Stellenbosch University

Matie Voices

From world-renowned researchers to captains of industry, Stellenbosch University boasts a multicultural community of students, staff, alumni and stakeholders. Get a glimpse of their journeys in Matie Voices.

Kris Declercq
Alumnus of the Faculty of Law
Alumnus of the Faculty of Law
“I was fascinated by the miraculous transformation of South Africa. As a specialist in human rights and constitutional law, I…
“I was fascinated by the miraculous transformation of South Africa. As a specialist in human rights and constitutional law, I wanted to be in the front row to learn how this transition took shape…”
Helmut Meijer
Alumnus of the faculties of Science and Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the faculties of Science and Arts and Social Sciences
“My motto in life is to lead and inspire. You can only inspire others if you remain inspired yourself.”
“My motto in life is to lead and inspire. You can only inspire others if you remain inspired yourself.”
Dr Randall Ortel
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“When you say you are from Manenberg, people look at you in a prejudiced way. Their jaws drop. But Manenberg…
“When you say you are from Manenberg, people look at you in a prejudiced way. Their jaws drop. But Manenberg is the best springboard.”
Ziyanda Stuurman
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t shown faith and confidence in my abilities and harnessed a…
“I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t shown faith and confidence in my abilities and harnessed a little chutzpah along the way.”
Suta Kavari
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“My biggest motivation in life is betterment – of myself and my community and contributing to that.”
“My biggest motivation in life is betterment – of myself and my community and contributing to that.”
Ricardo Smart
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“Being in service is very much like planting a seed. Don’t expect a tree tomorrow. Take care of it regularly…
“Being in service is very much like planting a seed. Don’t expect a tree tomorrow. Take care of it regularly and before you know it, it could grow into a tree.”
Dr Karen Smith
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I have always had a passion for travelling and discovering new people, places and cultures.”
“I have always had a passion for travelling and discovering new people, places and cultures.”
Giniel de Villiers
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Motorsport has taught him “to never give up”.
Motorsport has taught him “to never give up”.
Dr Marcelle Mentor
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“The levels of disparity in South Africa are gut wrenching and harmful. We have to do better.”
“The levels of disparity in South Africa are gut wrenching and harmful. We have to do better.”
Dr Giverson Mupambi
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“I am motivated by helping farmers meet the challenges of a changing world.”
“I am motivated by helping farmers meet the challenges of a changing world.”
Dr Etienne van der Walt
Alumnus of the faculties of Science and Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the faculties of Science and Medicine and Health Sciences
“I feel incredibly privileged to be a member of the most fascinating, intelligent, yet humble, neurology family.”
“I feel incredibly privileged to be a member of the most fascinating, intelligent, yet humble, neurology family.”
Dr Dominic Mentor
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I definitely want to come back and work with universities, corporations, non-profit organisations or a combination of these to deliver…
“I definitely want to come back and work with universities, corporations, non-profit organisations or a combination of these to deliver a variety of workforce development initiatives…”
Dr Bronwyn Bock Jonathan
Alumna of the Faculty of Education
Alumna of the Faculty of Education
“I love how I was able to contribute to South African society and demonstrate to other women that it is…
“I love how I was able to contribute to South African society and demonstrate to other women that it is possible to pursue a career in sport.”
Dr Ethel Phiri
Alumna of the Faculty of Science
Alumna of the Faculty of Science
“Follow your own path, but make sure that your path converges with others and be kind to those that you…
“Follow your own path, but make sure that your path converges with others and be kind to those that you meet along the way.”
Arnu Fourie
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“Some of the biggest lessons were learning how to deal with disappointment and not to focus too much on specific…
“Some of the biggest lessons were learning how to deal with disappointment and not to focus too much on specific outcomes, but rather embracing and enjoying every moment of the journey.”
Petrie Terblanche
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“Things are changing quickly and I love that. You have to be current with technology best practices and the latest…
“Things are changing quickly and I love that. You have to be current with technology best practices and the latest in risk management to stay relevant.”
Ilse Hayes
Alumna of the Faculty of Education
Alumna of the Faculty of Education
“I never wanted to look back and have regrets. I did everything I could do, achieved everything I wanted to…
“I never wanted to look back and have regrets. I did everything I could do, achieved everything I wanted to achieve and gave everything I had…”
Jenny Pienaar
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Life is going to chuck you in different directions all the time and that is when you are going to…
“Life is going to chuck you in different directions all the time and that is when you are going to have to believe in yourself and what you want, to move forward.”
