​​The Corporate Communication Division (CCD) at Stellenbosch University (SU) launched three of its publications on Friday (2 August) at an event in the University Library.

The event was aimed at informing the campus community about the publications, which are the Annual Integrated Report 2018, Matieland, as well as the new Corporate Profile.

The Annual Integrated Report 2018 reflects on the University's Centenary year and was approved by the SU Council on 18 June. In the past, SU has won several publication awards for its Annual Report, which is edited by Ms Mattie van der Merwe, a publication editor at the CCD.

The latest edition of Matieland, SU's 62-year-old award-winning alumni and stakeholder magazine, has had a “facelift" and is now published in a small, easy-to-read format. With its refreshed content and layout, the magazine is now aligned with the University's six core strategic themes that are set out in the Vision 2040 and Strategic Framework 2019–2024. Dr Wayne Muller of CCD is the editor.

The new Corporate Profile gives readers a concise description of the broader institution, its activities and its people in order to communicate how the University's activities and resources are utilised to serve SU's vision and core strategic themes.

This publication, also edited by Muller, is a small-format 48-page booklet that is targeted at SU's broad stakeholder groups, including prospective and current students and their parents; employees and pensioners; governmental, regulatory and professional bodies; alumni; donors; service providers; and the media.

“The three publications we are launching support the institutional strategic objectives of Vision 2040 through driving a new institutional narrative focus, aligned with consistent institutional messaging – or simply put, the SU story," said Dr Phumzile Mmope, Senior Director of the CCD, at the event.

She added that through these publications the CCD hopes to craft a relevant yet compelling SU narrative that not only differentiates the institution, but also positions the University favourably, and that resonates with all stakeholders.

“At the Corporate Communication Division we believe that the launch of these publications is not the end in itself, but a means to facilitate even closer collaboration to co-create, communicate and amplify a consistent SU story that not only enhances the University's brand image and reputation but positions the brand favourably across our diverse stakeholder groups.

“We hope the campus community will find the publications, especially the Corporate Profile, meaningful and we hope they will enjoy reading and sharing these publications as much as we have enjoyed putting them together," Mmope said.

• All the publications are available in digital and printed format. For printed publications contact Marjorie van Rooy at mvanrooy@sun.ac.za or call 021 808 9923. Go to https://www.sun.ac.za/english/news-media and scroll down to “Publications" to download the digital versions of these publications.
  

Stellenbosch University staff members who play an active social impact role through research, learning and teaching, volunteerism, special programmes and the building and servicing of partnerships in society are asked to register their initiatives on the Social Impact Platform: https://www.sun.ac.za/si. The Division for Social Impact would like to assist with highlighting and enhancing this valuable work. The annual deadline for registrations is 30 November.

Why register?

By registering your initiative:

• Stellenbosch University's impact work is made visible within the university, to external societal partners (including government, business/industry and civil society), to funders and to the public;
• potential is created to collaborate within and across disciplines for greater impact;
• you will be eligible to apply for funding opportunities made available annually by the Division for Social Impact: https://www.sun.ac.za/si/en-za/Pages/Funding-opportunities.aspx;
• you will be eligible to apply for funding from the Development and Alumni Relations Office, which supports registered social impact initiatives; and
• you will have a portfolio of evidence of your social impact initiatives for performance evaluation purposes.

For any queries relating to the registration process, please contact Rachael Spiers: rspiers@sun.ac.za.

“It was an incredible experience and I'd go again in a heartbeat."

This was how 4^th year medical student, Tamsyn Gaynor, who recently returned from a two-week extra-curricular medical elective in Rwanda described the experience.

Gaynor spent one week in a teaching hospital, the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Butare in the Huye district of Rwanda's southern province – and then a couple of days of travelling afterwards to visit the University for Global Health Equity (UGHE) in the northern province of Rwanda (the Butaro campus).

In an interview, she said Rwanda came up as an option after she indicated her interest in public and global health. The funding of the trip was through Stellenbosch University.

“I've been impressed with the progress in Rwanda's healthcare system over the past decade so learning more about it first hand was an exciting prospect. I also wanted to learn more about the systems and workings of their healthcare system in comparison to South Africa," Gaynor said.

She worked in the obstetrics and gynaecology department for the week in the hospital.

“Each day I was in a different section trying to learn as much as possible. I worked in admissions, out-patients department, theatre and the wards including the labour ward.

“There was a language barrier as I don't speak Kinyarwanda (the local language) and most of the patients didn't speak English. However, I still had lovely interactions with patients and the little bit of Kinyarwanda I learnt went a long way.

“It was wonderful to see how progressed they are as an African country and I was able to get a feel for what healthcare is like in rural Rwanda.

“The registrars and students that were rotating through the department were great to interact with. The doctors were eager to share their knowledge and the students were hungry to learn."

Gaynor – who visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial - said a highlight of her time in Rwanda was seeing how a nation can unite towards a common goal post the 1994 Rwandan genocide. “This gave me hope for South Africa that when people work together, great things can be accomplished.

“Another highlight would be my visit to UGHE. The initiative and vision for this university inspired me and further instilled hope and excitement in me about global health and community upliftment."

​Gaynor had one weekend to explore a little, and used the time to visit a coffee plantation, called Huye Mountain Coffee. “Rwanda is well known for its coffee and to get a taste of it and the background of it was a privilege."

She travelled to UGHE by motorbike – one of the main forms of transport in Rwanda – past Lake Burera and saw great views of the “Land of a Thousand Hills".

Gaynor said her overall impression of the Rwandan health care system was good.

“There are still few specialists in the country but great effort is being put into training medical students and helping them specialise. Most people I spoke to, including medical students, wanted to stay and practice medicine in Rwanda. It was encouraging to see people proud of their country and wanting to make a difference. Beyond this, the hard-working Rwandans inspired me. They want to see their country thrive. 

