A new Cape Willow tree on the front lawn of Wilgenhof men's residence on the corner of Ryneveld and Victoria Street in Stellenbosch symbolises a new beginning in a renovated residence.

Wilgenhof celebrated their return to a refurbished building and reintegration to the student community with a special tree planting ceremony on Friday afternoon,? 25 July. Following a decision by the Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) Council on 16 September 2024 to close the Wilgenhof Residence 每 and the extensive discussions between the 肆客足球, students, parents, alumni and former Wilgenhof residents that followed 每 the residence closed for the first semester of 2025 to be refurbished in totality. Students moved back in the beginning of the second semester after the building reopened on Friday, 18 July.

The ceremony was attended by Wilgenhof house committee members and residents; members of the SU Rectorate; representatives of the Wilgenhof Alumni Association; representatives of the Division for Student Affairs, the Division for Development and Alumni Relations, the Corporate Communication and Marketing Division, Facilities Management and the Prim Committee; student leaders; Dr Wilhelm Verwoerd, a facilitator in the Wilgenhof Rejuvenation Process; and Judge Edwin Cameron, former SU Chancellor and primarius of Wilgenhof.

Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU Rector and Vice-Chancellor, said the reintegration of the Wilgenhof community into the historic building, is done ※with a shared sense of purpose, namely, to recognise the past, to acknowledge the present, and to commit ourselves to a future rooted in respect, renewal, and unity".

※The act of planting a tree is a gesture of growth, regeneration, and a long-term commitment. It also signifies the evolving relationship between Wilgenhof, SU and the broader university community. Wilgenhof has undergone, and will continue? to undergo, a process of deep reflection and renewal. The word 'renewal' is intentionally powerful, because it's not only structural. It is also emotional and cultural, and above all, it provides hope.

※The events that have led us to today have been challenging. It has involved difficult conversations, critical decisions, and courageous leadership from many sides. The newly imagined Wilgenhof is now aligned with the values and principles that guide our broader residence community. It is a space where dignity, learning, accountability, and mutual respect are not negotiable, but foundational.

※Wilgenhof is not stepping back into the past. It is stepping forward into a renewed commitment to transformation and inclusion. Today we not only planted a tree, but a promise. Our promise, and our hope, is that this space, and the people who inhabit it, will continue to grow. Let it be a reminder that transformation is not an endpoint, but an ongoing process 每 and when rooted in shared values, it can thrive. May this tree, and this moment, stand as a living symbol of what we can achieve together," said Ramjugernath.

Mr Neil Botha, primarius of Wilgenhof, said the journey was extremely difficult, but he is thankful to have reached the point of where they are now. He said the tree symbolises a new beginning.

※I truly hope that this is the beginning of the friendship with the 肆客足球 that I was hoping for. I feel very hopeful. It was not easy to be a Wilgenhoffer during the past 18 months. However, we realise the two rooms were an embarrassment to the 肆客足球. It was not our intent, but a part of going forward is an acknowledgement of what have happened."

Mr Nico de Waal, chair of the Wilgenhof Alumni Association, said the tree planting ceremony is testimony to a common commitment to rejuvenation.

※I want to repeat our sincere apology to the embarrassment that SU has suffered. The vast majority of Wilgenhoffers had different experiences than what was conveyed in the media, but we as alumni are in full support of the facilitation process and we are impressed by the facilitating team."

Mr Ashmind Daniels, Wilgenhof Residence Head, said the planting of a tree is a symbolic act of renewal, growth, and the enduring commitment of the Wilgenhof community.

※Just as this tree will take root and grow over time, so too must we, as a community, be rooted in values that sustain and uplift. May this tree serve as a living reminder of the care, accountability, and pride we carry for Wilgenhof 每 not only as a building, but as a shared home. The tree speaks to what we can achieve if we work together," said Daniels.

The Cape Willow (Salix mucronate) is a semi-deciduous, fast-growing, indigenous tree that can grow up to 15 meters. The planting of trees contributes to increasing the 肆客足球's biodiversity and is part of the SU Environmental Sustainability plan to reduce the carbon footprint on campus. The biodiversity part of the plan aims to maintain and design all landscapes to be resilient to environmental change and to improve biodiversity and the sustainability of open spaces.

* The student-led and facilitated Wilgenhof Rejuvenation Process, under the leadership of Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, is intended to mark a decisive break from the past and foster a renewed residence culture grounded in inclusivity, transparency, and shared values. This process is ongoing and continuous and not concluded yet.?

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4th ANIME Annual Event & Strategic Partner Engagements | 28 June 每 5 July 2025

A delegation from Stellenbosch 肆客足球 International (Kirwan Adams and Sarah van der Westhuizen)) recently undertook a visit to the state of S?o Paulo, Brazil, from 28 June to 5 July 2025. The purpose of the visit was twofold: to attend the 4th Annual Event of the Academic Network for Inclusiveness, Multilingualism and Excellence (ANIME) and to engage with longstanding and prospective partner institutions across the region. This engagement reflects SU's commitment to advancing its South-South collaboration agenda, deepening bilateral ties, and renewing strategic agreements in support of global engagement, particularly between Africa and South America.

The ANIME Network meeting, hosted at the 肆客足球 of S?o Paulo's International Relations Institute, brought together five member institutions: SU, 肆客足球 of Strasbourg, 肆客足球 of S?o Paulo (USP), Sofia 肆客足球, and UNIMINUTO. SU was represented by Sarah van der Westhuizen and Kirwan Adams (in person), and Robert Kotze (virtually). The programme featured dynamic keynotes, including one by Prof Thais Vieira of USP on the historical role of food in shaping civilization, from global trade routes to innovations in food security and sustainability. Prof Nokwanda Makunga from SU also delivered a guest lecture, sharing insights on medicinal plant biotechnology and the socio-economic value of Indigenous knowledge systems. The plenary assembly provided updates on ANIME's activities and facilitated discussions on future themes such as academic freedom amid geopolitical tensions and expanding inclusion in interdisciplinary sciences.

Beyond the ANIME Network meeting (ANIME website), the visit prioritised institutional engagement with key academic partners. At the 肆客足球 of S?o Paulo, meetings were held with the School of Economics, Business, Accounting and Actuarial Sciences (FEA), the International Relations Institute (IRI), and the Faculty of Philosophy, Literature and Humanities. Discussions highlighted active student mobility, the strong alignment of academic programmes (especially to include English and perhaps Portuguese), and the potential for enhanced collaboration through the establishment of a formal (overarching) institutional agreement. Such an agreement would improve eligibility for Brazilian research and mobility funding through agencies like FAPESP and CAPES. A particularly engaging moment included meeting USP students preparing to join SU in 2026 and reconnecting with two SU students participating in USP's Winter School. See also the following article for the USP engagement.

Further strengthening bilateral efforts, the delegation visited S?o Paulo State 肆客足球 (UNESP) at both its city and Botucatu campuses. High-level discussions at the UNESP rectorate underscored shared goals around research collaboration, academic mobility, and community engagement. Notably, both institutions are research-intensive and socially engaged, with UNESP emphasising state-mandated community-based student extension programmes. The delegation explored potential models for seed funding, junior researcher exchange, and trilateral collaboration. At the Botucatu campus, the delegation toured leading faculties and research facilities, including advanced epidemiology labs, veterinary medicine and animal science units, and an expansive 2500-hectare agricultural training farm. These facilities offer strong potential for SU students to undertake research visits and internships in fields such as food safety, animal sciences, and crop and forest seed research.

The final visit took place at the State 肆客足球 of Campinas (UNICAMP), located in a smaller town two hours outside S?o Paulo. UNICAMP, known for its sustainability focus and expansive and impressive campus, expressed enthusiasm for deepening cooperation with SU. Faculty members from the Schools of Agricultural Engineering and Applied Sciences proposed collaborative matchmaking between researchers, while also supporting the renewal of our institutional agreement. Once again, FAPESP was noted as a valuable funding mechanism for future collaboration. See also the following article for the UNICAMP engagement.

Across all engagements, Stellenbosch 肆客足球's presence in Brazil affirmed its role as an active and invested partner in South-South cooperation. The visit strengthened institutional ties, aligned mutual priorities, and opened doors for expanded research, mobility, and funding opportunities. With renewed momentum and shared commitment, these partnerships are set to grow in depth and impact advancing SU's global footprint and contributing meaningfully to knowledge exchange between Africa and South America.

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A PhD student at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) has developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) app that could help address South Africa's unemployment crisis by automating the job application process.

Thabo Maibi, who is in the first year his doctoral studies in industrial engineering with a focus on AI and cancer research, is the creator of Career Agent, a mobile app that scans job websites, match openings with a user's CV and apply on their behalf.

Maibi says he got the idea for the app when he realised many young South Africans with only a matric certificate struggle to find work because most platforms prioritise degree-based jobs. Even candidates with degrees face challenges, often missing suitable opportunities due to poor CVs or lack of access to the right information.

Designed with accessibility and scale in mind, the app is already attracting attention from investors and jobseekers across the continent.

Maibi knows what it's like to spend hours submitting job applications into the digital void. ※While I was still a student at the National 肆客足球 of Lesotho, I'd sit for hours copying and pasting the same information over and over," he recalls. ※Sometimes there was a reply, but most of the time, nothing." Now, Maibi has found a solution not just for himself, but potentially for millions across Africa.

His invention is an AI-powered mobile app that scans online job portals, matches positions to a user's CV, and if a suitable match is found, sends off a personalised application. ※Career Agent is like having a personal assistant who never gets tired," Maibi says. ※It looks at your CV, understands your skills, and goes out to find jobs for you while you can focus on other things. If a good match includes a contact email, it applies on your behalf, attaching your CV and sending a professional message."

This automated approach is an ambitious response to one of South Africa's most persistent challenges: youth unemployment, currently among the highest in the world. For Maibi, the stakes are personal. ※I grew up in Lesotho, where young people struggle to find jobs," he says. ※Many depend on Facebook posts or word of mouth because job opportunities are just not visible to them."

