Innovative mouth-watering treats were sampled when final year Food Science students presented new products they developed as part of their Food Science 478 course.

The 42 students participated in seven teams.  They presented their newly developed products on 12 May to University staff and students, sponsors and members of the food industry.

In developing their products, the students had to take some of the major global food trends for 2015 into consideration, and fit into a well-defined product category. The products had to be microbiologically safe and have a shelf life of at least a week under specific storage conditions.

The attendees and judges were impressed by the innovative way in which the students applied their scientific training to develop the new products. Among the honourary judges were Catherine de Villiers, wife of the new SU rector Prof Wim de Villiers. She also presented prizes to the winning groups.

Group 5 walked away with the SAAFoST prize for the best product and presentation. Their Mocha Melties is a soft centred espresso shot encapsulated in layers of dark and milk chocolate.

Group 4 received the SAAFoST prize for the product with the best commercial potential went to Group 4 for their high protein, toastable meal Pop-In's.

The initiative taken by a senior student completing an extended degree programme (EDP) in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has led to the development of a mentorship programme for first-year students following the same degree programme.

Thanks to Annika Bester, a final-year BA Humanities student majoring in sociology, first-year students who have to complete their degree over a longer period of time, will now have the added benefit of being mentored by senior EDP students.

The idea took root late in 2014 while Bester was in a meeting with her lecturer, Ms Shona Lombard, and Lombard mentioned that she was concerned that not more students were speaking to EDP staff about the challenges they faced.

Lombard suggested that Bester and a fellow EDP student attend a first-year tutorial session to share their experiences of being on the Programme with the first-years.

"At the end of the session, we gave our e-mail addresses to the students and when we checked our inboxes later that day, there was a flood of e-mails with queries about time management, how to deal with stress and how to set up a study timetable."

The feedback prompted Bester to speak to Lombard in 2015 and to offer to act as a mentor to anyone who needed it. However, Lombard took it a step further and suggested that they formalise the mentorship programme and get additional mentors to help out.

An e-mail was sent to the senior EDP students specifying that mentors were needed for a programme which was still in the development phase and for which there was no funding. If they decided to get involved, they would be volunteering their time and effort.

"Almost every senior student we approached agreed to participate and said they wished they had such a mentor when they were first-year EDP students," explains Lombard.

Following the positive sign-up, Lombard approached Dr Gillian Arendse, the Head: Mentor, Tutor and Leadership Development at Stellenbosch University, and asked him to help them establish such a programme.

"While the senior EDP students were eager to help, they needed to be trained to be able to be an effective mentor. Arendse developed and presented a training programme to the mentors, where after they were introduced to the mentees at an official event in April this year."

Now 23 mentors will provide academic and personal mentorship to 115 first-years in the Faculty. The first-years are divided into mentor groups in which the mentor is either studying the same BA programme or where the mentor has studied or is still studying the same subject(s) as his/her mentees. The mentors have four to six students each with whom they meet for one hour per week.  

Some of the other mentors who were introduced to the mentees on 13 April, included Phinny Kgaphola (completed a BA in Social Dynamics and is now following an Honours in Public and Development Management at the School of Public Leadership), Majaletje Mathume (a second-year BA in Development and Environment student) and Patience Jonas (a final-year BSocial Work student).

"I had a mentor in my residence," adds Jonas, "and I had a friend who was studying social work, but I felt dumb and uncomfortable to speak to them in my first-year and tell them I was on an EDP. So I would love to give a first-year some guidance and mentor them to deal with the situations I had to deal with and let them know that just because you're an EDP student, does not mean you are less worthy. I just want to give my mentees a boost in self-esteem and tell them that this is not the end of the world, that it is in fact a blessing, and that being on the Programme actually provides you with enough time to focus on your studies properly and make a success of it. "

Kgaphola says that the negative perception of EDP students is so pervasive, that the first-years they spoke to at the introductory event were surprised to meet "students who had served as primaria of residences or postgraduate students studying towards their honours degree".

 "I had a friend who was doing her second-year at the time and asked me how I managed to always write such amazing essays," says Mathume. "She had no idea where to start so I helped her establish a framework for her essay and then referred her to my lecturer, Dr Taryn Bernard, who had taught us Texts in the Humanities as part of the EDP. So yes, it's nice to be part of the mainstream, because you can complete your degree in three years and you are like everybody else, but those students are also struggling just like everyone else."

Photo: Twenty-three senior EDP students were recently trained to act as mentors to a 115 first-year EDP students. Here are some of the mentors: In the front from the left are Annika Bester, Majaletje Mathume, Lelethu Booi, Jessica Herbert, Carryn Adams and Bradley Adonis. In the back from the left are  Suzaan van Zyl, Dr  Gillian Arendse, Phinny Kgaphola, Shona Lombard, Kirsey Stramisa and Aniska Nelson. (Anton Jordaan, SSFD)

​The Campus Shuttle Service transports people between the periphery (parking areas on the edge) and central campus during the day and between the periphery and central points at the residences at specific times during the day and night.

Please remember the following:

1. The shuttle service is available on specific times, fixed routes and from specific​ pick-up points. Please consult the webpage for details and maps.​ (http://www0.sun.ac.za/sustainability/pages/english/transport-mobility/campus-shuttle-service.php )
2. Your student of staff card gives you access to the shuttle bus. This is the only way the driver can identify you as a student or staff member and know that you are a legitimate user of the service.
3. The relationship between drivers and passengers should be one of mutual respect.

​​Stellenbosch and surrounding areas are just as safe or unsafe as any other town and city in South Africa. Is is therefore imperative to take the same precautions here that you would take anywhere else.

Stellenbosch Campus becomes very quiet during exam times. Many students prefer to study at home and only come to Stellenbosch when they have to write exam. There is less movement between residences and campus and less activity in academic buildings. During the second exam opportunity things become even more quiet. This draws opportunistic criminals.

Eventhough Campus Security has close ties with the local South African Police Service and the broader security community in town and a lot of attention and money have been allocated to security issues by implementing technology, patrols, emergency numbers, shuttle services and a safety kiosk, your safety remains your responsibility as well. Please make sure that you don't put yourself in danger through careless and thoughtless actions. 

Here are some important tips:

Park close

For example, if you park at the Coetzenburg centre during the day and know that you plan to work in, for example, the library, you can take the shuttle bus to Coetzenburg at 16:30 and fetch your vehicle. After 16:00 the booms are open and this enables you to park near the building where you will be working.​

Loadshedding

It is impossible to predict when Eskom will apply loadshedding (Download the Gridwatch app on your phone to stay informed). Carry a headlamp / torch with you and don't walk around in the dark if it isn't necessary. Please don't use candles or anything with an open flame.

Make use of the pedestrian escort service

Security officials will accompany staff members and students on request if they have to walk from one building to another or from a building to their vehicle on campus at night. This service is available from 19:00 to 05:00. Please call 021 808 4666 to request this service and leave enough time for a security official to join you.​

Report suspicious acitivity

Report suspicious-looking people, behaviour of vehicles: 021 808 4666 (Stellenbosch) or 021 938 9507 (Tygerberg). 

Save emergency numbers on your phone:

Stellenbosch = 021 808 2333; Tygerberg = 021 938 9507

Whatsapp: 082 808 2333.

Safety rescources

A whistle or pepper spray can be very useful in an emergency situation but this means you have to be prepared with the whistle aroun​d your neck or the pepper spray in your hand. You lose valuable time and the surprise element if you have to look for it first. The Matie Shop sells pepper spray. You can choose between a product with or without a key ring.​

Tips for personal safety

• Avoid walking alone. Make arrangements to get home safely before you leave. Walk with friends or use the shuttle service.
  
• Sport fields, the mountain road and parks are isolated, even during the day. Don't go walking or jogging on your own, regardless of whether it is dark, dusk or day. Invite someone to go with you or establish an exercise group.
  
• Earphones with loud music limit your awareness of you surroundings and a criminal can surprise you. Make sure you are aware of what is going on around you when you go walking or jogging.
  
• Cellphones and computers that are visible, make you a popular target.
  
• Don't allow people to enter a building with card access with you. Insist that the person uses his/her own card.
  
• Lock your door, even if you're in your room.
  
• Use the safest routes even if they're not the shortest.
  