“You do see the effects of poor healthcare in rural areas through seeing the patients referred to the teaching hospital from the peripheral/district hospitals. However the standard of care at the teaching hospital encouraged me and my hope is that this filters down to the district hospitals.

“It was interesting to see the effect of the implementation of insurance and community insurance in the country. 92% of Rwanda's population is insured which has drastically increased the number of people receiving health care. I was blown away by the effect of this. The medical care is still often very basic especially in district hospitals but this has still made a big difference."

Asked about her future career plans, Gaynor said: “At this stage I'm not sure of specifics but I am passionate about rural and community health. My heart is to stay and work on the African continent. I'd like to be involved in providing healthcare to the most vulnerable people and those often forgotten about. 

“I would like to add a masters of global/public health onto my degree to augment my knowledge and to benefit the health care of those around me."

Caption (banner): Tamsyn Gaynor at the University for Global Health Equity campus.

Caption (insert): Tamsyn Gaynor at the School of Medicine and Pharmacology of Rwanda at the Huye campus with Dr Charles Muhizi, the dean of the campus.

It was the African proverb “if you climb up fast enough, you must pull others up" that inspired fourth-year medical student Lindokuhle Mazibuko to start a tutorship project for Khayelitsha school children, aimed at improving their marks.

Mazibuko, from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), started tutoring the pupils during his first year at Stellenbosch University's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) in 2016, and the project has gone from strength to strength. Now he wants to start producing tutorial videos to reach a wider audience. 

“We could not be more proud," said FMHS dean, Prof Jimmy Volmink. “We strive to produce future healthcare leaders who demonstrate a sense of purpose driven by transformative values such as compassion, equity and excellence. The important work Lindokuhle and his student peers are doing to give a leg-up to young people who, like themselves, come from socially and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds, is truly remarkable," said Volmink. 

Mazibuko believes his personal story is a great inspiration to the pupils he assists in a number of subjects, ranging from maths to life sciences. 

When he was a pupil at the Amangwane High School in Bergville, rural KZN, he was the first ever beneficiary of the KZN education department's High Flyers programme for top matriculants. The programme helped top achievers from rural schools to achieve excellent matric results by enlisting the help of top teachers and subject advisors. 

His beloved grandmother, Nokuthula Mazibuko, sent him off with a bottle of water that had been prayed over to drink when he felt unwell. He assured his supporters he wouldn't disappoint them. 

Mazibuko achieved nine distinctions in matric and enrolled in the medicine programme at SU in 2016. Since then he has excelled, not only academically but also on the saxophone! 

Mazibuko started tutoring pupils when a fellow medical student and friend, Khulasande Nqabeni, who was involved with Khayelitsha's Iqhayiya High School, told him the learners needed help with certain subjects. “I love those subjects, so I told him if he doesn't mind, I will go with him and teach. I started going along in my spare time to help teach math probability, then general maths and physics and then other subjects," Mazibuko explained. 

These days he goes whenever he can – “usually on Saturdays and Sundays and sometimes during the week, depending on my schedule on campus or whether I have a clinical rotation". 

His classes range from 20 to 60 pupils and the principal has made the sessions compulsory. Nqabeni is still involved and the pair work closely together. 

Now in his fourth year of tutoring, Mazibuko has found that the pupils struggle with maths the most. 

“These kids are so keen and cooperative. I don't have any problems with discipline and attendance is good. I think it's because I am young. They relate to me. They see somebody who went through similar problems, but who did well in matric and is now studying medicine." 

Mazibuko is in the process of registering a society to recruit more students to help with the tutoring. 

“My best friend from Grade R, Samukelo Nxumalo, who was also part of the High Flyer programme and is currently working on his Honour's degree in earth sciences at SU, is also involved in the project. Two years ago he started a tutoring programme back home in KZN. During the holidays, students from our community who are fortunate enough to attend university, offer extra classes to the matric pupils. We are currently working with eight schools back home." 

Mazibuko recently decided tutorial videos for the pupils they help would make a big difference. “Reach is a very big problem, especially if I am not able to go to Khayelitsha for whatever reason. Most of the learners don't have internet access, so I thought why not make videos for the kids." 

However, this endeavour has proven to be a big challenge. “I've done a few videos, but the quality is poor. I am looking for funding for a camera," he says. “Once we have the camera, we will make good quality videos for all the subjects. I have big dreams for this." 

Asked what drives him, Mazibuko says: “My community drives me. I come from a place where only 10 out of 200 matric pupils go to university and graduate. That must change. I want young people from poor backgrounds to see that it's possible to overcome adversity. I want to instil a culture of hard work among these communities."

Mazibuko says he believes education in South Africa is in a bad way. “There's only so much that teachers can do to help. These students come from communities that are extremely poor. Most of them don't have access to basic needs that one requires to study effectively. It's very tricky. They need all the help they can get. Tutoring is only one part; mentoring them and keeping them motivated is key." 

Mazibuko plans to specialise in neurology and then return to his hometown to start a clinic where the poor can receive free treatment. His other future goals include promoting healthcare, establishing a world-class research facility and attaining 1 000 publications before he is 60. 

And when he's not working towards all this, he loves listening to music, watching Key and Peele videos on YouTube, keeping up with politics and spending time with friends.

“It was an incredible experience and I'd go again in a heartbeat." 

This was how 4^th year medical student, Tamsyn Gaynor, who recently returned from a two-week extra-curricular medical elective in Rwanda described the experience.

Gaynor spent one week in a teaching hospital, the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Butare in the Huye district of Rwanda's southern province – and then a couple of days of travelling afterwards to visit the University for Global Health Equity (UGHE) in the northern province of Rwanda (the Butaro campus).