From hackathons to high impact

Maibi's path from the National 肆客足球 of Lesotho, where he earned his undergraduate degree in computer systems and networks engineering, to SU has been marked by persistence, curiosity and a deep desire to solve problems. It was during his Master's degree in data science that his ideas around automated job applications began to crystallise 每 shaped in part by the hackathons he entered through the 肆客足球's School for Data Science and Computational Thinking.

※The experience at SU has been awesome," he says. ※I've met brilliant people and had the chance to compete and collaborate on meaningful challenges. The environment encouraged me to test ideas and build solutions that work in the real world."

Career Agent is one such solution. Using a combination of natural language processing, sentiment analysis, and OpenAI's API for voice and text processing, the app analyses both CVs and job descriptions. ※It compares what's in the CV with what's required in the job post. It checks location, qualifications and keywords," he explains. ※If everything lines up, and an email is available, it applies automatically. If not, it sends a recommendation and link to the user for manual application."

To avoid the spam trap, Maibi built in a feature that mirrors the logic of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), used by recruiters to scan CVs. ※Even if you're qualified, if your CV doesn't rank high on an ATS, it may never be seen," he notes. His app checks and scores each CV before it's submitted and even suggests improvements.

A voice-to-text feature was designed with accessibility in mind. ※I know many people aren't comfortable typing, or they don't have easy access to computers. Now you can speak to the app, tell it about your background, and it builds a professional CV for you."

The app is securely hosted using a trusted web service, designed to prioritise data privacy, something Maibi takes seriously. ※We store user information on a separate, secure server. I've made sure that everything complies with data protection principles," he says.

The bigger picture

Currently, Career Agent draws from a curated list of job portals in South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini, with some remote opportunities from abroad. Maibi has avoided unverified job boards to protect users from scams. ※I've done the research. I only include trusted sources," he stresses.

For now, users pay R400 for a three-month subscription. But Maibi is actively seeking investors to help him make the platform free for users. ※My goal is accessibility," he says. ※Eventually, I want companies to advertise jobs directly on the app, or CV consultants to offer value-added services for a fee. That way, users don't pay anything."

Despite juggling his PhD research and other tech projects, Maibi remains energised by his mission. ※I've always liked solving real-world problems. Even during my Master's, I was building things, entering hackathons and trying to find ways in which tech can help."

Ultimately, Maibi wants to scale Career Agent across the continent. ※People from Namibia, Botswana, and other countries are already reaching out," he says. ※With investment, we can build a strong development team, improve the platform and expand its reach. But the main idea stays the same: helping people get jobs, with dignity and without stress."

﹞ Here is the link? ?to the Career Agent app in the Google Play store.
 

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As part of the long-standing collaboration between the universities of Leipzig and Stellenbosch, Jeannie de Villiers-Strijdom presented her study on financial anxiety at the colloquium hosted by Professor Roland Happ, which sparked great interdisciplinary interest.

International guests regularly present their research at the colloquium of the Chair of Vocational Education specialising in Economics, led by Prof. Dr. Roland Happ. During the first week of July, Jeannie de Villiers-Strijdom, from the Faculty Economic and Management Sciences, at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, was a guest speaker. De Villiers-Strijdom presented her latest study on financial anxiety 每 a topic that sparked great interest, as the lively, interdisciplinary discussion that followed demonstrated.

The visit was organised by Prof. Dr. Roland Happ and Sebastian Heidel as part of a long-standing cooperation in the field of financial education between the faculties in Leipzig and Stellenbosch.

This article first appeared here - https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/newsdetail/artikel/jeannie-de-villiers-strijdom-speaks-at-professor-roland-happs-colloquium-2025-07-07

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For over a decade, the Small Business Academy (SBA) at the Stellenbosch Business School has embodied the mission of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences: to transform the economy and society. Having supported hundreds of small business owners across the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape to grow and formalise their enterprises, it has become a recognised force for change.

Small businesses are vital drivers of economic growth, playing a key role in job creation and broader prosperity. Yet in South Africa they face an uphill battle, with a disproportionately high failure rate compared to similar economies. Much of this is due to a lack of access to basic business knowledge and support.

Launched in 2012, the SBA Development Programme addresses this challenge head-on. It offers a comprehensive, post-matric course designed for full-time small business owners, equipping them with the core business skills they need to grow and sustain their ventures.

Professor Armand Bam, Head of Social Impact and Academic Head of the SBA, explains: "One of the major challenges faced by small, medium, and micro enterprises is a lack of information and formal business training. Many historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs run survivalist businesses with limited access to support or growth strategies. Our programme provides crucial knowledge and motivation to strengthen these businesses."

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?Five remarkable Maties have been recognised among News24's 30 Young Mandelas of 2025, an accolade honouring young South Africans who embody the spirit and values of former president Nelson Mandela through their leadership, activism, and innovation.

This year's 30 Young Mandelas were selected for their outstanding contributions across six key categories: Social Justice, Climate Literacy, Innovation, Mental Health, Humanitarianism and Deepening Democracy. Among the honourees are current SU student Alexandra Lutz and alumni Dr Stefani du Toit, Dr Juandr谷 Klopper, Gabi Immelman and Ryan Young.

Four of the five Maties were recognised in the Innovation category. Second-year Data Science student Alexandra Lutz founded Milani Education while still in high school, driven by her awareness of educational inequalities. The free platform provides learners with the tools they need to succeed, helping make educational resources more accessible to learners in underserved communities. Lutz describes her selection as ※such an honour", adding: ※I am extremely grateful to all of the people who have supported me in my journey of founding Milani Education and growing our organisation to what it has become today." She says the award will make more people aware of Milani Education, and hopefully this will make it possible for more learners to benefit from the platform's free online learning resources. ※The award also demonstrates the power that young South Africans can have to lead, transform and create hope for a better South Africa," she adds.

Dr Juandr谷 Klopper, a medical doctor, inventor and entrepreneur, is the founder of Sponsor Medic, a non-governmental organisation that raises funds to place doctors in under-resourced hospitals and communities. A graduate of SU's medical programme in 2020, Klopper was also named one of News24's Top 6 Star Mandelas for his outstanding achievements in innovation. ※We see this prize not as a celebration of ourselves, but of youth everywhere who rise to meet challenges and work toward solutions. In South Africa, countless individuals quietly give more of themselves each day to help others in extraordinary ways. We are just one of many 〞 and we believe it's important to remind everyone that every bit of effort matters," he says.

SU alumna Gabi Immelman is the founder and CEO of Mindjoy, a cutting-edge educational platform that uses adaptive AI tutors to personalise learning. Mindjoy aims to help learners better understand complex concepts through real-world problem solving, placing the power of learning back in the hands of students.

Dr Stefani du Toit, whose PhD in Public Health explored adolescent mental health in contexts of high adversity, was recognised for her efforts to improve mental health outcomes in underserved communities. ※Being nominated as one of the Young Mandelas of 2025 is an enormous honour. I am grateful for the privilege of being in a career that is not just a job, but a calling; a commitment to contributing to improving the lives of others." Du Toit's academic work spans various life stages and focuses on finding solutions to improve well-being among vulnerable populations. ※This nomination would certainly not have been possible without the support from my colleagues at the Institute for Life Course Health Research," she says.

Meanwhile, SU alumnus Ryan Young was honoured in the Deepening Democracy category, alongside his partner Yeshav Sewlal, for co-creating Yoh Vote, a political matchmaking platform designed to engage young South Africans in the democratic process. Launched with a group of his friends ahead of the 2024 national elections, the website presents political information in a dating app-style format, helping to combat youth voter apathy by making civic engagement more relatable and accessible. Over 87 000 people took the quiz ahead of the election. Of the recognition, Young says: ※It is an honour to be included amongst such impressive young South Africans and to be given a platform by News24. We hope to use this to grow and develop Yoh Vote ahead of the next local government election."

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A delegation from Malawi's higher education and mining sector visited the Department of Earth Sciences and the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 from 17-18 July 2025 for a curriculum benchmarking exercise.

According to Dr Abraham Sineta, programme manager for the Malawi Universities Development Program (MUDEP), the visit is part of their mandate to facilitate the establishment of a new public university in Malawi with a niche in mining.

※We are at the stage where we would like to embark on developing curriculum for this new university. As SU's Department of Earth Sciences has a comprehensive curriculum in mining, we are here to learn more."

The Malawian delegation consisted of delegates from MUDEP, university lecturers from three public universities 每 namely the Malawi 肆客足球 of Science and Technology (MUST), the 肆客足球 of Malawi (UNIMA),  and the Malawi 肆客足球 of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) 每 and officials from the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Mining.

One of the delegates, Dr Joshua Chisambi, is an alumnus of the department and are currently working at Department of Mining Engineering at MUBAS.

Prof Bjorn von der Heyden, says during the two-day visit they gave the Malawian delegation an overview of the structure of the university, the Faculty of Science and the Department of Earth Sciences. Additionally, specific emphasis was placed on the programme-specific curriculum design, encompassing insights into the respective courses' content, modes of assessment and balance between practical and theoretical skillsets. The importance of graduate attributes and graduate capability was also highlighted, since these are some of the characteristics for which SU Earth Science alumni are well known, and appreciated, by the southern African minerals sector.

The second day of the visit provided the visitors with an overview of the world-class instrumentation and services provided by the Central Analytical Facility, before further scientific and educational engagements with researchers from the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Civil Engineering who are working in the minerals sector.

Prof Susanne Fietz, Head of the Department of Earth Sciences, highlights the importance of these intra-Africa interactions. ※This visit strengthens SU and our Department's recognition as a leading institution in geoscience education. By supporting Malawi's initiative to establish a new school of mining, we create new opportunities for joint curriculum development and student exchange across Africa. We also identified synergies between the research interests of our Malawian colleagues and our departmental activities that we aim to explore further in future collaborations."