• Property can be replaces but not lives. If your attacker is armed, it is safer not to resist.​
  

Stellenbosch University (SU)'s technology transfer company, InnovUS, has received national acclaim on Wednesday (13 May 2015) for its contribution towards innovation management.

InnovUS won the Organisational Award for Excellence in Innovation Management at the annual Department of Science and Technology (DST)/Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) Excellence in Research and Innovation Management Awards. The winners were announced on Wednesday evening at a gala event at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg where Miss Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Science and Technology, presented the awards.

The annual DST/SARIMA Excellence in Research and Innovation Management Awards celebrate excellence in research and innovation management in Southern Africa. These awards also acknowledge and encourage growth and achievement in the field of research and innovation management as a key enabler of research and innovation.

The Organisational Award for Excellence in Innovation Management recognises an organisation that is considered to be a path setter in research and innovation management and which has made a significant impact on building, encouraging and championing research and innovation during 2014.

Miss Anita Nel, Senior Director: Innovation and Business Development at SU and CEO of InnovUS, expressed her excitement with the award and said it is a great honour for the InnovUS team whose dedication, enthusiasm and hard work did not go unnoticed.

"We accomplished this feat because of SU researchers' excellent research outputs in terms of intellectual property with commercial potential and the support of SU management."

Nel said the award offers the opportunity for improved marketing of InnovUS among SU students and staff as well as in the industry.

MORE ABOUT SARIMA

Established in 2002, the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association is a stakeholder organisation that provides a platform for the promotion and facilitation of best practice in research and innovation management in Southern Africa. It strengthens the research and innovation system to ensure the social and economic development of the Southern African region.

• Photo: Miss Anita Nel receives the SARIMA Award from Minister Naledi Pandor.
  
• Photographer: Jack la Grange
  

​World Hypertension Day – 17 May 2015

High blood pressure is responsible for approximately 130 heart attacks and 240 strokes in South Africa every day, making it the second most common cause of death in the country.

More than 10 million South Africans are affected by chronic high blood pressure, known as hypertension.

"Contrary to the notion that hypertension is a disease of the affluent, it is actually more common among the poor, and the incidence is much higher in low- and middle-income countries than high-income countries," said Dr Ahmed Abulfathi, from Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, ahead of World Hypertension Day marked on May 17. The theme for this year is "Know Your Numbers".

Despite its serious outcomes, such as heart attack, stroke and kidney failure, hypertension generally shows no symptoms, earning itself the title as a "silent killer". According to a recent report, only 27% of hypertensive patients in sub-Saharan Africa were aware that they had hypertension, and only 18% were receiving treatment for it.

"In most cases hypertension is caused by an interplay between genetic and environmental factors, such as excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, harmful use of alcohol, an unhealthy diet, and persistent exposure to stress," Abulfathi explained.

Hypertension can be significantly controlled by adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and following a healthy diet. Regular blood pressure checks can allow for early detection and intervention to avoid complications. 

"To prevent hypertension, it is recommended that on average, all adults consume a diet that achieves the recommended intake of sodium (salt) – which for most individuals requires a substantial reduction of salt intake," said Irene Labuschagne, a dietician at Stellenbosch University's Nutrition Information Centre (NICUS).

"Other key dietary lifestyle approaches include increased fruit and vegetable intake, increased low fat dairy intake, to obtain and maintain a healthy body weight, weight loss if overweight, daily physical activity and moderate to low alcohol consumption," said Labuschagne.

NICUS recommends following this dietary checklist for a healthy blood pressure:

• Eat at least 6-8 servings of vegetables and fruit each day
• Eat natural, unprocessed and homemade foods more often
• Choose lower sodium, high-fibre cereals, breads, bakery products and snacks
• Choose 2-3 servings of low-fat milk products or alternatives each day
• Use less salt at the table and in cooking and baking
• Cut back on the amount of  sauces and dressings added to food
• Choose low-fat, high-fibre, lower sodium snack foods
• Avoid processed meat such as polony and deli meat - have leftover cooked meat or chicken instead
• Check food labels and buy lower sodium foods
• Eat more beans, peas and lentils
• Eat a handful of unsalted nuts or seeds several times each week.
• Eat fewer take-away meals
• Watch portion sizes, eat slowly and enjoy every bite

Media enquiries

Mandi Barnard
Marketing Coordinator
+27 (0)21 938 9505
mandi@sun.ac.za
Marketing and Communication Office
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
Stellenbosch University

​​Vondeling Primary in the Witsand area recently delivered its first South Western Districts (SWD) athlete, in part thanks to access this athlete had to a piece of land that Stellenbosch University had made available to the school.