Dr Cedric de Coning
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“My vision for the future (for EPON) is to use innovative methodologies to generate new knowledge and test new theories,…
“My vision for the future (for EPON) is to use innovative methodologies to generate new knowledge and test new theories, with the aim of contributing to improving the effectiveness of peace operations especially in Africa.”
Nicky Newton-King
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
“Younger women need confidence and role models to help them realise what is possible.”
“Younger women need confidence and role models to help them realise what is possible.”
Dr Liana Roodt
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“I do believe in ‘callings’ – not big dramatic Hollywood callings but a certain path that makes you feel just…
“I do believe in ‘callings’ – not big dramatic Hollywood callings but a certain path that makes you feel just comfortable in your own skin and at home in the world.”
Kobus Louw
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“Balance does not breed brilliance, focus breeds brilliance. But brilliance usually comes at a very expensive cost.”
“Balance does not breed brilliance, focus breeds brilliance. But brilliance usually comes at a very expensive cost.”
Adéle Smith
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“It took me almost 20 years to realise that it’s okay and necessary to rediscover, feed and fuel my passions,…
“It took me almost 20 years to realise that it’s okay and necessary to rediscover, feed and fuel my passions, talents and gifts without the guilt, doubt or anxiety.”
Dr Brenda Barnetson
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“I came to understand that in life, when you teach, you learn.”
“I came to understand that in life, when you teach, you learn.”
Zoë Brown
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Prepare yourself for something that doesn’t exist yet.”
“Prepare yourself for something that doesn’t exist yet.”
Sherlin Barends
Aumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Aumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I don’t ever want to stop growing and learning.”
“I don’t ever want to stop growing and learning.”
Martina Swart
Alumna of the Faculties of Law and Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculties of Law and Economic and Management Sciences
“Every day with every decision we make we have the opportunity to make an impact.”
“Every day with every decision we make we have the opportunity to make an impact.”
Erik Dippenaar
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I never imagined I would be able to actually have a career as a baroque musician in South Africa.”
“I never imagined I would be able to actually have a career as a baroque musician in South Africa.”
Dr Monique Nsanzabaganwa
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“There is a lot of good will out there; people with ideas, experience, connections, and solutions.”
“There is a lot of good will out there; people with ideas, experience, connections, and solutions.”
SU leaders over 100 years
STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP: 1918 – 2018
STELLENBOSCH UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP: 1918 – 2018
Sonja Keller
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“A supportive environment, be it from a faculty, neighbours, family or a mentor, can make all the difference.”
“A supportive environment, be it from a faculty, neighbours, family or a mentor, can make all the difference.”
Riaan Cruywagen
Alumnus of the then Faculty of Arts (now the Faculty of Arts and…
Alumnus of the then Faculty of Arts (now the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)
“Even now I can hardly believe I’ve actually been paid for nearly 54 years for being a professional broadcaster –…
“Even now I can hardly believe I’ve actually been paid for nearly 54 years for being a professional broadcaster – something I so enjoy doing.”
Prof Charles Adjasi
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“The bonding that occurs when one Matie meets another Matie at a global conference always strikes me as touching and…
“The bonding that occurs when one Matie meets another Matie at a global conference always strikes me as touching and heart-warming.”
Megan-Geoffrey Prins
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I made some of my greatest friends in Stellenbosch, including my wife. It will always feel like home.”
“I made some of my greatest friends in Stellenbosch, including my wife. It will always feel like home.”
Emilia Nambahu
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Science
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Science
“My self-sharing is mainly for the purpose of encouraging others.”
“My self-sharing is mainly for the purpose of encouraging others.”
Chantelle Ludski
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
“I tackle challenges in the same way that one proverbially swallows an elephant - one bite at a time.”
“I tackle challenges in the same way that one proverbially swallows an elephant - one bite at a time.”
Abbas Jamie
Alumnus of the University of Stellenbosch Business School
Alumnus of the University of Stellenbosch Business School
“The sooner you give back the better – you don’t need to wait until you have made a fortune.”
“The sooner you give back the better – you don’t need to wait until you have made a fortune.”
Risenga Maluleke
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Official statistics is not only about samples, surveys and censuses – it is about human life and the circumstances surrounding…
“Official statistics is not only about samples, surveys and censuses – it is about human life and the circumstances surrounding it.”
Lusani Mulaudzi
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“SU allowed me the freedom to think and work independently.”
“SU allowed me the freedom to think and work independently.”
Yvonne Dyum
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“Making a difference in an individual’s life makes me wake up every morning and do it all over again…for the…
“Making a difference in an individual’s life makes me wake up every morning and do it all over again…for the next person.”