In an interview, she said Rwanda came up as an option after she indicated her interest in public and global health. The funding of the trip was through Stellenbosch University.

“I've been impressed with the progress in Rwanda's healthcare system over the past decade so learning more about it first hand was an exciting prospect. I also wanted to learn more about the systems and workings of their healthcare system in comparison to South Africa," Gaynor said.

She worked in the obstetrics and gynaecology department for the week in the hospital.

“Each day I was in a different section trying to learn as much as possible. I worked in admissions, out-patients department, theatre and the wards including the labour ward.

“There was a language barrier as I don't speak Kinyarwanda (the local language) and most of the patients didn't speak English. However, I still had lovely interactions with patients and the little bit of Kinyarwanda I learnt went a long way.

“It was wonderful to see how progressed they are as an African country and I was able to get a feel for what healthcare is like in rural Rwanda.

“The registrars and students that were rotating through the department were great to interact with. The doctors were eager to share their knowledge and the students were hungry to learn."

Gaynor – who visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial - said a highlight of her time in Rwanda was seeing how a nation can unite towards a common goal post the 1994 Rwandan genocide. “This gave me hope for South Africa that when people work together, great things can be accomplished.

“Another highlight would be my visit to UGHE. The initiative and vision for this university inspired me and further instilled hope and excitement in me about global health and community upliftment."

Gaynor had one weekend to explore a little, and used the time to visit a coffee plantation, called Huye Mountain Coffee. “Rwanda is well known for its coffee and to get a taste of it and the background of it was a privilege."

She travelled to UGHE by motorbike – one of the main forms of transport in Rwanda – past Lake Burera and saw great views of the “Land of a Thousand Hills".

Gaynor said her overall impression of the Rwandan health care system was good.

“There are still few specialists in the country but great effort is being put into training medical students and helping them specialise. Most people I spoke to, including medical students, wanted to stay and practice medicine in Rwanda. It was encouraging to see people proud of their country and wanting to make a difference. Beyond this, the hard-working Rwandans inspired me. They want to see their country thrive.

“You do see the effects of poor healthcare in rural areas through seeing the patients referred to the teaching hospital from the peripheral/district hospitals. However the standard of care at the teaching hospital encouraged me and my hope is that this filters down to the district hospitals.

“It was interesting to see the effect of the implementation of insurance and community insurance in the country. 92% of Rwanda's population is insured which has drastically increased the number of people receiving health care. I was blown away by the effect of this. The medical care is still often very basic especially in district hospitals but this has still made a big difference."

Asked about her future career plans, Gaynor said: “At this stage I'm not sure of specifics but I am passionate about rural and community health. My heart is to stay and work on the African continent. I'd like to be involved in providing healthcare to the most vulnerable people and those often forgotten about. 

“I would like to add a masters of global/public health onto my degree to augment my knowledge and to benefit the health care of those around me."

Caption (banner): Tamsyn Gaynor at the University for Global Health Equity campus.

Caption (insert): Tamsyn Gaynor at the School of Medicine and Pharmacology of Rwanda at the Huye campus with Dr Charles Muhizi, the dean of the campus.

​All Huis ten Bosch residents on the Stellenbosch University campus have accommodation for the night after a fire broke out in the residence around 19:00 on Monday evening (12 August 2019).

​​The assessor is expected on the Huis ten Bosch terrain today. For safety reasons no media will be allowed in the residence until the assessor and the SU Facilities Management division have declared the damaged areas safe for entry.

​

The roof above eight rooms on the third floor of Huis ten Bosch residence at Stellenbosch University (SU) was destroyed when a fire broke out around 19:00 on Monday evening (12 August 2019). All 164 residents of Huis ten Bosch were evacuated safely and provided with alternative accommodation.

An assessor is expected to visit Huis ten Bosch today (Tuesday, 13 August) to evaluate the damage and then initiate the process for repairing the residence. Some of the residents will not be able to return to their rooms for the rest of this year, and alternative accommodation will be provided for them.

Prof Wim de Villiers, SU’s Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said the cause of fire is still unknown.

“We feel relieved and grateful that all the students are safe. A sincere thank you to the Stellenbosch emergency services that rallied to our aid and provided various forms of assistance during the fire. By 20:30 the fire had been brought under control,” Prof De Villiers said.

One student was treated for burn wounds to her hands, and another for smoke inhalation at the Stellenbosch Hospital. Both students are doing well.

After evacuating the building, residents gathered at the nearby Wilgenhof residence, where Prof De Villiers reassured them that their safety was SU’s first priority. Alternative accommodation was arranged for them and the University is committed to providing comprehensive support.

The necessary counselling and support services are already in place for students. The 24-hour crisis service of the University’s Centre for Student Counselling and Development (CSCD), in collaboration with ER24, was activated (tel: 010 205 3032), and staff were deployed to the recreational hall of Monica residence.

Due to smoke and water damage, residents could not return to Huis ten Bosch on Monday evening, but alternative overnight accommodation was provided in other residences. Security was deployed, and where it was safe to do so on the first and second floors, residents were escorted through Huis ten Bosch to collect their personal belongings before retiring for the night.

“The University management convened a contingency committee to deal with the fire and its aftermath. Our immediate priorities are the safety and wellbeing of students and staff, but we also discussed academic support for the students of Huis ten Bosch in the days and weeks to come,” said Prof De Villiers.

“My colleagues and I want to commend the residents and leaders of Huis ten Bosch for their bravery during this emergency. Because fire drills in SU residences are frequently held, the Huis ten Bosch residents responded quickly, calmly and efficiently when the fire alarm was activated,” Prof De Villiers added.

He thanked the entire student community who united during adversity and gave their support and assistance to the residents of Huis ten Bosch, as well as staff members who responded quickly to the unfolding situation on Monday evening.

“We would also like to thank members of the Stellenbosch community for offering support and assistance. Needs are being assessed and we will communicate further,” said Prof De Villiers.

• Please follow the University’s website and social media platforms for more news. We will communicate further details regularly as these become available.

​​

The important rise of data science was highlighted in yet another event on the campus of Stellenbosch University (SU) recently, when a data science challenge was included in the second annual SU fintech-themed hackathon.

This year, Innovus, the main organisers of the event, doubled up on everything: 70 students participated (double the number from last year), students had two challenges this year and double the amount of coffee to help students get through the rigorous programme. Sponsored by Entersekt, Capitec and Explore, the event was held over the weekend of 02 to 04 August 2019.

The SU hackathon focuses on bringing talented student programmers, designers, builders, statisticians, scientists and engineers to come together to learn, build and share their creative ideas, while solving industry-relevant problems innovatively.

Industry sponsors are involved in this initiative in a hands-on manner, not only through providing sponsorship for the event, but also through the provision of a challenge framework and mentors for the students throughout the event. This enables students to network and create close ties with industry stakeholders, while becoming cognisant of the problems that the relevant industries face.

The industry stakeholders involved in the hackathon in turn help to identify talented students for employment and market their company culture to other students.

According to Camille de Villiers, Technology Transfer Officer at Innovus, the aim of the hackathon is to foster an entrepreneurial spirit on campus and to create entrepreneurial awareness. “These activities lead to valuable educational experiences for students, which augment classroom teachings and enhance the 'Stellenbosch experience' for the student community. This hackathon may lead to job creation opportunities for graduates, parallel career development for young researchers and a positive impact on the local developer community through encouraging the sharing of innovative ideas and networking within the community."

The first annual SU hackathon (the “SU Fintechathon") was held in 2018 as a collaboration between Innovus and two local companies, Capitec Bank and Entersekt. Last year's SU Fintechathon was hugely successful and whilst the innovations pitched during the event are yet to be developed further, it fostered valuable connections between SU's student innovators and the sponsoring companies that lead to some hiring opportunities.

At this year's hackathon, students had the option of signing up for one of two challenges: a fintech coding challenge or a data science challenge. The theme of both challenges was to come up with creative solutions to include under-served consumers.

The fintech challenge sponsored and set up by Capitec and Entersekt received help from the Departments of Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the Department of Mathematical Sciences at SU. While the data science challenge was sponsored and set up by Capitec and Explore, and they were helped by the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science at SU. SU IT also jumped in to ensure that the WiFi ran smoothly for the event.

Ten teams battled it out day and night over the weekend to see who the winning team for each challenge would be and walk away with the following cash prizes: first prizes for both the data science and fintech challenges was R15 000 and the runner-up prize money for both challenges was R5000.

The winning team for the data science challenge was Hedge Back, made up of first year MCom Financial Risk Management students David Rodwell, Robert Cronjé and Christiaan le Roux. 

The Hedge Back team with August Carstens from Capitec on the far right.​

The Abnormal Distributions team, with all four members from the Engineering Faculty, was the runner-up in the data science challenge.

The winning team for the fintech coding challenge was the Ctrl Alt Elite team, which consisted of Gregor Feierabend, Josephine Rey, Emile Ferreira and Jason Brown. All four members are first-year BSc Mathematical Science students. The PMJ team, all three Electrical Engineering students, came in second in the fintech coding challenge.

The Ctrl Alt Elite team with Richard Bailey from Entersekt on the far right.​

Josephine Rey from the Ctrl Alt Elite team said she was very thankful for the opportunity that SU created for students to participate in this event. “It was a privilege to be part of such an inspiring space and my team is extremely grateful for this recognition. Thank you for a great weekend at the hackathon."

De Villiers hopes that hosting the Stellenbosch University hackathon every year will increase the entrepreneurial and innovation culture across the SU campus.

“It is Innovus' goal to expand on the innovation and entrepreneurial culture on campus by providing entrepreneurship support and assisting in stimulating innovative thinking among the students at Stellenbosch University. It is also of great importance to us to support the growth of the innovation knowledge region in the greater Stellenbosch area through networking with local industry."

For more information on the SU hackathon visit, https://www.innovus.co.za/.

Education changes lives.

This is the mantra of Eleanor Brink, Sibongile Bulose, Angelique Botha-Dreyer, Bongiwe Mdingi and Alida Hendricks.

These five dynamic women are advisors based at the Centre for Student Recruitment and Career Advicewithin the Division for Student Access. They play a crucial role in helping to shape the future of thousands of individuals by guiding them to access study opportunities at Stellenbosch University (SU).

As part of SU's Women's Month celebrations, this dynamic team shared insight into their work.

The Centre for Student Recruitment uses innovative approaches to position SU as a value-adding institution within the prospective student market. What are some of these approaches?

Annually, we visit 500 schools across South Africa, where we do presentations for Grade 9, 11 or 12 learners and engage with teachers and parents. We also reach out to schools through electronic channels, social media and the post.

We host Open Day, which is a comprehensive branding opportunity for the University to reach schools, teachers, parents and prospective students, with a particular focus on Grade 12s to generate applications. This year, we also successfully hosted two application days on campus.

We also invite schools to participate in our “A Day in the Life of a Matie" experience, an initiative that allows learners to attend lectures and experience life on campus.

We also host the Maties on the Move and Maties 101 events in Gauteng and in the Western Cape. These initiatives targets provisionally accepted students.

As advisors, you encourage the youth to educate themselves. Why is it so important for young people in South Africa to educate themselves?

Nelson Mandela said that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change world".  Empowered youth will not only contribute positively to the economy of the country but they will also be well rounded citizens who can compete in the global market.