Complete translation in English to follow.

Alfred van der Merwe het SWD onlangs in die 800m vir seuns o/13 verteenwoordig by 'n streeksbyeenkoms wat op die Coetzenburg-stadion op Stellenbosch aangebied is.

Volgens me Zandra Davids, skoolhoof, het Alfred se toegang tot 'n plek om te oefen, bygedra tot sy sukses.

"Dit was vir hom 'n groot ervaring (om SWD te verteenwoordig) en vir die ander kinders 'n aansporing. Alfred het geoefen op die sportgrond en dit het regtig 'n groot verskil gemaak.  So, nou kyk ons net vorentoe!" het sy in 'n e-pos aan mnr Francois Swart, Bestuurder: Ruimte- en ontwikkelingsbeplanning in die Afdeling Fasiliteitsbestuur aan die US geskryf.

Volgens Swart is die grond deel van 'n plaas in die Heidelberg-distrik wat in 'n erflating aan die US bemaak is. Die grond word verhuur vir boerderydoeleindes, en die spesifieke stuk grond ter sprake is direk aanliggend tot die plaasskool Vondeling Primêr.

"Toe die US hoor van die skooltjie se behoefte vir 'n stuk grond waar hulle sport kan beoefen, is daar deur die US onderhandel met die huidige huurder om 'n deel aan die skool af te staan.

Die skooltjie "huur" die grond teen 'n minimale bedrag en die vestiging, bestuur en onderhoud vir die sportveld is die skool en gemeenskap se verantwoordelikheid.

Sonder toegang tot hierdie stuk grond, het atlete nie werklik plek om te oefen nie.

"Dit beteken ontsettend baie vir die leerders om hul talente te kan uitleef," sê me Davids.

"Alfred is 'n kranige atleet en het selfs gehelp met die afrigting van jonger leerders. Sy deelname aan atletiek laat hom streef na meer as die eenvoudige en afsonderlike agtergrond wat hy tuis het. Dit het sy selfbeeld op 'n positiewe manier beïnvloed." 

Die US steun die projek binne die raamwerk van sy verbintenis tot die ontwikkeling van jeugsport en die skep van toegang tot die US se hulpbronne, intellektueel sowel as fisiek.

Additional facilities have been made available as study centres during the exam period, to also make provision for possible load shedding. The University management has appealed to students to be extra vigilant when they walk to and from study centres in the evening. Although exams are no longer written in the evening, it is darker much earlier and load shedding pose additional risks. Make use of the shuttle service (you need to show your student card) and read the safety tips at www.sun.ac.za/safety. Remember to carry a torch or head lamp with you at all times.

Prof Wim de Villiers and members of his management team wish all students the best for the mid-year exams. 

Schumann building (emergency power available after hours during power outages)

• Lecture halls 101 and 107
• Every week day from 17:30 - 22:30
• A staff member will assist with access
  

Faculty of Engineering's main building:

• Lecture halls A503A and A503B will be available as a study facility when exams have NOT been scheduled (refer to dates and times below)
• Week days only from 08:00 - 17:00
• The lecture halls close at 17:00
  

Dates and times when these lecture halls will NOT be available:

20 May  / 08:00 -13:00

30 May / 08:00 -13:00

1 June / 13:00 -17:00

2 June / 08:00 -17:00

3 June / 13:00 - 17:00

5 June / 08:00 -13:00

6 June / 13:00 - 17:00

20 June / 08:00 -12:00

The service contract between Stellenbosch University and Dr Anton Stander was terminated this week, after Dr Stander admitted of his own accord that he had made the said remarks. Dr Stander requested the University to facilitate a private, mediated meeting with Mr Khule Duma as he would like to apologise to him unconditionally. The University welcomes Dr Stander’s request and will take appropriate steps to mediate between him and Mr Duma. Stellenbosch University reaffirms its total repugnance towards comments of this nature and affirms its stance to act decisively in each such case, irrespective of its origin.

