As we begin a new chapter in our international engagement journey, I am pleased to share that Stellenbosch University (SU) has been granted an extension of its presidency of the International University Network (IUN) until 2028. 

This honour reflects not only our institution’s longstanding commitment to global collaboration but also the trust placed in us by partner universities worldwide. The extended mandate provides us with a unique opportunity to strengthen shared priorities, amplify African scholarship, and shape the future of international higher education through purposeful leadership.

International collaboration continues to demonstrate its power to transform institutions, sharpen research excellence, and expand opportunities for both staff and students. In an increasingly interconnected world, our ability to work seamlessly across borders is central to producing research that is globally relevant and locally impactful. 

But meaningful collaboration does not happen by chance; it requires intention, focus, and clarity of purpose. At SU, we anchor our partnerships on three guiding principles.

• First, the mobility of staff and students is essential. By exchanging ideas, skills, and perspectives with colleagues across regions, we enrich our academic environment and foster a culture of curiosity and adaptability. Mobility allows scholars at all levels to immerse themselves in new contexts, encouraging innovation and the cross-pollination of knowledge.
• Second, joint research, supervision, and publications lie at the heart of our mission to advance African and global scholarship. When we combine our strengths with those of our partners, we produce research of greater depth, visibility, and influence, while creating enduring academic networks.
• Third, we remain deeply committed to capacity building, especially for emerging and early-career academics. Through mentoring, training and targeted development opportunities, we are cultivating the next generation of researchers and leaders equipped to address the continent’s most pressing challenges.

As we look to the years ahead, I invite all members of our community to continue embracing collaboration as a catalyst for excellence.

Prof Sam Tshehla

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs