Ramjugernath sets bold vision for SU
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 at the Endler Hall in Stellenbosch.
The formal investiture, attended by dignitaries from across the higher education landscape, government and civil society, marked not only a ceremonial affirmation of Ramjugernath’s role – he officially took office in April – but also a public declaration of his vision and stewardship for the University’s future.
It was the new Rector’s inaugural address that set the tone for what promises to be a dynamic era of transformative leadership at one of Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities.
VISION
Speaking with humility, gravitas, and at times disarming humour, Ramjugernath began by acknowledging the weight of history and the lineage of leaders who preceded him.
“It is with the deepest humility and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today as the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University,” he said. “This institution has been blessed with a long list of formidable leaders. Their stewardship brought us to this moment. I honour them, and I take forward this office today mindful that I too am only a steward, entrusted for a time with the responsibility to shape new and meaningful pathways to a better future for all at our institution.”
Ramjugernath’s voice faltered as he paid tribute to his mother, presently very ill, whom he credited as the driving force behind his academic journey and the source of his earliest encouragement. He also singled out his wife Prathieka and their three daughters Dipika, Dayita, and Demira for their unwavering support.
In a sweeping yet detailed vision, Ramjugernath outlined eight strategic pillars to guide SU into becoming Africa’s leading research-intensive institution. These include holistic transformation, digital and administrative modernisation, internationalisation, learning and teaching excellence, staff and student wellbeing, and socio-economic impact through engaged scholarship.
He was quick to add that success would not be measured in rankings alone. “Am I going to spend my tenure chasing rankings? Certainly not,” he declared. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of academic and research excellence guided by the challenges of our time. Our thrust, however, will be through our impact and embeddedness in the challenges of our surrounding communities, in our region and our continent.”
He cited SU’s R4,5 billion economic contribution to the local Stellenbosch economy in 2024 and its role in regional innovation hubs such as the Adam Tas Corridor.
Yet, the most emphatic parts of his speech were reserved for holistic transformation. Calling for “authentic restitution” and deliberate redress, he said: “To realise its vision, the University must be more intentional and deliberate in its actions … It must examine and understand its history more carefully and intensify our process of introspection that extends from institutional culture to the core functions of our University.”
Transformation, he argued, must reach every facet of the institution: from research and student success to human resource policies and infrastructure. “As an institution, we need to transform holistically … Holistic transformation will require us to develop and implement plans to evolve and improve our research, learning and teaching, administration, stakeholder engagement … It touches all aspects of our organisation.”
Support from across the higher education landscape
In their messages of congratulation, representatives of the University community spoke with pride and hope for the future. Sonja Roux, representing the Vice-Chancellor’s Circle, praised Ramjugernath’s “calm wisdom” and academic leadership, urging support for his vision of a diverse and inclusive university while reminding the audience that integrity, empathy and resilience remain the cornerstones of success.
Prof Juanita Pienaar, on behalf of the Senate, reflected on three decades of change at SU, noting its evolution into a more inclusive and globally connected institution. She called on the new Rector to build a legacy of both academic excellence and belonging. Dr Theo de Jager, President of the Convocation, emphasised that while alumni feel ownership, the true “shareholders” of SU are its students and future generations. He urged Ramjugernath to steer the institution with firm principles, saying that even small daily decisions would shape its destiny. “We trust this ship in your hands, and we trust our children and our future in those hands,” he stated.
As the academic procession departed the Endler Hall to the triumphant strains of the SU Brass Ensemble, followed by a jubilant walk to Coetzenburg led by the VGK Cloetesville Brigade, it was clear that the day marked not just a milestone in SU’s history, but the beginning of a new chapter.
As Ramjugernath closed his address, he called on the University community to walk forward together in unity and courage. Adapting the ending of Alfred Tennyson’s famous poem “Ulysses,” he concluded: “Come my friends, it is not too late to seek a newer world … let us strive, to seek, to find and not yield in our scientific quest to deliver a better world.”
ENDS
Photo: Investiture: Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, Rector and Vice-Chancellor Mr Lesetja Kganyago, SU Chancellor and Dr Ronel Retief, SU Registrar (Photo by Stefan Els)