Read the original statement (4 May) here.

​

Where studies and research in agriculture and forestry are concerned, Stellenbosch University (SU) ranks as the most sought after and influential institution in South Africa. It is also ranked among the top 100 institutions worldwide in these fields, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2015.

SU is considered one of the world's elite institutions in 10 of the 36 subjects featured on the list. This authoritative annual ranking serves as a useful guide for prospective international students. It indicates which universities are the most sought after and influential in specific fields of study. Institutions are measured based on their academic reputation, how highly regarded they are by employers, and their research impact.

According to Prof Danie Brink, acting dean for the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, the results indicate the quality and applicability of the research undertaken in the faculty.

He thanked staff, co-workers, industry partners and postgraduate students for their contributions towards making Stellenbosch University a leader in agricultural research.

"We want to be increasingly involved in agricultural endeavours both in South Africa and Africa as a whole. Through our research and training we wish to contribute to the development of applicable technology, human resources and policy, in order to unlock the available potential in a sustainable manner for the benefit of society," explains Prof Brink.

Most studies and research in agriculture at SU are conducted within the eleven departments of the Faculty of AgriSciences. These include the Departments of Agronomy, Forest and Wood Science, Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Genetics, Soil Science, Horticultural Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, Animal Sciences, Food Science, and Viticulture and Oenology. The faculty is furthermore also home to the Institute for Wine Biotechnology and the Institute for Plant Biotechnology, as well as four SARChl Chairs – in meat science, wine biotechnology, plant biotechnology and postharvest technology.

The Department of Forest and Wood Science in the Faculty of AgriSciences is the only tertiary institution in South Africa to offer both graduate and postgraduate courses in wood product sciences, forestry and natural resource management. It attracts many postgraduate students from other African countries.

According to Dr Pierre Ackermann, chairperson of Forest and Wood Sciences, the Department's success is due to the fact that activities are focused on the full value chain within forest and wood sciences, and not merely parts thereof.

"The Department is also in the unique position to effectively service forestry and processing industries locally and in the rest of Africa. This is done through capacity development programmes and research conducted by a small but talented team of lecturers and researchers," he says. "Our continued cooperation with European and North American institutions further underlines the Department's credibility."

Seven South African institutions (UCT, Wits, UP, UKZN, Rhodes, SU and UJ) took part in the latest QS ranking. The SU consistently appears in the top five positions nationally. It scored top honours in Agriculture and Forestry; second in Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Mathematics, third in Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies and Geography and fourth in English Language & Literature as well as Law.

On an overall international level, SU is ranked in the following positions, performing best in Development Studies at #46; followed by Agriculture & Forestry - #51-100; English Language & Literature - #151-200; Geography - #151-200; Law - #151-200; Biological Sciences - #251-300; Medicine - #251-300; Environmental Sciences - #251-300; Chemistry - #301-350; and Mathematics - #301-350.

"Rankings can be problematic in certain respects, but they are the global academic currency of our time. The achievement is however a clear indication that Stellenbosch University is indeed a world-class institution that can compete with the best in the international arena. I would go as far as saying that the SU brand is still undervalued. The achievement is also an endorsement of the academic and research excellence of an institution that has distinguished itself as an active and relevant role player in a global context," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers said.

Extra information:

• Click here for an overview of SU's scores.
• For more information on the QS World University Rankings visit: www.topuniversities.com
  
  Media enquiries:
  
  Prof Danie Brink
  
  Acting dean: Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University
  
  db@sun.ac.za or jer@sun.ac.za
  
  +27 21 808 4792

​Stellenbosch University (SU)'s technology transfer company, InnovUS, has received national acclaim on Wednesday (13 May 2015) for its contribution towards innovation management.

InnovUS won the Organisational Award for Excellence in Innovation Management at the annual Department of Science and Technology (DST)/Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA) Excellence in Research and Innovation Management Awards. The winners were announced on Wednesday evening at a gala event at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg where Miss Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Science and Technology, presented the awards.