We also believe that by investing in the youth through education we can reduce poverty and various social ills.

What message of encouragement can you share with young women?

Eleanor Brink: “And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears." – Mark Anthony.  My message to young women is to always chase their passions and dreams, don't allow the world to make you fearful of taking chances to achieve your dreams.

Angelique Botha-Dreyer: Your gift to the world is found in your authenticity. No one can compete with this. Be courageous enough to be true to yourself at all times.

Bongiwe Mdingi: It's never too late or too early to be whatever you want to be. I hope you live a life that you are proud of.  If you find that you are not, I hope that you have the strength to start all over again.

Alida Hendricks: You are more powerful than you think. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges! Make yourself proud.

Sibongile Bulose: Women are nurturers, whether a biological parent or not, they have this innate ability to impact on the lives of many people. As the old saying goes: “Educating a woman is educating the nation." This Women's Month I would like to encourage all young women to go for opportunities ahead of them, get that degree … get that job and impact your community!

It is with sadness that the Department of Mathematical Sciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) takes note of the passing of Professor Dirk Laurie (1946-2019). He passed away on Saturday morning 10 August 2019 at the age of 73 in his house in Franskraal after a prolonged struggle with his health.

Professor Laurie retired in 2007 after a career of 38 years in mathematical research, first at the CSIR's National Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences (15 years), followed by research chairs at Northwest University (17 years) and Stellenbosch University (6 years).  He obtained his PhD in mathematics under Professor Ron Mitchell at the University of Dundee, Scotland in 1977.

In an obituary for NA Digest, fellow mathematician Prof André Weideman writes that Laurie made significant contributions to a number of areas in numerical analysis, including quadrature and linear algebra.  He was the author or co-author of over 40 peer-reviewed articles in the American Mathematical Society's journal, Mathematical Reviews.  In 2002 he was the only South African mathematician amongst the five solo winners of the SIAM 100-digit Challenge, a competition set by Professor Nick Trefethen from the University of Oxford involving ten challenging numerical analysis problems.  He was also co-author of the related best-selling book, described as a future “classic of modern computational science".

In 2006 he was awarded the Havenga Prize for Mathematical Sciences from the SA Akademie vir Wetenskap en Kuns.

One of his passions was the South African Mathematics Olympiad, and for about 30 years he was involved in setting the final-round paper for the South African Mathematical Olympiad. On six occasions he accompanied the South African team to the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

He held numerous interests outside of mathematics, including chess (he was a South African schools chess champion), music (choir singing, playing the recorder, and aficionado in general), cryptic crosswords (both their compilation and their physical outlay by the LaTeX package he created), and puzzle solving in general.

In his younger days he was a familiar face on South African television, where he participated in general knowledge quiz shows (such as Flinkdink) and also served as a pundit during elections.  Up to his death Prof Laurie was natural sciences editor (and founding member) of the first online journal for scientific research papers published in Afrikaans, a language he was passionate about.

https://youtu.be/tWtWgZFgeAU

Professor Ingrid Rewitzky, head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at SU, says they all share fond memories of this remarkable mathematician and their sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Prof Dirk Laurie is survived by his wife, Trienke, and five sons: Henri, Diederik, Dirk Pieter, Van Reenen en Kestell.

On the group photo above, left: Prof Dirk Laurie earlier this year during the award of an Honorary Doctorate to Prof Nicholas Trefethen. From left to right, Prof Ben Herbst, Prof André Weideman, Prof Nicholas Trefethen and dr Nick Hale.

You shouldn't let her delicate hands and petite stature fool you.

Dr Karin Baatjes' impressive title as Head of the Division of Anatomy and Histology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch, attests to her dynamism, hard work and intellect.

She saves lives, trains students and doctors and is a researcher of note.

Baatjes also has a heart for charity. For instance, she ran a marathon (42.2 km) and raised R53 000 for Reach for Recovery's Ditto project, a breast cancer support organisation. She is also involved in the Tygerberg campus' pantry project. “We collect non-perishable foods and hygienic products every month for students who struggle financially.

“I am also involved in a lot of work for Project Flamingo. It involves surgeons performing additional breast cancer operations every second month on Saturdays, thereby shortening waiting times at Tygerberg and Groote Schuur Hospitals. I want to make a difference where I can," she explains.

WORK ETHIC

She feels she has led a blessed life, with her parents paying for her studies. “I want to give back."

Her dad, Fred, died in 2000 and mom Evelyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Her mother's diagnosis hit her hard. She had just qualified as a surgeon and soon realised it was completely different to be a surgeon for others than to treat your own mother. Evelyn turned 80 on 15 August last year and it was a joyous occasion.

Baatjes had dreamed of becoming a physiotherapist when she was at high school in Kraaifontein. “I liked the link with sport and to work with one's hands. Just like in surgery." But she has no qualms about her career choice.

“There are so many branches in breast cancer treatment. You have to look at factors like inheritance and operation techniques, but also metabolism, that is linked to genetic factors," she explains.

She was awarded her doctorate at the end of 2018. Her thesis examined bone health in post-menopausal women who had been treated with a specific anti-oestrogen medication.

She still finds the world of anatomy fairly new and exciting. “It offers growth and development, because I can still learn so much."

She admits finding it difficult to keep all the balls in the air. “Sometimes I feel as if the demands are increasing all the time. But I also often work during my free time and I don't procrastinate. I try to be organised and, for instance, prepare my lunches for the rest of the week on Sundays."

Self-care is important and is the way she handles stress. She makes time for relaxation whenever possible. “Then I cook and spend time with friends and family and we play board games." She jogs to handle her worries and reload her body and soul with happiness hormones (endorphins). And those hands that wield the scalpel so securely, can even prepare home-made jam and chutney. It is a hobby she recently mastered.