According to the World Bank, Malawi is poised to become a significant player in the global mining sector, with projections indicating a potential $43 billion in export earnings between 2025 and 2040. Several high-potential mining projects, including uranium, rutile, and rare earth elements, are driving this optimistic outlook, with the sector expected to contribute significantly to Malawi's GDP.

On the photo above, visiting Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Department of Earth Sciences in July 2025: In front, from left to right: Associate Prof Chikondi Chisenga, CA Charles Mkomba FCCA, Dr Joshua Chisambi, Dr Abraham Sineta, Dr Dyson Moses, Dr. Valentino Zimpita, Dr MacPherson Matewere, Ms Ruth Mumba, Ms Fanny Mthunzi and Mr George Maneya. At the back, from SU: Prof. Bjorn von der Heyden, Dr Ryan Tucker, Dr Matthew Mayne, Dr Ren谷 Heyn, Dr Martin Klausen, Prof Gary Stevens, Prof Alakendra Roychoudhury, Dr Amy Allwright, and Prof Susanne Fietz. Image: Wiida Fourie-Basson?

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?The jury is still out on whether artificial intelligence may potentially play a role in identifying important and impactful health-related research questions. This is the view of Profs John Garry, Maria Lohan (Queen's 肆客足球 Belfast) and Mark Tomlinson (Institute for Life Course Health Research) in an opinion piece for 肆客足球 World News.

• Read the original article below or click here for the piece as published.

John Garry, Mark Tomlinson and Maria Lohan*

Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be good at answering questions. But can AI help us to come up with good questions in the first place?

With this contribution published in the Journal of Global Health, we have considered whether Large Language Models (LLMs) may potentially play a role in identifying important and impactful health-related research questions.

Prioritising research questions

In general, specifying a good research question is difficult, but crucial. Imagine an important research question for your own field of interest. Further imagine that this question is possible to answer and that knowing the answer would lead to a large positive impact on the world. Almost certainly, academic researchers, policy practitioners, implementers, and funding organisations would all agree that trying to answer this question is a top priority.  

Prioritising crucial health-related research questions is especially important. For each area of health, from heart disease to schizophrenia, it is vital to systematically identify the most pressing and potentially impactful set of priority research questions to improve health outcomes. Identifying the most crucial questions can't just be the purview of one constituency. Research translation to improve health usually relies on the confluence of policy makers, funders/doners as well as researchers. And since context matters, a geographical spread of this expertise is also important. Hence, setting research priorities is usually done by conducting a research project collating the views of a comprehensive range of researchers and practitioners in the particular health field and distilling from the data a rank-ordered list of priority questions.

A funding organisation may valuably peruse a priority list when specifying a research call. The list may form part of the objective evidence base enabling the funder to confidently defend its decisions to fund certain research themes (and sub-themes) rather than others.

Using AI?

Given the rapid rise of the use of AI across many aspects of health service provision, from diagnostics to organisational efficiency, it is perhaps no surprise that the potential contribution of AI tools〞such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and others〞to identifying priority research questions is becoming a live issue.

AI tools offer the appealing vista of saving time and money. Instead of organising expensive and complex surveys of stakeholders, an AI tool would systematically examine the vast array of stored human knowledge and identify the crucial research questions to address.

In fact, one study on the topic of pandemic preparedness has shown that  an AI-based exercise produced a similar list of priority questions to a human-conducted study.

Enticing but opaque

One problem with this AI-based nirvana is explicability. In contrast to human conducted exercises where we can transparently detail the exact process of conducting the empirical project (reporting, for example, a description of the sample of researcher and practitioner survey respondents and how the collected data was statistically analysed), we are at something of a loss to explain exactly how AI-generated research questions are identified.

This is often referred to as the 'black box' problem. What exactly are tools such as ChatGPT doing when they are asked to generate research priority questions? The lack of clarity is off-putting, and such opacity constrains trust in the results. Even if the results appear plausible, if we don't know how they are produced we are likely to echo the concern of the late Irish prime minister and economist, Garret Fitzerald: ※I can see that it works in practice, but does it work in theory?''

To mitigate this problem researchers utilising AI tools would have to provide a detailed exposition of exactly what resources the AI tool relied upon to identify research priority questions and precisely what criteria the tool used to rank-order them.  

Dangers of excluding humans

Even if explainability was achieved, a further problem relates to the risk that an AI-generated set of priority questions could alienate the human practitioners who are so crucial to actually implementing any new health interventions on the ground. Phrased more positively, one of the advantages of human-conducted research priority setting exercises is that relevant researchers and health professionals are engaged in the process. Their views are listened to, recorded, and used to derive the findings. The process helps engender a democratic sense of inclusion in the development of the field in question.

If, in contrast, the priority questions are produced at the click of an AI button and metaphorically fall out a clear blue sky the academic and practitioner stakeholders may look askance at the findings.

This worry may be most pertinent where there is little existing stakeholder engagement in a particular field and an associated paucity of human-conducted research priority setting exercises. In such a context, using an AI tool to identify how to progress may exacerbate alienation.

Conversely, in a context of strong stakeholder networks and engagement, it may be perceived as more reasonable to augment existing knowledge of important research questions with an AI-based component.

Validity and Reliability

The more that it can be shown that AI-tools can produce priority research questions that are similar to those produced by human-exercises the more persuasive the pro-AI case is likely to be. Also, researchers advocating the use of AI tools should demonstrate that the results are not simply an arbitrary function of the particular AI tool being used, or that the results are skewed by minor tweaks to question prompts.

Potential

We should be appropriately sceptical about the use of AI tools to generate crucially important research questions that could have a profound impact on the funding of health research and the direction of certain fields. But acknowledging limitations and seeking to mitigate them may lead to the possibility of powerful AI research assistants effectively leveraging the vastness of existing knowledge to help direct further research that would unlock barriers to positive health outcomes.

An interesting avenue to explore is the precise type of contribution the AI tools may potentially make. Can AI tools potentially identify priority research questions that are essentially as good as the ones identified by humans〞but are produced more quickly and affordably? Or is it the case that AI tools could perhaps identify priority questions that are qualitatively better than human-generated ones: perhaps entirely novel and ground-breaking? And could using AI tools be regarded as more democratic than a conventional human study given the vastly greater range of (electronically available) perspectives that can be considered?

The jury is still out, but intrigued.

*John Garry is Professor of Political Behaviour at Queen's 肆客足球 Belfast (QUB) in Northern Ireland. Mark Tomlinson is Co-Director of the Institute for Life Course Health Research at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, South Africa and Professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at QUB. Maria Lohan is UNESCO Chair based at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at QUB as well as at the Hitotsubashi Institute for Advanced Studies at Hitotsubashi 肆客足球 in Japan.

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?When Professor Louis Jenkins received an email announcing he'd won a prestigious international award for 'Excellence in Health Care', his first instinct was to delete it. The message seemed too good to be true 每 surely it was spam. But when he finally investigated further, this professor in Family and Emergency Medicine at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 discovered he had indeed been selected for the Africa Five Star Doctor Award from the World Organisation of Family Doctors (WONCA).

※I was blown away," Jenkins admits.

The WONCA Five Star Doctor Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in family medicine, recognising doctors who excel across five critical domains: Care Provider, Decision Maker, Communicator, Community Leader, and Manager. These criteria, developed by Dr Charles Boelen during his 30-year tenure with the World Health Organisation, define what makes a truly exceptional physician in the modern healthcare landscape.

Jenkins' nomination came from Professor Bob Mash, Executive Head of Family Medicine at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, though Jenkins himself remained modest about his chances. ※I have so many amazing colleagues working across Africa that I didn't think too much of it. I'm surprised and humbled."

As the regional winner, Jenkins will represent Africa at the WONCA World Conference in Lisbon this September, where he'll be considered for the global Five Star Doctor Award while presenting his research to an international audience.

A passion for family medicine

Jenkins' passion for family medicine stems from its unique position at the intersection of comprehensive healthcare delivery. ※It's a place where you get close to the people you're involved with in their lives from birth to death," he explains. ※You're with people when they are born and when they are dying; you're involved in dealing with emergencies, chronic diseases and socio-cultural issues such as gender-based violence. You also do procedures and surgery."

This breadth of practice reflects Jenkins' belief in the critical role family physicians play, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Africa, family physicians serve as expert generalists capable of surgical, obstetrical and anaesthetic procedures while leading community-oriented primary care initiatives and training healthcare teams. It's a discipline that transcends traditional professional boundaries, requiring practitioners to be equally comfortable in operating theatres and community health centres.

Transforming medical education and healthcare systems

Jenkins' research interests focus on transforming medical education and healthcare systems. He's currently leading efforts to implement Work-Place Based Assessments (WPBA) in South Africa's postgraduate medical education system. This innovative approach captures learning and assessment data through e-portfolios over three to four years, moving away from traditional examination-based evaluation toward real-world competency assessment.

※In postgraduate medical education, there has been a global move towards WPBA, where registrars are assessed in the workplace," Jenkins explains. His work involves developing Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) 每 specific tasks that registrars must master before being trusted to perform them independently.

Impact of his efforts

The impact of Jenkins' mentorship extends far beyond South Africa's borders. He has supervised over 26 registrars completing their MMed research degrees, covering diverse topics from palliative care and tuberculosis to theatre efficiency and healthcare worker resilience. Through the African Research Collaboration, he's helping develop emerging family physicians across the continent.

One area particularly close to Jenkins' heart is palliative care research. ※We are doing extensive research on how to improve home-based palliative care in communities," he notes, addressing a critical gap in healthcare delivery for patients with life-limiting conditions.

Jenkins' commitment to healthcare system improvement operates at multiple levels 每 from local management to national policy. He believes family physicians' broad perspective positions them uniquely to understand and improve complex healthcare systems. ※The work of family physicians covers so many aspects, so their voices are increasingly being heard in understanding complex-adaptive systems to improve overall healthcare for patients in their communities."

