The latest Rector-Mayor Forum, held on Tuesday 4 March, underscored the firm partnership between Stellenbosch University (SU) and Stellenbosch Municipality, which enables both parties to tackle a range of pressing issues, from student accommodation and funding concerns to safety, transport and infrastructure development.
The meeting was attended by both the outgoing and incoming SU rectors, emphasising the value of collaboration between the SU and the municipality. Prof Wim de Villiers, SU rector and vice-chancellor who hands the reins to Prof Deresh Ramjugernath from Tuesday 1 April, attributed many of the recent successes on campus to a constructive town-and-gown relationship. “The forum creates an opportunity for collaboration and interaction with the town. Things are humming at the university, and we are in full swing [for the academic year],” he said.
Highlights in town
Recent highlights on campus included the welcoming of thousands of new students and several international visits, including a high-level delegation from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands and a 25th anniversary exchange with Northwestern University in the US.
Ramjugernath outlined his vision for SU, which includes fostering closer ties with the private sector and encourage greater collaboration with governments of all spheres. He said such partnerships are vital for advancing innovation, expanding research opportunities, and ensuring that both the town and SU thrive together.
One of the discussion points was the student accommodation shortages. Dr Leslie van Rooi, SU’s acting senior director of student affairs, highlighted the increasing struggles faced by the so-called “missing middle” students, who are not covered by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). While SU continues to support students across various financial backgrounds, the national funding issue remains a significant concern.
Ramjugernath stressed that addressing this gap is critical for SU and the broader Stellenbosch community. He added that while the start to this academic year was smoother because student enrolment was better controlled, a longer-term solution required a joint effort by SU and the town to manage the demand for accommodation.
Safety in town
Jeremy Fasser, executive mayor of Stellenbosch, outlined several initiatives designed to improve safety in town. A new safety project recently launched in Cloetesville aimed to address various factors contributing to safety concerns in the area. The initiative will be extended to other communities.
Nicolette van den Eijkel, SU’s chief director of facilities management, said SU amplified safety awareness for students during the Welcoming Period. Residences on campus held information sessions for students on safety-related issues and many also offered self-defence training. Students were also reminded of the daily shuttle service.
Furthermore, SU and the municipality are looking at ways to bring in additional Law Enforcement Advancement Programme (LEAP) officers to bolster security in town. Discussions on the funding of this programme are still underway.
Both entities are working together on solutions to address the increased traffic and transport challenges. The new drop-and-go space outside the SU Faculty of Education has been working well.
Homelessness
Concerned about increased homelessness in town, SU and the municipality are in discussion with U-turn Homeless Ministries about setting up a facility in Stellenbosch.
Underlining the need for community support, De Villiers noted that within its first year of operation, the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Ida’s Valley had helped almost 400 people, of which half were children.
The centre, which provides psychosocial, medical, and legal services to victims of gender-based violence, is a collaboration of the National Public Prosecuting Authority, national and provincial government, and others.