She reckons she inherited her work ethic from both parents. Karin is the youngest of five siblings. “My father was a school principal and my mother a teacher. I strive to honour their legacy through service to my fellow man.

I admire people who work effectively under stress and continue to overcome challenges."

She has always worked hard. Relaxing was a luxury. “I had no choice but to focus." In 2000 she was the only female clinical surgical assistant. In her world gender doesn't count, only efficiency. Therefore, she didn't experience overt gender discrimination, says Baatjes.

A HEART FOR OTHERS

Baatjes reckons one of the most significant tendencies being predicted in the treatment of breast cancer is “a programme being designed to fit a specific patient's cancer – personal medication or individual care".

She is fulfilled when she can help other people – either as a doctor, or with training, research or charity work. “During my life course people have helped me continuously.

To play my part is like being of service as a deacon in the church."

But she believes everybody can do charity work. “Even if it is only to point out to others that some people need help. You can always donate your time."

She doesn't want to be praised. A simple “thank you" is enough.

“To see a patient's face light up after a successful operation – that is my biggest motivation."

Photo credit: Damien Schumann

From the world of Harry Potter, a scammer in Ethiopia, a play in the West End and some serious academic reflection in Scotland – the Abe Bailey Tour was everything I had hoped for, writes Tevarus Naicker.

But it didn't come easily. I saw the e-mail about the Abe Bailey Travel Bursary in 2016, and immediately knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In fact, no other bursary offered the same opportunity, but I watched some of the top students at the medical faculty apply and I lacked the confidence even to try. I just felt I was not good enough. By 2017, I felt that I had grown in terms of leadership skills and that my confidence level had increased. I sent in my application, and got through to the interview stage – but no luck.

What I did learn from the interview was that my general knowledge wasn't quite what it should have been, and that my involvement as a South African citizen was somewhat lacking, despite being so involved at Stellenbosch University itself. Like many other people, I have a deep fear of rejection and now I had to face it head-on – I didn't get the Abe Bailey bursary. I decided to try once more in 2018, and was a bit more optimistic having had the experience of being interviewed the year before. I felt more ready than ever.

I still had my doubts as to my chances of success, but I felt that I should try and give the other candidates a run for their money.

I re-evaluated my role as a young person in South Africa and in the world. This saw me going places and doing things about which I was truly passionate – not just to add to my CV, but rather to be of service to the community around me. I felt that this would bring something different to the interviewing table, and I am happy to say I was right. I got the bursary! This tour has been an incredible experience on a professional, a spiritual and an emotional level.

The focus of the Abe Bailey Bursary is leadership development and the trustees wish the bursaries to be awarded to students who are academically strong and have shown exceptional qualities of leadership and service, with a good track record - not only on a campus level but also in a wider social context. It gives young university staff and students an opportunity to visit the United Kingdom, participating in educational tours according to an approved programme. The objective of the Travel Bursary is to broaden the views of young future leaders of South Africa, according to the website of the Abe Baily Trust.

This bursary allowed me to cross many barriers – barriers which we don't really need in this world. It has taught me to be confident about my opinions (even if they might be unpopular) without the fear of being judged. Simultaneously, it has taught me to be open to new ideas and opinions with which I do not necessarily agree. It has served as a platform for active listening and critical engagement while being respectful, tolerant and truthful.

It was to be the trip of a lifetime – with many highlights (and one or two 'lowlights'). The tour has allowed me to look at the world with fresh eyes. I was able to immerse myself in the history of the United Kingdom, and to dissect the influences this has had on Africa. In doing so I have been able to envision who I want to be in the realm of global citizenship.

I am passionate about being an ambassador for mental health, but I never really took time off to reflect on my own well-being. That is why The Burn (an academic retreat in Scotland) was so important – it allowed me the space to do some introspection and to think about things that have been toxic in my life. It was in the silence, during the misty morning walks and in the comfort of the fireside that I had several insights. In my final year of medicine, I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and that the fire I once had on my journey to becoming a doctor has once again been ignited. 

During the trip I was almost scammed in Ethiopia, I found myself in the wizarding world of Harry Potter in London, and then felt the magic of Scotland in the icy cold that nothing could prepare me for. The weak exchange rate could not spoil my trip, as my expenses were mostly covered. That enabled me to do some fun things as well: a hot chocolate at the Christmas market, going ice skating in the park, experiencing London at night-time, watching a West End play and going on some thrill rides at Winter Wonderland. I managed to tick off some wonderful experiences, thanks to the Abe Bailey Tour Bursary.

I accepted this bursary with the idea that nothing was going to ruin the experience for me – nothing did! Instead, the experience was enhanced by coming into contact with bright people whom I believe will shape our future as South Africans. Before this trip, I would never have thought I would meet such incredible people. We are spread across the country, but this does not affect the friendships and bonds formed on this tour. This opportunity allowed me to meet people whose conversations challenged me, inspired me and stimulated new ideas, thought processes and dreams far bigger than I ever imagined. If anything, it was indeed the people who made everything worth it and the camaraderie we shared was magic.

You shouldn't let her delicate hands and petite stature fool you.

Dr Karin Baatjes' impressive title as Head of the Division of Anatomy and Histology at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch, attests to her dynamism, hard work and intellect.

She saves lives, trains students and doctors and is a researcher of note.

Baatjes also has a heart for charity. For instance, she ran a marathon (42.2 km) and raised R53 000 for Reach for Recovery's Ditto project, a breast cancer support organisation. She is also involved in the Tygerberg campus' pantry project. “We collect non-perishable foods and hygienic products every month for students who struggle financially.

“I am also involved in a lot of work for Project Flamingo. It involves surgeons performing additional breast cancer operations every second month on Saturdays, thereby shortening waiting times at Tygerberg and Groote Schuur Hospitals. I want to make a difference where I can," she explains.

