Stellenbosch University (SU), a member of the Association of African Universities,  joined the 2016 African University Day celebrations, hosting a seminar focusing on the theme for the celebrations; Entrepreneurial Learning and Communities of Practice. SU kicked its celebrations off on 7 November, also launching a new division, Stellenbosch University International (SUI).

Discussions were led by well-known political commentator Dr Rhoda Kadalie and SU staff member Dr Morne Mostert. Dr Kadalie, Executive Director of Impumelelo Social Innovations Centre, addressed ‘Communities of Best Practice’, focusing on the many successful initiatives in which Impumelelo have been playing a crucial role. She explained how partnerships with the private sector often succeeds in providing much needed solutions for problems in education and training, rural health care, rural housing and skills development.

“Private sectors are often the ones who have many innovative solutions,” she said.

Dr Morné Mostert, Director of the Institute for Futures Research at SU, took a philosophical approach to his speech on ‘The Mind of an African Strategist’ asking whether it is possible to look at Africa (and Stellenbosch University) as if you have never seen it before.

He said that on its road to become a ‘new African University’, SU is embarking on an African journey.

“SU have a unique opportunity to make a contribution towards society.”  With almost 150 partner institutions in 44 countries located across six continents, SU has a significant footprint across the globe. Headed by Senior Director, Robert Kotze under the leadership of Prof Hester Klopper, Vice-Rector: Strategic Initiatives and Internationalisation, the newly launched SUI will further expand these internationalization efforts.

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Photographer: Anton Jordaan