New report highlights the impact of early Grade 1 entry and gender disparities in SA education
ResearchStellenbosch University February 12, 2025
A new report by the group, Stellenbosch University’s Research on Socio-Economic Policy (Resep), highlights critical challenges in South African education and presents new insights drawn from comprehensive administrative data. The study finds that children who enter Grade 1 at the minimum age of 5½ years face a significantly higher... Read more
SA’s innovation frontier expands with R400m University Technology Fund II
Stellenbosch University January 30, 2025
In a move to accelerate the commercialisation of groundbreaking research, technology and intellectual property originating at South African universities, Stocks & Strauss Fund Manager announced the University Technology Fund II (UTF II), which achieved a major milestone in December 2024 with all agreements concluded and a substantial portion of... Read more
Two master’s in engineering students from Stellenbosch University, Yasmin de Raay and Chris Erasmus, have advanced to the international round of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. Their projects impressed the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) for their originality and relevance to the forestry... Read more
Applications now open for Nobantu, Thukela Gobodo Memorial Doctoral Scholarships
Stellenbosch University December 18, 2024
Stellenbosch University (SU) is proud to announce that applications are now open for the inaugural Nobantu and Thukela Gobodo Memorial Doctoral Scholarships, funded by a portion of the prestigious Templeton Prize awarded to Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela earlier this year. Scholarship for studies that promote social justice and reconciliation Named... Read more
Master’s study brings us closer to safer, reversible male contraception
ResearchStellenbosch University December 17, 2024
A new study at Stellenbosch University (SU) shows that a safer, more effective, and reversible male contraceptive is within reach. Kyla Raoult, who obtained her master’s degree in Polymer Science at SU’s December graduation on Tuesday (10 December 2024), developed an on-demand reversible hydrogel that could be used as... Read more
Uncertainty about social media’s role in adolescent mental health
Stellenbosch University August 5, 2024
Although there is a slight yet significant positive link between anxiety and depression in adolescents and the time they spend on social media, as well as their engagement on different platforms, the jury is still out on whether social media is to blame for the current mental health crisis... Read more
New study reveals hidden health risks of indoor fireplaces
ResearchStellenbosch University August 5, 2024
During the cold winter months, it is nice to light an indoor fireplace for extra warmth or to have the occasional ‘braai’ (binnebraai). The downside is that you may be inhaling tiny solid or liquid substances that could be harmful to your health. In a new study published in... Read more
If there is one thing that South Africa’s new government of national unity should prioritise, it is child-headed households. Children from these households are being deprived of their constitutional rights to family or parental care, alternative care, adequate shelter and social security. There is also an expectation that they... Read more
Uncovering ancient wonders: The world’s oldest termite mounds found in South Africa
ResearchStellenbosch University June 21, 2024
In what is described as an astonishing breakthrough, scientists have discovered the world’s oldest, inhabited termite mounds along the Buffels River in Namaqualand. These mounds, dating back a staggering 34,000 years, are rewriting our understanding of prehistoric life, climate and carbon storage. An Ancient Marvel These termite mounds, called... Read more
Stellenbosch University (SU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) of South Africa to “to find new approaches and strategies in the fight against corruption”. The MOU will focus on the areas of training and research; community engagement; capacity building; and exchange of... Read more