WORK ETHIC

She feels she has led a blessed life, with her parents paying for her studies. “I want to give back."

Her dad, Fred, died in 2000 and mom Evelyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004. Her mother's diagnosis hit her hard. She had just qualified as a surgeon and soon realised it was completely different to be a surgeon for others than to treat your own mother. Evelyn turned 80 on 15 August last year and it was a joyous occasion.

Baatjes had dreamed of becoming a physiotherapist when she was at high school in Kraaifontein. “I liked the link with sport and to work with one's hands. Just like in surgery." But she has no qualms about her career choice.

“There are so many branches in breast cancer treatment. You have to look at factors like inheritance and operation techniques, but also metabolism, that is linked to genetic factors," she explains.

She was awarded her doctorate at the end of 2018. Her thesis examined bone health in post-menopausal women who had been treated with a specific anti-oestrogen medication.

She still finds the world of anatomy fairly new and exciting. “It offers growth and development, because I can still learn so much."

She admits finding it difficult to keep all the balls in the air. “Sometimes I feel as if the demands are increasing all the time. But I also often work during my free time and I don't procrastinate. I try to be organised and, for instance, prepare my lunches for the rest of the week on Sundays."

Self-care is important and is the way she handles stress. She makes time for relaxation whenever possible. “Then I cook and spend time with friends and family and we play board games." She jogs to handle her worries and reload her body and soul with happiness hormones (endorphins). And those hands that wield the scalpel so securely, can even prepare home-made jam and chutney. It is a hobby she recently mastered.

She reckons she inherited her work ethic from both parents. Karin is the youngest of five siblings. “My father was a school principal and my mother a teacher. I strive to honour their legacy through service to my fellow man.

I admire people who work effectively under stress and continue to overcome challenges."

She has always worked hard. Relaxing was a luxury. “I had no choice but to focus." In 2000 she was the only female clinical surgical assistant. In her world gender doesn't count, only efficiency. Therefore, she didn't experience overt gender discrimination, says Baatjes.

A HEART FOR OTHERS

Baatjes reckons one of the most significant tendencies being predicted in the treatment of breast cancer is “a programme being designed to fit a specific patient's cancer – personal medication or individual care".

She is fulfilled when she can help other people – either as a doctor, or with training, research or charity work. “During my life course people have helped me continuously.

To play my part is like being of service as a deacon in the church."

But she believes everybody can do charity work. “Even if it is only to point out to others that some people need help. You can always donate your time." 

She doesn't want to be praised. A simple “thank you" is enough.

“To see a patient's face light up after a successful operation – that is my biggest motivation."

Photo credit: Damien Schumann

​Religious leaders and faith communities can and should play an important role in preventing and responding to gender-based violence. Unfortunately they are often contributing to the beliefs, norms and practices that facilitate and condone this scourge. 

Drawing attention to this particular issue is exactly what Dr Elisabet le Roux from the Unit for Religion and Development Research in the Faculty of Theology has been doing for quite some time.

As part of South Africa's Women's Month celebrations, she tells us how her work is making a difference in the lives of women.

Can you tell us more about your research?

My research is empirical and focuses, broadly, on religion and violence, and more specifically on religion and violence against women and girls. I work within the international development arena, where gender-based violence is recognised as a global health, development, humanitarian and human rights issue. My research focuses on how religion, religious leaders and religious communities challenge and contribute to gender-based violence. Recent interfaith work has included Hindu, Islamic and Christian settings.

My research embodies engaged scholarship, as it is all done with and for governments, global faith-based organisations, development networks or local organisations. This means that I am positioned as a partner, committed to producing rigorous knowledge and evidence alongside practitioners. I work quite a bit in conflict-affected settings, and in the last ten years I have secured funding and delivered research projects across 21 countries on four continents. ​

Why or how did you become interested in this specific area of research?

I started off working in HIV and AIDS, first as a practitioner (during a year spent in the highlands of Lesotho) and then as a researcher within the Unit for Religion and Development Research (URDR) here at Stellenbosch University. But it was during a 2011 research project conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Liberia, on sexual violence against women in conflict-affected settings and the role of churches that I identified the issues and space that I most wanted to work in.

I find it a fascinating and infinitely challenging area of study, for gender-based violence is so varied and complex. The same goes for religion, as it takes on such different forms depending on religious tradition, context and culture. Plus, the fact that all of my research is for and used by practitioners, means that I am motivated by the real-life impact of research findings and their implications and applications.

Why do you think this is such an important area of research for South African women?

What is becoming clear, globally, is that the development gains made by women can be reversed. An obvious and shocking example is the USA, where the backlash to gains in women's sexual and reproductive rights have led to abortion bans in several states. What is often underestimated is the impact of religion on the decisions (in public and private spaces) that curtail women's rights and equality.

Religion can play a central role in challenging the subjugation women are forced to endure and violence committed against them. Unfortunately, religion can also play a central role in upholding this subjugation and condoning the violence. Thus we have to engage with religion if we want to ensure a future where women and girls are free of violence and have their full rights recognised.

What would you consider the greatest impact of your research on women in the country?

I think my research is in many ways provocative, providing empirical evidence of how and why religious leaders and communities can be harmful to women. We need such provocative research to force people and institutions to recognise and admit to the problem. Until we acknowledge that religious spaces are not necessarily safe spaces for many women, we cannot push for change.

But the research does not only provoke; it also offers and recommends alternative ways of doing.

Religious communities can be safe spaces of gender equity, spaces that support survivors and value women. This is possible and has happened – no more excuses!

Do you have any message for the next generation of women researchers?