The annual DST/SARIMA Excellence in Research and Innovation Management Awards celebrate excellence in research and innovation management in Southern Africa. These awards also acknowledge and encourage growth and achievement in the field of research and innovation management as a key enabler of research and innovation.

The Organisational Award for Excellence in Innovation Management recognises an organisation that is considered to be a path setter in research and innovation management and which has made a significant impact on building, encouraging and championing research and innovation during 2014.

Miss Anita Nel, Senior Director: Innovation and Business Development at SU and CEO of InnovUS, expressed her excitement with the award and said it is a great honour for the InnovUS team whose dedication, enthusiasm and hard work did not go unnoticed.

"We accomplished this feat because of SU researchers' excellent research outputs in terms of intellectual property with commercial potential and the support of SU management."

Nel said the award offers the opportunity for improved marketing of InnovUS among SU students and staff as well as in the industry.

MORE ABOUT SARIMA

Established in 2002, the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association is a stakeholder organisation that provides a platform for the promotion and facilitation of best practice in research and innovation management in Southern Africa. It strengthens the research and innovation system to ensure the social and economic development of the Southern African region.

• Photo: Miss Anita Nel receives the SARIMA Award from Minister Naledi Pandor.
  
• Photographer: Jack la Grange

Venue: New Nedbank LaunchLab Facility, Hammandshand Road, Stellenbosch

Date: 12 June 2015

Time: 15h00

RSVP by 8 June 2015 to Lerato Nkuna, lnkuna@sun.ac.za

Venue: New Nedbank LaunchLab Facility, Hammandshand Road, Stellenbosch

Date: 12 June 2015

Time: 15h00

RSVP by 8 June 2015 to Lerato Nkuna, lnkuna@sun.ac.za

​​AgriNuusbrief.Mei2015.pdf

​

​

The version for two pianos and timpani is an arrangement that stands as an authentic alternative to the orchestral version, and not just a functional accommodation for choral groups that don't have the luxury of an orchestral accompaniment. It's most notable for its lean textures, which highlight the clarity and discipline of Brahms' counterpoint, and allow the listener to hear the piece in a new light. It is judicious in its use of the timpani, and the version wisely avoids any bombast, even in the big moments where it would be tempting to cut loose with all the crashing vehemence two pianos are capable of.

Especially when performed with a group the size of Schola Cantorum, this version of the Requiem comes across as a remarkable piece of choral chamber music.

​One of the world's leading voices for the global disinvestment in fossil fuels, May Boeve, called on Stellenbosch University students to join the cause and help 'tip the scale" in favour of a climate safe future.

May is the executive director of 350.org, described by the Guardian newspaper as one of the world's "most disruptive and innovative environment organisations".  By linking activists and organisations around the world, 350.org has succeeded in coordinating global events such as the International Day of Climate Action (2009), the Global Work Party (2010), Moving Planet (2011) and Climate Impacts Day (2012).

The 31-year old American is visiting South Africa as part of 350.org's global divestment campaign, Fossil Free. The aim is to ask institutions like universities, pension funds, local authorities and charitable organisations to move their money out of oil, coal and gas companies.

During a Discourse Café, hosted by the Frederick van Zyl Slabbert Institute and the Fossil Free Stellenbosch movement, she told students that the fossil free campaign is based on a moral argument:

"It is already too late to stop climate change. This problem will be with us for our entire lives. How can our universities invest in these companies and at the same time claim that they are preparing us for the future?"

"We cannot burn fossil fuel anymore. We have to leave it under the ground in order to ensure a climate safe future," she said.

In 2012 the think tank Carbon Tracker reported that at least two thirds of the world's oil, coal and gas reserves will have to remain underground if the world is to avoid dangerous climate change

She said the idea of a disinvestment campaign came from studying the anti-apartheid movement which in the 1980s demanded disinvestment from companies doing business in South Africa.

"It is impossible to talk climate change without talking about the big oil companies. They will always have more money than us. But we have people and creativity," she said.

Prof Guy Midgley, an internationally-acclaimed climate change scientist from the Department of Botany and Zoology at SU, said the world is dangerously close to a situation where Nature will start to work against humans:

"A month ago we passed the critical level of 400 parts per million of CO₂ in the atmosphere. This is a shocking statistic. We have to give Nature a chance, or prepare ourselves for an ecological shock of enormous proportions," he warned.

