Karin-Therese Howell appointed as AIMS SA executive director
AppointmentsStellenbosch University December 1, 2025
Prof Karin-Therese Howell, Associate Professor in Mathematics at Stellenbosch University (SU) and Academic Director of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences South Africa (AIMS SA), has been appointed its Executive Director from 1 December 2025. SU is a founder-member of AIMS that was established in 2003. AIMS is a... Read more
Nobel Laureate, entrepreneur and scientist among those to receive honorary doctorates from SU
Stellenbosch University November 12, 2025
Stellenbosch University (SU) has proudly confirmed the names of the exceptional individuals who will receive honorary doctorates at the upcoming graduation ceremonies. The recipients are Nobel Laureate and internationally acclaimed author Prof Abdulrazak Gurnah; disaster management expert Colin Deiner; entrepreneur Chris Otto; pioneering social scientist and epidemiologist Dr Olive Shisana; and innovator Dr... Read more
Primary care providers need stronger support to deliver mental health services
ResearchStellenbosch University November 4, 2025
In South Africa, up to nine out of ten patients with mental health disorders do not receive treatment or have access to mental healthcare programmes. Primary healthcare (PHC) practitioners are working to fill this gap, but they are not receiving the necessary support. This, according to researchers from the... Read more
New study highlights role of fathers’ drinking in foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
ResearchStellenbosch University October 24, 2025
It’s a well-known fact that foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in children is caused by mothers who drink during pregnancy. But it turns out that the father’s drinking habits could also affect a child’s growth and development. A team of international researchers — including contributors from Stellenbosch University (SU)... Read more
Inauguration marks new era of transformation and excellence at SU
Stellenbosch University October 5, 2025
In a ceremony rich in symbolism, solemnity and celebration, Stellenbosch University (SU) formally inaugurated Prof Deresh Ramjugernath as its 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor on Wednesday 1 October 2025 at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch. The formal investiture, attended by dignitaries from across the higher education landscape, government and civil... Read more
SU and Shoprite partnership empowers first cohort of data science graduates
Stellenbosch University May 23, 2025
A long-standing partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU) and the Shoprite Group has enabled the first cohort of graduates in the Data Science programme to engage with real-life business challenges from the retail industry. For their final year project in the Computer Science Division, for example, Günther Tonitz and Steffan... Read more
Scientists tackle one of Africa’s most destructive invasive trees
ResearchStellenbosch University May 23, 2025
A major new book on the ecology and management of one of the most destructive invasive weeds in Africa,is now available online. The book, titled The Ecology and Management of Invasive Prosopis Trees in Eastern Africa, is the outcome of a large, decade-long collaborative research project involving six universities... Read more
Cutting off parasite’s energy supply could help fight malaria
ResearchStellenbosch University April 25, 2025
In 2023, malaria caused 597 000 deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, with most occurring in Africa, where the deadliest malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is most prevalent. Once inside an infected person’s body, the parasite relies on glycolysis—breaking down glucose (a sugar)—to produce energy and stay alive. A... Read more
SA, China establish record-breaking 12,900 km ultra-secure quantum satellite link
Must-ReadStellenbosch University April 1, 2025
Scientists from South Africa and China have successfully established the world’s longest intercontinental ultra-secure quantum satellite link, spanning 12,900 km. Using the Chinese quantum microsatellite Jinan-1, launched into low Earth orbit, this milestone marks the first-ever quantum satellite communication link established in the Southern Hemisphere. In this demonstration, quantum... Read more
New report offers insight into SA teens’ smartphone habits
ResearchStellenbosch UniversityWestern Cape March 12, 2025
Today’s teenagers are the first generation to grow up with constant online connectivity. As smartphones become more ingrained in their lives, what do we know about how they use them? A new research report by academics at Stellenbosch University sheds light on this question by providing empirical evidence of... Read more