Outside medicine, Jenkins finds balance through gardening on his smallholding outside George, where he particularly enjoys planting trees. He's also an avid reader of biographies and history, and treasures time with his wife and two daughters.

Reflecting on his recognition, Jenkins remains humble: ※There are many exceptional doctors caring for communities and working very hard in Africa. I don't know how one can single out one colleague. None of us can work properly without a whole team of colleagues carrying one another."

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???While the rest of Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) quietly goes into winter hibernation and our students enjoy a well-deserved recess, the team at SU International (SUI) is pulling out all the stops to welcome delegates, students, and candidates from across the globe to attend their international programmes on campus during June and July. This year, more than 160 participants from 19 countries worldwide joined SUI for one of the many programmes on offer during the recess.

"Stellenbosch as a destination for international students does not have seasonal constraints. Our hearts and support are warm and welcoming," said SUI's Director, Robert Kotz谷, who once again welcomed the second semester intake of students to SU's campus on Monday, 14 July 2025. The 285 incoming international students who attended SUI's semester programmes underwent a one-week in-person orientation to ensure a smooth academic and social transition. The week focuses on cultural integration, academic preparedness, and community building.

For Kotz谷, every welcome is special. "It is an opportunity to extend a warm welcome to our new students and to encourage them to explore the possibilities to grow, develop their understanding of being a global citizen and engage with the people here 〞 local students in and out of class and with the broader community through the SUI community programmes."

He said the highlight for him this year is the big group of students from our German universities' partners. "Our challenge will be to encourage them to move beyond their group and engage with students from the other countries represented and to allow locals into their space and plans."

For one of the German students, Evin G?cer from Esslingen 肆客足球, he is excited to delve into the community and learn about the people and history of Stellenbosch, as well as the larger South Africa. For him, the entire campus of SU was a 'stand-out'. ※In Germany, my campus looks very grey and 'boring' in comparison to SU. The colours and mountainous scenery caught my eye. The library is extremely impressive, being both large and modern.

I look forward to spending my time there for my upcoming study sessions. "

Kotz谷 explained that the presence of international semester students is vital to Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Vision 2040. "Each group brings fresh global perspectives to classrooms, enriching learning and creating opportunities for meaningful 'international-at-home' experiences. Their presence not only inspires local students to pursue their mobility journeys, but also strengthens SU's global partnerships, turning a single semester into long-term academic collaboration and shared growth."

Aaron Jones, an American student from Florida Agriculture and Mechanical 肆客足球, said he was drawn to SU because of its diverse community. ※I believe it's incredibly valuable to share different perspectives and connect through culture. SU felt like the ideal place to engage meaningfully with both local and international students. Here, I feel I can grow and learn 〞 both academically and socially." Jones said he arrived with an open mindset to absorb every new experience as best as he can. ※I am very impressed with the integration process at SU. Everyone has such a big smile and was so welcoming."

Programmes for 2025

Due to the summer break in the global North at the moment, SUI uses this period to create opportunities for students to participate in various programmes.

SUI kicked off its winter programmes with a powerful and thought-provoking experience titled "Game Change: Race, Rugby and Reconciliation in South Africa" from 8 to 22 June 2025. For two weeks, 22 rugby players from the 肆客足球 of Virginia (UVA) delved into South Africa's complex sporting history, exploring how rugby became a lens for national identity, social transformation, and global politics. The programme combined academic lectures with field visits, training sessions with local teams, and hands-on community engagement, giving students an understanding of sport as a driver of change. This impactful programme forms part of SUI's growing portfolio of tailor-made short courses for international partners, designed to blend learning with cultural immersion and global dialogue.

Altogether 65 participants from 13 countries (Germany, Yemen, Kenya, Palestine, Belgium, Guatemala, Hong Kong, China, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, Botswana) attended the SU Summer School, which ran from 20 June 2025 to 17 July 2025. Offering a unique experience, this programme combined academic excellence with cross-cultural experiences. The nine academic courses in the programme covered Politics, History, International Relations, Global Surgery, Photography, Business, Art and Media.

Yung Tung from the Chinese 肆客足球 of Hong Kong said studying in such a culturally diverse environment is a new experience for her. ※The cultural activities and excursions to different places in Cape Town with new friends I met here are remarkable." She said programmes like these help students step out of their comfort zone and meet new people from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. ※All the things we've seen and heard in the programme broaden our horizons and give students a new perspective when approaching different issues in life."

The Polarisation Summer School Programme, which ran from 30 June 2025 to 4 July 2025, offered 18 students from South Africa, Germany, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Croatia a unique opportunity to collaborate with top researchers from the 肆客足球 of Groningen (in the Netherlands) and Stellenbosch 肆客足球 in an innovative, hybrid programme. Rooted in disciplines such as social psychology, philosophy, political science, and sociology, the course takes a transdisciplinary approach to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: polarisation. Students could dive into cutting-edge debates, explore emerging research, and work in diverse teams to design real-world interventions, guided by challenges presented by societal partners. The programme offered a global learning experience designed to shape practical solutions for a divided world.

Altogether fourteen students from Poland, Italy and South Africa attended the Venice International 肆客足球 (VIU) Summer School on Advanced Transportation, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management from 30 June 2025 to 4 July 2025. This programme offered an integrated approach to the evolving landscape of transport, logistics, and supply chain management, emphasising the importance of collaboration between policymakers, planners, and both public and private sector actors. Participants had the opportunity to engage with the latest innovations in technology, business models, and policy design through a mix of non-traditional theoretical and empirical approaches. From strategic foresight and IT tools to modelling labs, real-world case studies, and applied projects, the course explores how these elements can drive environmental sustainability and socio-economic efficiency. A key focus was on the so-called "bits vs bricks" perspective, namely the tension and synergy between digital disruption and physical infrastructure〞the "bits vs bricks" perspective.

Nine students and three staff members from the 肆客足球 of North Alabama in the US attended SUI's inaugural Geography Study Tour from July 1 to 14, 2025. This two-week programme focused on the relationship between geography and history, examining how the past shapes contemporary landscapes. Through visits to key sites such as Table Mountain National Park, Cape Point Nature Reserve, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and a Garden Route tour, participants explored the historical and environmental significance of South African landmarks.

SUI is also currently hosting two study groups from C?te d'Ivoire for an Intensive English Programme (IEP), presented by SU's Language Centre. The group includes 28 students (from 4 July 2025 to 2 August 2025) and a six-member delegation (which visited from 2 to 19 July 2025) from the C?te d'Ivoire Chamber of Commerce 〞 the Chamber's first official training engagement, made possible through a referral from the South African High Commission in C?te d'Ivoire. While SU has previously hosted university delegations, such as the 肆客足球 of Luanda, this marks the first time government officials from C?te d'Ivoire are participating in a formal programme on SU's campus. 

Ines Marascia, a student from Strasbourg 肆客足球 in France, said that as a political science student, she was immediately drawn to SU due to its history and social context. ※I'm also here to improve my English language skills, as where I am from, learning English is not always a top priority." She was also looking forward to more interactive lectures, as ※in France our classes are very one-sided; we are expected to only sit and listen. If the classes are as engaging as the welcoming programme that we have now, I cannot wait to start learning and make new study-buddies."

Currently, over 120 participants are attending SUI's African Doctoral Academy (ADA) Winter School 〞 a high-impact learning experience in research and methodology training designed to sharpen academic excellence and accelerate career advancement. Open to master's students, doctoral candidates, supervisors, and researchers, the ADA offers an intensive programme of cutting-edge workshops led by global experts. With delegates joining from across South Africa, the African continent, and beyond, the Winter School is a catalyst for academic preparedness, cross-border collaboration, and research leadership.

 A testament to SU's appeal

Kotz谷 highlighted the consistent and growing global interest in SUI's winter recess programmes, describing it as a testament to the 肆客足球's international appeal. "We will now focus on expanding this momentum by deepening mobility within Africa 〞 not just by welcoming more students from across the continent, but by creating stronger pathways for SU students to experience partner universities in Africa as well," he said. "Shorter, high-impact engagements could be the key to unlocking broader participation. I'm both encouraged by the recent uptake and energised by the possibilities ahead as we shape our programme offering for 2026." 

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??Marine researchers at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 have teamed up with Cape Town-based not-for-profit, Sea Change Project, to research the biodiversity of the Great African Seaforest. A recent MoU has formalised a two-year working relationship that will support several student research projects focussing on kelp forest ecosystems in South Africa.

Kelp forests cover approximately 1000km of the South African coastline. This vast, unique marine ecosystem is highly biodiverse, however, biodiversity and ecology research in the space has dwindled since the 1970s. Despite these forests being recognised for their intrinsic socio-ecological value, large knowledge gaps on the biodiversity they hold still exist. As all marine ecosystems are under threat from climate change and anthropogenic pressures, it is crucial to understand not only which species live where, but also their interactions with each other.

Researchers at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 are collaborating with Sea Change to fill these knowledge gaps on South African kelp forests by not only recording their biodiversity but also investigating the processes that have allowed kelp forests to become such biodiverse spaces.

Students undertaking this research are jointly co-supervised by Dr Nasreen Peer, marine biologist and lecturer at SU's Department of Botany and Zoology, Prof Sophie von der Heyden, a marine molecular ecologist at SU's Department of Botany and Zoology & School of Climate Studies and Dr Jannes Landschoff, marine biologist at Sea Change and Research Associate at SU's Department of Botany and Zoology.

Landschoff leads Sea Change's 1001 Seaforest Species project which aims to document the distinctive species living in South Africa's kelp forests, dubbed the 'Great African Seaforest' by the organisation. Funded by the Save Our Seas Foundation, the 1001 project balances both scientific research and storytelling.