Fossil Free Stellenbosch will be engaging with students and staff members in the coming months to discuss the opportunities for climate action at Stellenbosch University.

Photo courtesy of Raymond Williams at Eikestad Nuus

​​Where studies and research in agriculture and forestry are concerned, Stellenbosch University (SU) ranks as the most sought after and influential institution in South Africa. It is also ranked among the top 100 institutions worldwide in these fields, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2015.

SU is considered one of the world's elite institutions in 10 of the 36 subjects featured on the list. This authoritative annual ranking serves as a useful guide for prospective international students. It indicates which universities are the most sought after and influential in specific fields of study. Institutions are measured based on their academic reputation, how highly regarded they are by employers, and their research impact.

According to Prof Danie Brink, acting dean for the Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University, the results indicate the quality and applicability of the research undertaken in the faculty.

He thanked staff, co-workers, industry partners and postgraduate students for their contributions towards making Stellenbosch University a leader in agricultural research.

"We want to be increasingly involved in agricultural endeavours both in South Africa and Africa as a whole. Through our research and training we wish to contribute to the development of applicable technology, human resources and policy, in order to unlock the available potential in a sustainable manner for the benefit of society," explains Prof Brink.

Most studies and research in agriculture at SU are conducted within the eleven departments of the Faculty of AgriSciences. These include the Departments of Agronomy, Forest and Wood Science, Conservation Ecology and Entomology, Genetics, Soil Science, Horticultural Sciences, Agricultural Economics, Plant Pathology, Animal Sciences, Food Science, and Viticulture and Oenology. The faculty is furthermore also home to the Institute for Wine Biotechnology and the Institute for Plant Biotechnology, as well as four SARChl Chairs – in meat science, wine biotechnology, plant biotechnology and postharvest technology.

The Department of Forest and Wood Science in the Faculty of AgriSciences is the only tertiary institution in South Africa to offer both graduate and postgraduate courses in wood product sciences, forestry and natural resource management. It attracts many postgraduate students from other African countries.

According to Dr Pierre Ackermann, chairperson of Forest and Wood Sciences, the Department's success is due to the fact that activities are focused on the full value chain within forest and wood sciences, and not merely parts thereof.

"The Department is also in the unique position to effectively service forestry and processing industries locally and in the rest of Africa. This is done through capacity development programmes and research conducted by a small but talented team of lecturers and researchers," he says. "Our continued cooperation with European and North American institutions further underlines the Department's credibility."

Seven South African institutions (UCT, Wits, UP, UKZN, Rhodes, SU and UJ) took part in the latest QS ranking. The SU consistently appears in the top five positions nationally. It scored top honours in Agriculture and Forestry; second in Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Mathematics, third in Medicine, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies and Geography and fourth in English Language & Literature as well as Law.

On an overall international level, SU is ranked in the following positions, performing best in Development Studies at #46; followed by Agriculture & Forestry - #51-100; English Language & Literature - #151-200; Geography - #151-200; Law - #151-200; Biological Sciences - #251-300; Medicine - #251-300; Environmental Sciences - #251-300; Chemistry - #301-350; and Mathematics - #301-350.

"Rankings can be problematic in certain respects, but they are the global academic currency of our time. The achievement is however a clear indication that Stellenbosch University is indeed a world-class institution that can compete with the best in the international arena. I would go as far as saying that the SU brand is still undervalued. The achievement is also an endorsement of the academic and research excellence of an institution that has distinguished itself as an active and relevant role player in a global context," SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers said.

Extra information:

• Click here for an overview of SU's scores.
• For more information on the QS World University Rankings visit: www.topuniversities.com
  
  Media enquiries:
  
  Prof Danie Brink
  
  Acting dean: Faculty of AgriSciences, Stellenbosch University
  
  db@sun.ac.za or jer@sun.ac.za
  
  +27 21 808 4792

​May 14th marked the final day of the first LeadershipINDABA group. This group has produced successful projects such as the Durbanville Inner Valley Project, Hessequa as well as the Pan African Leadership Academy project. Although this was the final day of this cohort and their LeadershipINDABA journey draws to a close, the Fellows and Associates will remain inspired to make the world a better place.