As Stellenbosch University (SU) continues to deepen its global engagement, the recent integration of SU International into the Responsibility Centre for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation marks an important step forward. It signals a more deliberate alignment between our international partnerships, our research and innovation agenda, and  strategic priorities.

Internationalisation at SU is not an add-on to our academic project but is integral to how we produce knowledge, build capacity, and contribute to society. By bringing these portfolios together, we are better positioned to ensure that our global engagements are purposeful, coordinated, and responsive to both continental and global challenges.

In my engagements with partners at the recent SIAN conference, I was reminded of the growing importance of equitable, mutually beneficial partnerships. There is a clear shift towards collaboration that is co-created, contextually grounded, and oriented towards impact. This resonates strongly with SU’s commitment to being rooted in Africa while globally connected.

Our priorities remain clear: to strengthen high-impact research collaborations, expand opportunities for staff and student mobility, and support the development of emerging scholars. At the same time, we are placing greater emphasis on innovation, ensuring that the knowledge we generate translates into tangible societal and economic value.

As we move into the year ahead, SU International will continue to play a central role in enabling these ambitions. I invite our partners, colleagues and students to engage actively in shaping this next phase. One defined not only by connection, but by shared purpose and meaningful impact.

Prof Sibusiso Moyo
DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation 

Stellenbosch University