Natalia da Rocha
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“The University can shape the country through its alumni.”
“The University can shape the country through its alumni.”
Tony Maake
Alumnus of the Faculty of Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Sciences
“When you love doing something, instead of giving up, you find solutions.”
“When you love doing something, instead of giving up, you find solutions.”
Vicky Davis
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Always have a social conscience, realise it is not always about yourself, ask yourself if what you are doing is…
“Always have a social conscience, realise it is not always about yourself, ask yourself if what you are doing is making things better and realise you do not live in a ‘bubble’.”
Prof Ernie Heath
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“Staying in a vibrant student hostel such as Huis Visser, the biggest challenge was to balance the academic, social and…
“Staying in a vibrant student hostel such as Huis Visser, the biggest challenge was to balance the academic, social and sport aspects of student life – not easy!”
Farai Mubaiwa
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“The only way to learn is by falling, getting back up again and trying a new strategy.”
“The only way to learn is by falling, getting back up again and trying a new strategy.”
Dr Erna Blancquaert
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
“Pursue your dreams and if you really want to achieve it, you will. Nothing is impossible.”
“Pursue your dreams and if you really want to achieve it, you will. Nothing is impossible.”
Dr Darren Green
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“Learn to set boundaries that preserve your character and surround yourself with like-minded people.”
“Learn to set boundaries that preserve your character and surround yourself with like-minded people.”
Keet van Zyl
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the University of…
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the University of Stellenbosch Business School
"I truly believe that entrepreneurship is the solution to South Africa’s job creation challenges.”
"I truly believe that entrepreneurship is the solution to South Africa’s job creation challenges.”
Elana Meyer
Alumna of the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and Education
Alumna of the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences and Education
“Running gave me a sense of ownership and adventure. I could determine where, how far and how fast I wanted…
“Running gave me a sense of ownership and adventure. I could determine where, how far and how fast I wanted to go.”
Adél Margarites
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“I will always strive to grow as a person, whether it is through reading, or travelling, or trying new things.”
“I will always strive to grow as a person, whether it is through reading, or travelling, or trying new things.”
Werner Cloete
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“I have never doubted my decision to become a teacher.”
“I have never doubted my decision to become a teacher.”
Renaldo Schwarp
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“It is extremely important to stay true to who you are when building a career in media.”
“It is extremely important to stay true to who you are when building a career in media.”
Ramon Alexander
Alumnus of the Faculty of AgriSciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of AgriSciences
“I enjoy seeing my music reaching the corners of the world it has never been to.”
“I enjoy seeing my music reaching the corners of the world it has never been to.”
Nomonde Kubheka
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
“I love knowing that I’ve played a part in uplifting people.”
“I love knowing that I’ve played a part in uplifting people.”
Marianne Kriel
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I feel I was born in South Africa for a reason. I would love to make a difference here.”
“I feel I was born in South Africa for a reason. I would love to make a difference here.”
Dawid Krige
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“We can’t always please everyone, and mistakes are inevitable. But at the end of the day the most important thing…
“We can’t always please everyone, and mistakes are inevitable. But at the end of the day the most important thing is being able to look myself in the mirror knowing I gave my best.”
Camilla Carboni
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Ultimately, it’s hard work and commitment to excellence that make people and businesses great…”
“Ultimately, it’s hard work and commitment to excellence that make people and businesses great…”
Nick Smit
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“One of the most striking things is how integrated the world has become. What happens in Washington affects what happens…
“One of the most striking things is how integrated the world has become. What happens in Washington affects what happens in China and what happens in China affects nearly all countries.”
Kelly Fairweather
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“What I learnt in my career is that the right attitude and an excellent work ethic combined with a sense…
“What I learnt in my career is that the right attitude and an excellent work ethic combined with a sense of humour is a good recipe.”
Dr Edward Turner
Alumnus of the Faculty of Theology
Alumnus of the Faculty of Theology
“The move from theology into business was, in a sense, a very practical one.”
“The move from theology into business was, in a sense, a very practical one.”
Dr Alfred Mthimkhulu
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“Such a wonderful intellectual journey I was led to walk by my mentors at SU. It was both an empowering…
“Such a wonderful intellectual journey I was led to walk by my mentors at SU. It was both an empowering and humbling experience.”
Carla MacKenzie
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“It makes me unbelievably happy when a story is told well.”
“It makes me unbelievably happy when a story is told well.”
