Stories

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

Image by: Stefan Els

Impact

Justin de Villiers leads with empathy, not ego

Standing in front of a room full of students and asking them to vote for you is not everyone’s idea of fun. For Justin de Villiers, it was one of the most nerve...

Image by: Stefan Els

Impact

Nelly Vilakazi is paying forward every act of kindness she received

Image by: Stefan Els

Impact

James Taylor finds meaning in brains, beauty and hermit crabs

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

PhD student Keenen Gilbert has spent nine years at Stellenbosch University turning opportunities into acts of service.From food drives and tutoring to student leadership and wellbeing initiatives, he has dedicated much of his university journey to helping others thrive.

Campus life

Keenen Gilbert turns compassion into action at SU

Keenen Gilbert likes to joke that his blood is maroon and gold. After nine years at Stellenbosch University (SU), four degrees and countless leadership roles...