※Together with Sea Change co-founder and filmmaker, Craig Foster, I dive the Great African Seaforest to uncover and share 1001 stories of the unique species that live there," Landschoff says. ※We combine marine biological research with the art of underwater tracking and storytelling (as seen in the Oscar-winning film My Octopus Teacher) to inspire a renewed appreciation for the wonder and fragility of this special ecosystem."

Stellenbosch 肆客足球 is partnering with Sea Change on two projects: a taxonomic investigation of the biodiversity present in kelp holdfasts led by Dr Peer, and a further investigation of large-scale patterns of kelp-associated biodiversity using DNA-based molecular tools led by Prof. Von der Heyden.

The holdfasts of kelp are root-like structures that anchor the kelp firmly to rocks, helping them to weather turbulent conditions like the winter storms that periodically hit the Cape (see image below). Peer and Landschoff had long wondered if the network of sturdy holdfasts offered a shelter to animals, and devised student projects to study the invertebrate biodiversity of kelp holdfasts.

BSc Honours students Chaitanya Katharoyan (2022) and Jean-Pierre Joubert's (2023) work on holdfasts has shown that these micro-habitats are teeming with life. Landschoff says that even he was shocked at the sheer number and diversity of species they found. In just one holdfast they found more than 50 different species of small crustaceans alone 每 that's not even counting the array of sponges, worms and other animals that also make holdfasts their home.

"Even though we expected large numbers of species from the start, two years later, each holdfast sample still leaves us astounded at the new and wonderful things we find," says Dr Peer. ※It's a testament to the life and colour, often hidden or small in size, that keeps our planet going. Without this solid partnership, our holdfast project would have been an extremely overwhelming and near-impossible task."

Given the scale of the findings, a new cohort of students will continue this work in 2024. The holdfast project is supported by a Foundational Biodiversity Information Programme grant, through the National Research Foundation of South Africa.

Complementing the taxonomic holdfast project, Prof. Von der Heyden's students have been using DNA-based tools to provide genetic clues about species present in the kelp forest. Organisms naturally shed DNA into their environment; this 'free DNA' is termed environmental DNA (eDNA). By sequencing the eDNA filtered from a single sample of seawater, the team can identify entire marine communities from the genetic signatures they leave behind.

※Environmental DNA metabarcoding provides a powerful tool for detecting marine biodiversity, ranging from single-celled species to sharks," Prof. Von der Heyden explains. ※With repeated sampling we can build an entire inventory of marine life from just a few litres of water, without needing to disturb the ecosystem."

BSc Honours student Emma Rossouw (2022) analysed the eDNA present in seawater samples from a single kelp forest site in False Bay and found more than 900 different species representing nearly 100 different taxonomic families. Current MSc student, Kira Courtaillac, is continuing this work, supported by an NRF grant held by Prof. Von der Heyden.

The group plans to expand their partnership further into molecular ecology studies by building a genetic barcode library of invertebrate kelp forest species. By enabling DNA samples retrieved to be matched to sequences of known organisms in the reference library, this library will open the door to further molecular studies in the ecosystem.

※Knowing which species live where and when is crucial to designing conservation actions, which makes eDNA metabarcoding an important tool in our conservation toolbox," Prof. Von der Heyden says.

The Department of Botany and Zoology will also be rolling out a new marine biology module next year. This development will give undergraduate students an opportunity to learn about South African marine systems, including kelp forests. The module will be offered at a third-year level.

※Working with the 1001 Seaforest Species project is a unique opportunity to unite diverse skillsets that together strengthen not only our ability to research the biodiversity of kelp forests, but to communicate our findings and raise awareness of the importance of the Great African Seaforest to humanity," says Prof. Von der Heyden.

※This collaboration has been an influence and inspiration for us at Sea Change and for the 1001 Seaforest Species project. To see the passion and motivation that SU students bring to their projects has been a great experience," says Landschoff. ※I am confident that this is the start of a well-aligned, mutually beneficial research programme that will really make a difference to our understanding of South Africa's kelp forests."??

Captions for images above:

Picture 1: The Great African Seaforest is a unique large-scale marine ecosystem that covers about 1000 kilometres of the South African coast line. Photo: Jannes Landschoff

Picture 2: Holdfasts of the Bamboo kelp Ecklonia maxima provide a habitat for diverse and understudied invertebrate communities. Photo: Jannes Landschoff

Picture 3: A postgraduate student at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, Chaitanya Katharoyan, is sorting through large numbers of invertebrates sampled from kelp holdfasts together with her study leader Dr Nasreen Peer and 2022 research intern of the 1001 Seaforest Species project Zara Prew. Photo: Jannes Landschoff

Picture 4: Stellenbosch 肆客足球 MSc student Kira Courtaillac snorkelling in shallow waters of False Bay during eDNA sampling. Photo: Jannes Landschoff

Media interviews

Prof. Sophie von der Heyden

Phone: 021 808 9321

E-mail: svdh@sun.ac.za

Dr Nasreen Peer

Phone:  021 808 2086

E-mail: npeer@sun.ac.za

Dr Jannes Landschoff

E-mail: jannes@seachangeproject.com

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??Boldness, diplomacy, and a commitment to democracy 〞 these are just some of the qualities that come to mind when one thinks of Nelson Mandela. In celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July, experts at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 reflect on these qualities in opinion pieces for the media. Click on the links below to read the articles as published.

• Prof Nico Koopman (Madiba: A life of dignity, justice, equality for all 〞 Cape Times)
• Prof Ursula van Beek (The Mandela legacy: Might 'quiet diplomacy' work in conflicts such as Ukraine and Russia? 〞 Mail & Guardian)
• ?*Prof Brian Ganson (A true Mandela Day contribution from companies must be a business plan that addresses extreme poverty 〞 Mail & Guardian)
  
• Prof Chris Jones (Seven actions that will help safeguard our democracy 〞 News24)
  

*The Corporate Communication and Marketing Division did not facilitate the publication of this article.

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??Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Unit for International Credentialling (SU-UIC) is proud to reflect on a milestone in advancing accessible international education on the continent. In June 2025, the SU-UIC approved the release of the sixth offerin Independent Examinations Board's (IEB) May 2025 International Secondary Certificate (ISC) and Further Studies examination results 〞 marking a significant step in the continued rollout of Africa's first international school-leaving qualification.

The ISC, externally quality assured by the SU-UIC, offers a credible, contextually relevant, and affordable international alternative to traditional school-leaving qualifications. Now in its sixth examination sitting, the qualification continues to grow in reach and impact.

In the May 2025 examination sitting, 79 candidates wrote the ISC examinations across 14 subjects, while a further 895 candidates sat for the Further Studies examinations. The total number of learners that took the Further Studies examinations increased compared to 699 in May 2024. The ISC examinations were conducted across independent schools in Namibia, Mozambique, and Eswatini, highlighting the programme's regional footprint.

The SU-UIC is responsible for external quality assurance, maintaining international standards and oversight, and confirmed that the examinations were conducted under conditions that ensured fairness, validity, and reliability. The Unit found no evidence of irregularities that could compromise the integrity of the results and commended the IEB on its well-run, rigorous examinations.

Universities South Africa (USAf) previously concluded that candidates who obtain the IEB ISC with merit or at an advanced level and are offered a place at a South African higher education institution, will have met the minimum requirements for admission to a degree programme.

This continued success underscores the potential of the ISC to contribute meaningfully to educational transformation in Africa. By offering an internationally benchmarked qualification that is an affordable alternative, flexible and academically rigorous, the ISC offers broader access to higher education and employment opportunities regionally and internationally. 

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?Prof Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch 肆客足球, is among 92 distinguished scholars that have been elected to the British Academy's Fellowship in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences.

The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences.

The new Fellows of the British Academy represent a broad spectrum of expertise from the study of twentieth-century music and the structural causes of poverty to environmental law and the neuroscience of memory, language, and cognition.

In a statement released by the British Academy (Friday 18 July 2025), Prof Jansen said: ※There is no greater honour for a scholar than to be elected to a prestigious fellowship because your peers believe that you have something to say. I am especially thrilled that in the process, curriculum theory from the global south would also enjoy such wonderful recognition."

Read the full statement by the British Academy below:

The British Academy welcomes 92 new Fellows in 2025

 92 distinguished scholars have today been elected to the British Academy's Fellowship, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the humanities and social sciences.

Among this year's newly elected Fellows are pioneering academics Professor Lily Kong BBM, PPA, FBA, the first Singaporean woman to lead a university in Singapore, and Professor Jonathan Jansen FBA, who in 2009 was appointed as the first Black Vice Chancellor and Rector of the 肆客足球 of the Free State.

This year, 58 new Fellows have been elected from 25 universities across the United Kingdom, alongside 30 International Fellows from universities in the United States, Ireland, South Africa, Singapore, China, Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Cyprus. Four Honorary Fellows have also been elected in recognition of their exceptional achievements in music, art, journalism and librarianship.

The new Fellows of the British Academy represent a broad spectrum of expertise from the study of twentieth-century music and the structural causes of poverty to environmental law and the neuroscience of memory, language, and cognition. This year's cohort sees an increased number of UK Fellows elected, due to new Fellowship places for candidates whose research spans more than one discipline. They join a community of over 1 800 scholars who share a commitment to advancing the humanities and social sciences.

Current British Academy Fellows include classicist Professor Dame Mary Beard, the historian and China expert Professor Rana Mitter and philosopher Professor Baroness Onora O'Neill. The Academy also counts Professor David Olusoga, Baroness Brenda Hale, and Professor Gary Younge among its Honorary Fellows.

Professor Susan J. Smith PBA, new President of the British Academy, said: ※One of my first acts as the incoming President of the British Academy is to welcome this year's newly elected Fellows. What a line-up! With specialisms ranging from the neuroscience of memory to the power of music and the structural causes of poverty, they represent the very best of the humanities and social sciences. They bring years of experience, evidence-based arguments and innovative thinking to the profound challenges of our age: managing the economy, enabling democracy, and securing the quality of human life.