Dr Gerald Maarman
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“Respect people, irrespective of who they are and what they can do for you. Nothing in life (that is worthwhile)…
“Respect people, irrespective of who they are and what they can do for you. Nothing in life (that is worthwhile) will fall into your lap; you have to work hard for it.”
Matthew de la Hey
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“People are generally open to helping – there is no shame in reaching out to ask for advice!”
“People are generally open to helping – there is no shame in reaching out to ask for advice!”
Jacobus van der Riet
Alumnus of the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Theology
Alumnus of the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Theology
“I do the caricatures not to show people as absurd but to show them appreciation; it requires empathy to try…
“I do the caricatures not to show people as absurd but to show them appreciation; it requires empathy to try and put yourself in the other person’s shoes for a while.”
Dr Gerhard Cruywagen
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“If, for example, we spend wisely on infrastructure development and education, it would have tremendous benefits for South Africa in…
“If, for example, we spend wisely on infrastructure development and education, it would have tremendous benefits for South Africa in the future.”
Dr Anton Olivier
Alumnus of the faculties of Engineering, and Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the faculties of Engineering, and Economic and Management Sciences
“It has always been my desire to be a positive influence…”
“It has always been my desire to be a positive influence…”
Dagnachew Wakene
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“Change is already right here, and the youth, disadvantaged youth included, should be empowered and given the chance to lead…
“Change is already right here, and the youth, disadvantaged youth included, should be empowered and given the chance to lead by example.”
Cheri-Leigh Erasmus
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I hold justice and equity very dear, and these values have been huge motivators throughout my career.”
“I hold justice and equity very dear, and these values have been huge motivators throughout my career.”
Sisanda Thuthula Lisa
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I have a lot of hope and positive dreams for South Africa, but at the forefront is a dream of…
“I have a lot of hope and positive dreams for South Africa, but at the forefront is a dream of a South Africa where everyone will be treated equally.”
Chris Norton
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“The world has become an extremely competitive place and if you don’t constantly change and adapt your business model you…
“The world has become an extremely competitive place and if you don’t constantly change and adapt your business model you will become obsolete.”
Janine Jellars
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I’m a hobbyist and always have a side project or five on the go at any given time. I just…
“I’m a hobbyist and always have a side project or five on the go at any given time. I just love ‘creating’, even if I’m not getting paid to do it.”
Mari Rabie
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“I was very young when I participated in Beijing and a big part of my self-worth was linked to my…
“I was very young when I participated in Beijing and a big part of my self-worth was linked to my achievements.”
Maggie Visser
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Set high goals, do what you love, work hard, associate with those who are successful, and ask for feedback.”
“Set high goals, do what you love, work hard, associate with those who are successful, and ask for feedback.”
Antoinette Swart
Alumna of the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Theology
Alumna of the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Theology
“I’m very positive about South Africa, especially when you look at the attitudes and accepting nature of all citizens at…
“I’m very positive about South Africa, especially when you look at the attitudes and accepting nature of all citizens at grassroots level in our multicultural society.”
Prof Rachel Jafta
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“That moment when they realise what they are capable of is the best gift.”
“That moment when they realise what they are capable of is the best gift.”
Dr Elsbeth Dixon
Alumna of the Faculty of Science
Alumna of the Faculty of Science
“I have observed what a huge difference leaders can make in our world, at the level of nations, at the…
“I have observed what a huge difference leaders can make in our world, at the level of nations, at the level of organisations, at the level of the family.”
Thuthuka Sibisi
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Whether on a conscious or subconscious level, I make sense of the world I inhabit through art.”
“Whether on a conscious or subconscious level, I make sense of the world I inhabit through art.”
Dr Ronalda Benjamin
Alumna of the faculties of Science, and Economic and Management Sciences
Alumna of the faculties of Science, and Economic and Management Sciences
“My secret has always been to work on my attitude. Whatever the goal or challenge was, if I had the…
“My secret has always been to work on my attitude. Whatever the goal or challenge was, if I had the right attitude, I managed to achieve it or get through it.”
Francois Groepe
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the University of…
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the University of Stellenbosch Business School
“There is no substitute for hard work and no shortcuts to gaining experience.”
“There is no substitute for hard work and no shortcuts to gaining experience.”
Dr Razeen Gopal
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“I find this incredibly rewarding and gratifying, in what often may end up being an extremely noble, but thankless profession.”
“I find this incredibly rewarding and gratifying, in what often may end up being an extremely noble, but thankless profession.”
