms. 

Instead, they unfold in the university’s paddocks...

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