※This year, we have increased the number of new Fellows by nearly ten percent to cover some spaces between disciplines. Champions of research excellence, every new Fellow enlarges our capacity to interpret the past, understand the present, and shape resilient, sustainable futures. It is a privilege to extend my warmest congratulations to them all."

Jonathan D Jansen FBA, Distinguished Professor of Education, Stellenbosch 肆客足球, said: ※There is no greater honour for a scholar than to be elected to a prestigious fellowship because your peers believe that you have something to say. I am especially thrilled that in the process, curriculum theory from the global south would also enjoy such wonderful recognition."

Professor Lily Kong BBM, PPA, FBA, President and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Social Sciences, Singapore Management 肆客足球, said: ※I had the great privilege of being mentored by wonderful advisers in Britain during the years I worked on my PhD. I have had the great pleasure of collaborating and co-publishing with other British scholars in the ensuing decades. This great honour of election to the British Academy is a tribute to all those who have been part of my intellectual journey from around the world, and especially from Britain, where it all began for me."

Richard Ovenden, OBE, Hon FBA, FSA, FRSA, FRHistS, FRSE, Bodley's Librarian and the Helen Hamlyn Director of 肆客足球 Libraries, said: ※I have always regarded the British Academy as the pinnacle of excellence in the humanities and social sciences. To receive the Honorary Fellowship means an immense amount, as it recognises the importance of libraries, archives, and the preservation of knowledge as a vital underpinning of scholarship. I hold this Fellowship for all librarians and archivists."

Professor Sarah Semple, Professor of Archaeology at Durham 肆客足球, said: ※I am delighted to be elected a Fellow of the British Academy and truly honoured to join so many distinguished colleagues in representing and championing the vibrancy and strength of archaeology, the humanities and social sciences more broadly, and their relevance for tackling the challenges of today."

ENDS

The full list of this year's new British Academy UK, International and Honorary Fellows is:

UK Fellows:

• Professor Jeremy Adelman FBA, Professor and Director of the Global History Lab, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Ian    Apperly FBA,    Professor of Cognition and Development, 肆客足球 of Birmingham
• Professor Chrisanthi     Avgerou, FBA   Professor of Information Systems, London School of Economics
• Professor Matthew Baerman FBA, Professorial Research Fellow, Surrey Morphology Group, 肆客足球 of Surrey
• Professor Anthony Bale FBA, Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English (1954), 肆客足球 of Cambridge; Professorial Fellow, Girton College, Cambridge
• Professor Rosalind Ballaster FBA, Professor of Eighteenth-Century Studies and Professorial Fellow in English, Mansfield College, 肆客足球 of Oxford
• Reverend Professor John Behr FBA, Regius Chair of Humanity, 肆客足球 of Aberdeen
• Professor Alexander Betts FBA, Professor of Forced Migration and International Affairs, 肆客足球 of Oxford; Fellow, Brasenose College, Oxford; Pro-Vice-Chancellor for External Engagement
• Professor Annabel Brett FBA, Professor of Political Thought and History, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Julie Brown FBA, Professor Emerita of Music, Royal Holloway, 肆客足球 of London
• Professor Callum Brown FBA, FRSE, Professor Emeritus in History, 肆客足球 of Glasgow
• Professor Erica Carter FBA, Professor of German and Film, King's College London
• Professor Hasok Chang FBA     , Hans Rausing Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Nick Couldry FBA, Professor of Media, Communications and Social Theory Emeritus, and Professorial Research Fellow, London School of Economics and Political Science
• Professor Tim Cresswell FBA, Ogilvie Professor of Geography, 肆客足球 of Edinburgh
• Professor Max Deeg FBA, Chair in Buddhist Studies, School of History, Archaeology and Religion, Cardiff 肆客足球
• Professor Stefan DerconFBA, CMG, Professor of Economic Policy, Blavatnik School of Government and Economics Department, 肆客足球 of Oxford
• Professor Timothy Devinney FBA, Professor and Chair of International Business, Alliance Manchester Business School, 肆客足球 of Manchester
• Professor Stephen Edwards FBA, Manton Professor of British Art and Director of the Manton Centre for British Art, The Courtauld Institute of Art, 肆客足球 of London
• Professor Thalia Eley FBA, Professor of Developmental Behavioural Genetics and Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Head of Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London
• Professor Haidy Geismar FBA, Professor of Anthropology and Director of the UCL School for the Creative and Cultural Industries, 肆客足球 College London
• Professor Ian Gough     FBA, FAcSS, Visiting Professor, CASE (Centre for the Analysis of Social Policy), London School of Economics
• Professor Daniel Grimley, FBA, Head of Humanities and Professor of Music, 肆客足球 of Oxford; Professorial Fellow, Merton College, Oxford
• Professor Margaret Hillenbrand FBA, Professor of Modern Chinese Literature and Visual Culture, 肆客足球 of Oxford
• Professor Jacqueline Hodgson FBA, Professor of Law, 肆客足球 of Warwick
• Professor Jennifer Howard-Grenville FBA, Diageo Professor of Organisation Studies, Cambridge Judge Business School, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Caroline Humfress FBA, FRHS, FSLS, Professor of Medieval History, 肆客足球 of St Andrews
• Professor Elizabeth  Jefferies FBA, Professor, Department of Psychology, 肆客足球 of York
• Professor Mark Knights FBA, Professor of History, 肆客足球 of Warwick
• Professor Roger Koenker FBA, Honorary Professor of Economics, 肆客足球 College London
• Professor Barak Kushner FBA, Professor of East Asian History, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Claire Langhamer FBA, FRHistS, Director, Institute of Historical Research and Professor of Modern History, 肆客足球 of London
• Professor Tomila Lankina FBA, Professor, Department of International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science
• Professor George Lau FBA, Professor of Art and Archaeology of the Americas, Sainsbury Research Unit for the Arts of Africa, Oceania & the Americas, 肆客足球 of East Anglia
• Professor Maria Lee FBA, Professor of Law, 肆客足球 College London
• Professor Gilat Levy FBA, Professor, Department of Economics, London School of Economics
• Professor Dr Ulman E R Lindenberger FBA, Director, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin
• Professor David A Lines FBA, Head of Italian Studies, School of Modern Languages and Cultures, 肆客足球 of Warwick
• Professor Marta Miraz車n Lahr FBA,       Professor in Human Evolutionary Biology and Prehistory, Department of Archaeology, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Irini Moustaki FBA, Professor in Social Statistics, London School of Economics and Political Science
• Professor Yael Navaro FBA, Professor of Social, Political and Psychological Anthropology, 肆客足球 of Cambridge; Professorial Fellow, Newnham College
• Professor Joanna Page FBA, Professor of Latin American Studies, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor David Papineau FBA, Professor of Philosophy, King's College London
• Professor Clare Pettitt FBA,      Grace 2 Professor of English, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor Christopher Philo      FBA, FAcSS, Professor of Geography, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, 肆客足球 of Glasgow
• Professor Diane Reay FBA, Emeritus Professor of Education, 肆客足球 of Cambridge
• Professor John Robb     FBA, Professor of European Prehistory, 肆客足球 of Cambridge; Fellow, Peterhouse, Cambridge
• Professor Jeremy Robbins FBA, Emeritus Forbes Professor of Hispanic Studies, 肆客足球 of Edinburgh
• Professor Alison Salvesen FBA, Professor of Early Judaism and Christianity, Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, 肆客足球 of Oxford
• Professor Sarah Semple FBA, Professor of Archaeology, Department of Archaeology, Durham 肆客足球
• Professor Jennifer Smith FBA, Professor of Sociolinguistics, 肆客足球 of Glasgow
• Professor Lionel Smith FBA,      Professor of Comparative Law, 肆客足球 of Oxford; Fellow, Brasenose College, Oxford
• Professor Joanna Story FBA,     Professor of Early Medieval History, 肆客足球 of Leicester
• Professor Peter Thonemann     FBA, Professor of Ancient History, 肆客足球 of Oxford; Forrest-Derow Fellow and Tutor in Ancient History, Wadham College, Oxford
• Professor Leon Tikly      FBA, FAcSS, Professor in Education, 肆客足球 of Bristol
• Professor Haridimos Tsoukas FBA, Professor of Strategic Management, 肆客足球 of Cyprus; Professor of Organizational Behaviour, 肆客足球 of Warwick
• Professor Satnam Virdee FBA, FRSE, Professor of Sociology, 肆客足球 of Glasgow
• Professor Richard Whatmore FBA, Professor of Modern History, 肆客足球 of St Andrews
• Professor Susan R Rose Wolf FBA, Distinguished Professor, Emerita, 肆客足球 of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