Bevan Ducasse
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
“I’m enjoying the journey, but I also realise that we can’t become complacent. I compare us to companies like Google…
“I’m enjoying the journey, but I also realise that we can’t become complacent. I compare us to companies like Google and Uber and I realise, we’re still small. There is still so much growth to be extracted...”
Nerina Visser
Alumna of the faculties of Science, Economic and Management Science and the University…
Alumna of the faculties of Science, Economic and Management Science and the University of Stellenbosch Business School
“In a world where you can be anything – be kind.”
“In a world where you can be anything – be kind.”
Songezo Ralarala
Alumnus of the Faculty of Law
Alumnus of the Faculty of Law
“My final motivation is to show kids from a rural and township background that it’s possible to be successful no…
“My final motivation is to show kids from a rural and township background that it’s possible to be successful no matter where you come from.”
Dr Nomakholwa Stokwe
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
“One’s background does not determine your future.”
“One’s background does not determine your future.”
Michael Jordaan
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Faculty of…
Alumnus of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Faculty of Law
“If you are able to surround yourself with great people, you will achieve things you never thought possible.”
“If you are able to surround yourself with great people, you will achieve things you never thought possible.”
Dr Elias Phaahla
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Everyone has equal responsibility to make this country work – to make South Africa great.”
“Everyone has equal responsibility to make this country work – to make South Africa great.”
Phephelaphi Dube
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
“The opportunities I have had so far in my life — for example, my ability to access higher education through…
“The opportunities I have had so far in my life — for example, my ability to access higher education through an institution such as Stellenbosch University where, in the past, I would not have been permitted — are largely as a result of the constitution.“
Ntsiki Biyela
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
Alumna of the Faculty of AgriSciences
“Wine tasting revolves around memories. Either it triggers a mental image from your childhood, or help create new ones for…
“Wine tasting revolves around memories. Either it triggers a mental image from your childhood, or help create new ones for the future.”
Dr Moleen Zunza
Alumna of the faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences and Economic and Management…
Alumna of the faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences and Economic and Management Sciences
Fatima Jakoet
Alumna of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB)
Alumna of the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB)
“I’ve achieved my dream and am now in the position to ‘buy shares’ in other people’s dreams.”
“I’ve achieved my dream and am now in the position to ‘buy shares’ in other people’s dreams.”
Antonnette Botha
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“I get my inspiration in life from Above. I’m a bit of a perfectionist in my work and I want…
“I get my inspiration in life from Above. I’m a bit of a perfectionist in my work and I want things to be right.”
Stuart Taylor
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
Alumnus of the Faculty of Science
“I look forward to taking our unique South African perspectives to all corners of the world.”
“I look forward to taking our unique South African perspectives to all corners of the world.”
Sifiso Ntombela
Alumnus of the Faculty of AgriSciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of AgriSciences
“I decided to study agricultural economics because it is key in crafting the policies and strategies for the food system…
“I decided to study agricultural economics because it is key in crafting the policies and strategies for the food system in the country.”
Nondumiso Mzizana
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumna of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“At the end of the day, I’m still that doctor who searches for the best possible ways to make patients…
“At the end of the day, I’m still that doctor who searches for the best possible ways to make patients comfortable.”
Prof Mzukisi Qobo
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“We need to understand that for SA to be better, we as individuals have to be better.”
“We need to understand that for SA to be better, we as individuals have to be better.”
Liesl Fichardt
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
Alumna of the Faculty of Law
“Law is a wonderful profession no matter where you practise it. South Africa has brilliant lawyers and I am very…
“Law is a wonderful profession no matter where you practise it. South Africa has brilliant lawyers and I am very fortunate to have been able to work with them.”
Jacob Petrus Coetsee
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
“Dedicate yourself to your studies and the rest is incidental. Be honest and treat your fellow human beings with respect.”
“Dedicate yourself to your studies and the rest is incidental. Be honest and treat your fellow human beings with respect.”
Omphile Ramela
Alumnus of the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Economic and Management…
Alumnus of the faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Economic and Management Sciences
“A quality education bridges the gap, and allows you to work long after your sporting career is over. Moreover, I…
“A quality education bridges the gap, and allows you to work long after your sporting career is over. Moreover, I have invested in my education because coming from Soweto I couldn’t rely solely on cricket. In my community, education is seen as the bedrock to escaping poverty and unemployment and I was encouraged to maximise the opportunities I got with my studies.”
Dr Mohammed Dalwai
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Alumnus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
“In clinical medicine you can help one person at a time. What we are able to do now is help…
“In clinical medicine you can help one person at a time. What we are able to do now is help thousands of healthcare workers help more people.”