It would be to work on what you are passionate about. Research is hard work! And in the field that I work in, and the places that I go, you often witness a very dark side of human nature (although there are always rays of light too, in the shape of individuals doing amazing work to counter violence and stigma). But if you work on something that you are passionate about, you have the motivation to overcome obstacles – and there will be obstacles!

​For centuries, the Bible has been interpreted in ways that subjugated, oppressed and disempowered women from all walks of life. Through her research, Dr Funlola Olojede from the Gender Unit in the Faculty of Theology tries to show how traditional and androcentric interpretations of the Bible continue to harm women in different African contexts.

As part of South Africa's Women's Month celebrations, she tells us about how her work is making a difference in the lives of women.

Can you tell us more about your research?

My research in gender studies focuses on a feminist interpretation of the Old Testament from an African perspective. It is also concerned about issues of ethics and the importance of context in reading the Scriptures.

Why or how did you become interested in this specific area of research?

I have witnessed first-hand, as a female minister of the Gospel and a pastor, the harmful effects of traditional and androcentric interpretations of the Bible on women in (South) Africa – in family settings, in the workplace, in church hierarchies and in public service, which translate into imbalance in issues of income, power distribution, employment opportunities, etc. Therfore, I came to the conclusion that tackling these issues would require a systemic overhaul of traditional theoretical frameworks and status quo that promote various forms of hegemony in the society. In other words, for praxis to be transformed, it has to be grounded in balanced equitable theory.

Why do you think this is such an important area of research for South African women?

Biblical interpretation has been used to subjugate and disempower women, historically and culturally. My research aims at redressing the negative impacts of lopsided, patriarchal and imperial interpretations of Scriptures on women whilst showing at the same time that a (gender) sensitive and (gender) balanced interpretation of the text could help affirm women in Africa, especially in a post-colonial, post-apartheid context. For many South Africans, the Bible remains a normative text; therefore, a fair-minded interpretation of its text will make for a better society that is centred on social justice, equity and mutual respect.

What would you consider the greatest impact of your research on women in the country?

It's in creating critical awareness of the plight of women in Africa in relation to the biblical text.

Do you have any message for the next generation of women researchers?

Feminist and gender-conscious interpretation is still at an early stage of development. More research needs to be done in terms of theory and empirical study. Women need to be bold not only to resist practices and theories that denigrate and relegate women but also to work jointly and co-operatively in areas of advocacy and influencing policy.

​​​​​​On 28 July the Faculty of Education bid farewell to Prof Johan Malan, who acted as dean for the past 15 months. In these 15 months he steered the faculty through a restructuring process which secured its  future. His experience led him to see problems and inefficiency in the system and under his leadership the faculty could collaboratively develop new strategies and systems that ensured its immediate future. He demonstrated to the University management that the faculty performed above the University average on all but one core performance area. In the process new energy was created to tackle and solve old problems. Prof Malan's sense of humour and willingness to listen were excellent characteristics that resulted in positive outcomes during difficult times. He leaves a grateful faculty which is ready to face the future with the new dean, Prof Mbulungeni Madiba.  

On 1 September 2019, Stellenbosch University (SU) will welcome Prof Mbulungeni Madiba as Dean of the Faculty of Education. Prof Madiba, who joins SU from the University of Cape Town (UCT), considers Stellenbosch (University) to be one of the highly ranked universities in the country and on the continent, “and it is quite an honour for me to be part of such an institution”.

Prof Madiba is currently serving as the director of the Multilingual Education Project (MEP) in the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) at UCT. He has been deputy dean and acting dean of the CHED a number of times, chairs UCT’s Senate Language Committee and serves on the UCT Council.

Prof Madiba is not only bringing with him over 30 years’ of teaching experience, but also a wealth of experience in leadership and management. “I am excited to join the Faculty of Education as dean and look forward to working with all staff and providing good leadership and management to enable the faculty to grow in its mission and become a leading research-intensive education faculty in the country.”

A full professor of Multilingual Education, Prof Madiba holds a DLitt et Phil (Linguistics) degree from the University of South Africa (Unisa). He has also received research fellowships and study awards from a number of higher education institutions abroad, including the universities of Cologne, London (Oppenheimer fellow), Birmingham and Harvard (Mandela fellow).

As an established researcher with a C-rating from the National Research Foundation, his main research interests are language planning and policy, with a special focus on multilingual education.

Prof Madiba’s appointment is for an initial term of five years, with the possibility of a second term. He will be taking over the reins from Prof Christa van der Walt, Vice-Dean (Research), who has been serving as Acting Dean since Prof Johan Malan retired at the end June.

Photo: Je’nine May, University of Cape Town.​

​​The Department of Soil Science is celebrating its 100^th year of existence along with the Faculty of AgriSciences and Stellenbosch University in 2018. Soil Science was one of the first four departments that gave lectures at the Stellenbosch University, then known as Stellenbosch College.

The Department of Soil Science hereby invites you to join us for the Centenary Celebration Lectures, and Faculty Winetasting to be held on 4^th May 2018.

RSVP to Ms Annatjie French before 31 March, Tel. 021-808 4794 or e-mail: aef1@sun.ac.za

​Drs Johan van Zyl and Eduard Hoffman of the Department of Soil Science, Stellenbosch University, have written a new book for the wine and table grape industries: ”Soil preparation for sustainable wine and table grape vineyards”. The book covers knowledge gleaned from decades of scientific research and practical experience accumulated in South Africa over the past 100 years. Soil preparation, often regarded as deep tillage only, includes many other forms of soil profile modification such as ridging, drainage, terracing, reclamation of saline soils and even planting holes. Soil type predominantly determines what soil preparation practices and implements are required. The book aims to give practical information on these topics, but also to explain the background to such recommendations and to provide experimental evidence in support. Publication of the book was funded by Winetech, South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) and Villa.