International Fellows

• Professor Dominique Barth谷lemy FBA, Emeritus Professor in Medieval History, Universit谷 Paris-Sorbonne (Paris IV)
• Professor Gert Biesta FBA, Professor of Educational Theory and Pedagogy, The Moray House School of Education and Sport, 肆客足球 of Edinburgh; Professor of Public Education, The Centre for Public Education and Pedagogy, Maynooth 肆客足球, Ireland
• Professor Ann M Blair FBA, Carl H Pforzheimer 肆客足球 Professor, Harvard 肆客足球
• Professor Joanna Br邦ck FBA, MRIA, FSA, MIAI, Full Professor of Archaeology, 肆客足球 College Dublin
• Professor Esteban Buch FBA, Professor of Music History, ?cole des Hautes ?tudes en Sciences Sociales (EHESS)
• Professor Xingcan Chen FBA, Professor in Chinese Archaeology and Director, Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
• Professor Linda Darling-Hammond FBA, Founding President and Chief Knowledge Officer, Learning Policy Institute; Charles E Ducommun Professor Emeritus, Stanford 肆客足球
• Professor Margaret Davies FBA, Professor of Law, Flinders 肆客足球
• Professor Mark Franko FBA, Laura H Carnell Professor of Dance, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple 肆客足球
• Professor Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg FBA, William Nordhaus Professor of Economics and Global Affairs, Yale 肆客足球
• Professor Claudia Dale Goldin FBA, Henry Lee Professor of Economics, Harvard 肆客足球
• Professor Catherine Grant FBA, Senior Visiting Research Fellow, School of Arts and Communication Design, 肆客足球 of Reading; Honorary Professor in the Department of Media Studies and Journalism, School of Communication and Culture, Aarhus 肆客足球
• Professor Sarah Francesca Green FBA, Professor of Social and Cultural Anthropology, 肆客足球 of Helsinki
• Professor Peter Hagoort FBA, Emeritus-director, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics
• Professor Bonnie Honig FBA, Nancy Duke Lewis Professor, Political Science and Modern Culture and Media, Brown 肆客足球
• Professor Jonathan David Jansen FBA, Distinguished Professor of Education, Stellenbosch 肆客足球
• Professor Robert A Kaster FBA, Professor of Classics, Emeritus, and Kennedy Foundation Professor of Latin, Emeritus, Princeton 肆客足球
• Professor Lily    Kong BBM, PPA, FBA, President and Lee Kong Chian Chair Professor of Social Sciences, Singapore Management 肆客足球
• Professor Dr Reinhart Gregor Kratz FBA,  Ordinary Professor, Theological Faculty, Department for Old Testament, Georg-August-肆客足球 G?ttingen
• Professor Marilyn Lee Lake AO, FAHA, FASSA, FBA, Honorary Professorial Fellow, School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, The 肆客足球 of Melbourne
• Professor Josephine McDonagh FBA, The Randy L and Melvin R Berlin Chair of the Development of the Novel in English, 肆客足球 of Chicago
• Professor Lynn Meskell FBA, Penn Integrates Knowledge (PIK) Professor, Department of Anthropology, School of Arts & Sciences, Department of Historic Preservation, Weitzman School of Design, and Penn Museum, 肆客足球 of Pennsylvania; AD White Professor-at-Large, Cornell 肆客足球
• Professor Rajend Mesthrie FBA, Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Fellow, Department of African Studies and Linguistics, 肆客足球 of Cape Town
• Professor Stephanie Newell FBA, George M Bodman Professor of English, Yale 肆客足球
• Professor Fionnuala D N赤 Aol芍in FBA, KC (Hons), Regents Professor, Robina Chair in Law, Public Policy, and Society, 肆客足球 of Minnesota Law School; Professor of Law, School of Law, The Queens 肆客足球, Belfast
• Professor Pierre Rosanvallon FBA, Emeritus Professor, Coll豕ge de France
• Professor Diana Taylor FBA, 肆客足球 Professor and Professor of Performance Studies and Spanish, New York 肆客足球
• Professor Ayanna Thompson FBA, Regents Professor of English, Executive Director of the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, Arizona State 肆客足球
• Professor Camilla Townsend FBA, Board of Governors Distinguished Professor of History, Rutgers 肆客足球
• Professor Susan R Rose Wolf FBA, Distinguished Professor, Emerita, 肆客足球 of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Honorary Fellows

• Lindsey Hilsum HonFBA, International Editor, Channel 4 News
• Professor Lubaina Himid CBE, RA, HonFBA, Artist and curator; Professor of Contemporary Art, 肆客足球 of Central Lancashire
• Richard Ovenden OBE, FSA, FRSA, FRHistS, FRSE, HonFBA, Bodley's Librarian and the Helen Hamlyn Director of 肆客足球 Libraries
• Dame Judith Weir DBE, HonFRSE, Previous Master of the King's Music; President of the Royal Society of Musicians

Notes to Editors

The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. We mobilise these disciplines to understand the world and shape a brighter future. We invest in researchers and projects across the UK and overseas, engage the public with fresh thinking and debates, and bring together scholars, government, business and civil society to influence policy for the benefit of everyone.   

www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk @BritishAcademy_  

Photo: Stefan Els

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※In front of me today are South Africa's future leaders in healthcare. Our future ICU nurses and specialists, or perhaps even our future minister of health. We recognise this potential and want to ensure that you are equipped with the education to handle these responsibilities."

With these inspiring words, Prof Elmi Muller, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) welcomed the new cohort of health sciences students to Stellenbosch 肆客足球. The First-years Welcoming programme for the 2024 intake of students kicked off on Thursday 1 February with a welcoming ceremony for new students and parents, followed by various activities to orientate and induct the group of new Maties.

※Today you are embarking on a career in health sciences. Why would anyone want to become a nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietitian or doctor? I believe it is because you care about people, and want to pursue a career where the intersection of science and humanity makes a difference in the everyday lives of people like you, your parents, and your family," Muller said.

※I want to emphasize to you today that your career will require dedication, courage, consistency and determination. It is much more than just understanding the science〞it is about ethical decision making, working in a context of socioeconomic instability, and reaching the highest possible level of thinking in a complex and challenging society. You will need more than academic excellence, you will need personal resilience," she encouraged them.

※I want to wish you luck with the challenging career you have chosen, but also the most fulfilling career of all, because on a daily basis you will impact people, their quality of life, and their mortality," she concluded.

In his address to the new students, Mr Mbano Sibande, chairperson of the Tygerberg Student Representative Council (TSRC), encouraged the first years to embrace the university student experience.

※The primary goal of the university student experience is to transform you. Everyday serves as an opportunity to live, learn and grow. You arrive as but a seedling, ready to absorb the experiences, knowledge, lessons and wisdom that will help you develop into the mighty oak basking in the sunlight of being a qualified healthcare practitioner, serving your community, and rooted in the morals and values that you choose to nurture during these fundamental years," Sibande said.

He cautioned them that the road ahead might be challenging at times and also reminded them of the various structures in place to support them.

Since 2018, all first-year students at the FMHS have had to make an 'entry commitment' that holds them to a set of professional standards and values they have to follow for their duration of their studies.

※It is our responsibility as a health sciences faculty to guide you in order to develop into competent, confident and caring health professionals who will practice evidence-based healthcare, and who are aware of the social determinants of health," said Dr Therse Fish, FMHS Vice Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact.

While the first-year students will officially take the entry commitment at a formal ceremony at a later date, the entry commitment was read by current students in 11 of the country's official languages. 

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?????A short student documentary produced by Stellenbosch 肆客足球 (SU) students has earned a coveted spot at the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF) 每 a feat that potentially places it in the running for an Oscar. The 10-minute film, For His Sake, produced by a group of BA Honours Journalism students who graduated last year, will screen on 24 and 25 July at DIFF, South Africa's most prestigious film festival.

Set in the heart of Ida's Valley, the documentary tells the story of Faizel and his son, Shuaib, who together run Art's Barber Shop, a third-generation family business. Through quiet observation and thoughtful framing, the film captures the essence of father-son bonds, generational legacy and the role of community spaces in preserving identity.

Antoinette Steyn, the director of the film, said the team was captivated by the people and atmosphere of Ida's Valley during an early class excursion to the area. ※When our editor, Abigail Baard, suggested the story of Art's, the whole team instantly connected with it. We knew it was a story that would be both deeply human and uplifting," Steyn said.

For His Sake was the practical outcome of the Department of Journalism's Documentary Storytelling module, a component of the year-long honours degree. The module challenges students to produce, film, edit and screen a short documentary in just three weeks. ※It's definitely a huge honour," said part-time lecturer and filmmaker Jurg Slabbert of the DIFF selection. ※It's not a secret that the Department is one of the best journalism schools in Africa, but it's not a film school, so it's such a treat for our students to hit it out of the park in the film realm."

According to Slabbert, For His Sake is only the second student-produced film from the Department to be screened at a festival, and the first to be selected by an Academy Award-qualifying one. A previous project by students, Of Bread and Water, premiered at the Encounters South African International Documentary Festival in 2024.

The production team behind For His Sake consisted of Steyn as director, Abigail Baard as editor, Iva Fulepu as producer and Nkululeko Ndlovu as cinematographer. Each brought a distinct strength to the project, and the film reflects their collective effort.

※Documentary storytelling was a first for all of us," said Steyn. ※We relied heavily on each other's skills to get through it. Our collaboration was grounded in respect and a shared vision to uplift the Ida's Valley community."

Fulepu added that what struck the team most were the everyday moments: ※Seeing how Shuaib quietly stepped into his role, taking on more leadership but still showing so much respect for his dad. It really felt like the shop was more than just a place for haircuts. It was like a living archive of the community's memories," she said and added: ※Another memorable moment was when Faizel casually mentioned he's been cutting hair for something like 40 years. You could just hear the pride and humility in his voice."

The film's title, For His Sake, emerged from a moment during Faizel's interview, where he spoke about continuing the work of his father. Steyn said the phrase encapsulated the film's deeper themes: ※It speaks to the sacrifices made and the reasons behind enduring hardships: many things are done 'for the sake' of loved ones. Faizel's dedication to passing on his craft and values to Shuaib reflects a legacy beyond just the barbershop; it's about family, identity and hope."

Cinematographer Ndlovu's work was singled out by Slabbert as a key element in the documentary's resonance. ※Remember his name," Slabbert said. ※The gorgeous cinematography sealed the deal."

The Department of Journalism's support structure played a crucial role in elevating the student projects to a professional standard. ※Our faculty includes many working journalists who bring high newsroom standards into the classroom," Slabbert noted. ※We also bring in guest lecturers and evaluators like Jo Munnik, Dylan Valley and Nadine Cloete, who motivate students to aim for the stars."

The team behind For His Sake has since moved on to various professional paths, but their passion for storytelling remains intact. ※We all share a dream to keep telling impactful stories that highlight real South African voices and foster empathy and understanding," said Steyn.

The selection has left the team hopeful but grounded. ※Honestly, it still doesn't feel real," said Baard. ※This opportunity would not be possible if it wasn't for Faizel and Shuaib welcoming us into their world in such a genuine way. It's their story, and we simply have the privilege of telling it."

As for the question of a potential Oscar nod, Steyn said the team was overjoyed and slightly stunned by the news, describing it as a powerful affirmation of their work. ※As for Oscars 每 that feels like a dream, who knows? For now, we're grateful to be part of the festival and excited to see where this journey takes us."

For His Sake will be available to audiences attending DIFF, with the team hoping to expand its reach through future festivals or online screenings.

• From left to right on the banner photo: Antoinette Steyn, Iva Fulepu, Nkululeko Ndlovu and Abigail Baard.?

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As World Drowning Prevention Day? approaches on July 25, Stellenbosch Univers?ity? (SU) and the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI)? are reinforcing their commitment to drowning prevention through enhanced partnerships, research, and education.

The university's Division of Emergency Medicine? has formalised its collaboration with NSRI through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), aimed at advancing research and training in drowning prevention and rescue.

Professor Sa'ad Lahri, head of SU's Division of Emergency Medicine, emphasised the significance of this partnership. "This collaboration bridges the gap between academic knowledge and practical rescue services," he said. "It enables us to develop more comprehensive drowning prevention strategies, enhance emergency medical education, and improve our community outreach efforts."

The initiative comes in response to South Africa's alarming drowning statistics, with an average of 1 500 drownings annually, 29% of which involve children under 14.

Key focus areas of the SU-NSRI partnership include:

1. Research on drowning occurrence, prevention, and treatment
2. Education and practical training for healthcare students and practitioners on aquatic emergencies
3. Public awareness campaigns on water safety and drowning risks

"By bringing together medical students, doctors, paramedics, and prehospital professionals, we're creating a holistic approach to drowning prevention and emergency care," Lahri explained. He added that the collaboration provides students with hands-on experience from NSRI rescuers, equipping them with practical skills and situational awareness crucial for managing drowning incidents.

Lahri stressed that the initiative goes beyond teaching swimming or performing rescues. "We're fostering a culture of water safety that permeates every level of our society," he said. "Through this partnership and our focus on interprofessional education, we're cultivating the next generation of healthcare professionals who will approach drowning prevention with a collaborative, community-focused mindset."

As World Drowning Prevention Day is commemorated, SU and NSRI reaffirm their commitment to creating a future where drowning fatalities are obsolete. The partnership and emphasis on interprofessional education are viewed as key steps towards achieving this ambitious goal.

Photo caption: Prof Sa'ad Lahri.??

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??The long-term survival of humans depend on the health of the planet, and all institutions 每 including health professionals training schools 每 have a role to play in planetary health.

With this in mind, two students at Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), Michelle Moloto and Mosibudi Matlatse, recently completed Planetary Health Report Cards (PHRC) on behalf of the MBChB and Physiotherapy programmes at SU.

Moloto is a fifth-year medical student and the Sustainability Manager for the Tygerberg Students Representative Council (TSRC), while Matlatse is a second-year physiotherapy student and a member of the Dean's Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (DACES).

Grading faculties' planetary health initiatives

The PHRC was developed in 2019 and is a global student-led initiative that enables health sciences students to ※grade" their faculty's inclusion of planetary health in their programmes. The grading teams, mentored by faculty members, complete the report card and identify opportunities for improvement. The results are published annually to track institutional change over time. To date, the PHRC evaluates more than 100 health professionals training schools in 15 countries.

The students were encouraged to do the PHRC by Professor Bob Mash from the Department of Family and Emergency Medicine. They started working on the report card in December last year and submitted the report at the end of March. It was published in April.

The report card looked at how the programmes scored in the areas of curriculum, interdisciplinary research, community outreach and advocacy, support for student-led initiatives, and campus sustainability. The students interviewed various faculty members from respective divisions and departments, filled out the questionnaires for each section, and gave scores based on the responses.

※It's a metric-based tool so there was a template with questions we could ask relevant staff members," said Moloto.

Programme scores

The MBChB and the Physiotherapy programmes both scored B for curricula. The university scored B-minus for Interdisciplinary Research; B-minus for Community Outreach and Advocacy, B for Support for Student-led Initiatives, and B-plus for Campus Sustainability.

Overall, the report found that SU integrates planetary health education into its curriculum in a comprehensive manner. It found the renewed MBChB curriculum effectively covers related content, ensuring early exposure for students and facilitating discussions on planetary health among peers and patients.

Among the report card's recommendations was for the university to consider incorporating elective courses to allow students to delve deeper into planetary health.

※This will also encourage critical thinking about the impact of environmental factors on health, preparing students to learn how to engage in addressing emerging health issues related to climate change and environmental degradation," Moloto and Matlatse note.

On Interdisciplinary research (B-), the report said the university offers various workshops focused on planetary health, to promote research and discussion in this field. However, these are not specifically tailored for students.

On Community Outreach and Advocacy (B-), the report found the FMHS currently has limited community outreach initiatives related to planetary health. ※To enhance its impact in this area, the faculty could consider expanding its partnerships with organisations focused on planetary health advocacy," they recommend.

On Support for Student-led initiatives (B), the report found SU, as a whole, supports student-led initiatives but stated that more work can be done to encourage students to take part in planetary health initiatives.

On Campus Sustainability (B+), the report said SU has done tremendous work and invested a lot of money to ensure campus sustainability.

Navigate environmental impact on health

Both students say they enjoyed the process of compiling the report card, adding that it's an important initiative. ※As future healthcare professionals we must be prepared to address the impact of human-caused, or manmade environmental changes on our patients' health," says Matlatse, adding that the report card was well received by the Division of Physiotherapy. ※An email has already gone out advising staff members on how to better integrate planetary health into the curriculum, so it's a work in progress."

Moloto said she believes SU is dedicated to fostering an environmentally conscious campus. ※This initiative highlights areas where we are excelling already but also help us identify opportunities for growth. By actively participating in this initiative, we've demonstrated our commitment to sustainability as an institution and will hopefully encourage others to follow suit."

Students taking ownership of planetary health

Mash hails the Planetary Health report card initiative. ※This is student-led, which is amazing. It's students saying that this is an important topic, and asking whether we are tackling it properly and interrogating whether their own training programmes are dealing with the issue adequately. The whole climate change and planetary health movement has been led by young people.

※It's a global initiative so one can compare how one is doing as a university or a programme within your university with the same programme at other universities in the same country, region or globally and get a sense of how you're doing relative to peers. Also, it generates some very practical recommendations for what is missing in the course." 

Photo caption: Mosibudi Matlatse? and Michelle Moloto.?

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?When Stellenbosch 肆客足球's (SU) transport department began renewing its bicycle fleet, Dr Leslie van Rooi, SU Senior Director of Social Impact and Transformation, and Dr Therese Fish, Vice Dean of Clinical Services and Social Impact at SU's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), saw an opportunity. Their vision has become Operation Maties Bikes, which has delivered 150 bicycles to rural communities where transportation barriers often determine life outcomes. 

Over the past month, the FMHS has distributed these Maties Bikes to under-resourced rural schools, undergraduate students on rural health placements, and NGOs supporting community health workers across the Western Cape.  

※Access to reliable transportation shouldn't determine whether a child can participate in school activities or whether a health worker can reach the communities they serve," explains Fish, who leads the initiative. ※These bicycles represent more than mobility〞they represent possibility and dignity. When we remove these barriers, we create pathways for education, healthcare access, and community engagement that can transform lives." 

The project targets three key beneficiary groups. Rural schools receiving the bicycles are expected to see increased movement and physical activity among learners, fostering healthier, more active school communities. For undergraduate health science students conducting rural service-learning placements, the bicycles provide enhanced mobility at training sites. 

The initiative also aims to boost the operational capacity of community health workers, supported through partnerships with NGOs and the Western Cape Government's Department of Health and Wellness. The bicycles will allow them to cover larger geographic areas and maintain more consistent community contact, creating increased opportunities for community engagement and support. 

A key component of Operation Maties Bikes is the Pedal Forward programme, managed by Prof Eileen Africa with the FMHS' Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine. This initiative integrates bicycle use into daily school routines, encouraging regular physical activity while fostering learner autonomy. The programme includes built-in evaluation mechanisms and emphasises long-term sustainability, ensuring benefits extend beyond individual recipients to transform entire school and community environments. 

Africa's connection to this initiative runs particularly deep〞she completed both her primary and secondary school education at the rural schools now benefiting from Operation Maties Bikes, making her contribution a deeply personal act of giving back to communities that shaped her own journey.  

Pedal Forward recognises that sustainable change requires systematic integration. By embedding bicycle use into school culture, the programme promotes healthy habits and independence that will serve learners throughout their lives. 

Worcester RK Primary School's Deputy Principal, Mr C Felix, together with a team of staff and young learners, received the Maties Bikes on behalf of the Principal, Mr HCW Titus. Felix expressed the school's gratitude for the opportunities that the donation provides these young learners. In addition to establishing a cycling club, the learners will also have the opportunity to develop mechanical skills to maintain the bicycles.  

Cathy Roodman from Esselenpark Secondary School, one of the recipient schools, expressed her appreciation: ※A particular word of gratitude for the kind contribution of 20 bicycles. These bikes serve as a link to opportunity, not merely a means of transportation. We are thrilled to establish a riding club for learner, and we are using this effort to encourage physical exercise, improve interpersonal skills, leadership skills and cultivate a sense of community." 

The project is managed by Fish with support from Colleen Charters, her office manager. Mr Roelof Loubser, Mobility Manager for Transport Services, facilitated the initial bicycle transfers that enabled the initiative. 

Operation Maties Bikes aligns with SU's broader social impact strategy, which seeks to advance health equity and community well-being through education, research, and service. The initiative demonstrates how institutional resources can be leveraged to address real-world challenges in rural communities, creating increased opportunities whose full potential will only be revealed with time. 

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