The final Mayor-Rector Forum of 2025 ended on a high note, with a firm commitment to strengthen collaboration between the Stellenbosch Municipality and Stellenbosch University (SU).
New leadership at both institutions has brought renewed energy to work together on issues that matter to residents, including transport and traffic congestion, safety and economic growth. The forum serves as a regular platform for dialogue between the municipality and the university, fostering partnership in service of the broader Stellenbosch community.
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Mayor Jeremy Fasser called for deeper engagement, urging for a move “from discussion to action”. He plans to draw on expertise at SU as the custodians of academic progress during his term.
Fasser also suggested reviewing the current Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions to ensure it delivers greater value.
His call for closer cooperation was welcomed by Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, SU rector and vice-chancellor, who highlighted the strong link between the town and the university.
“The successes of our organisations, what we want to achieve and our visions, are intertwined,” the rector pointed out.
Safety in the spotlight
Ramjugernath said SU aims to be among the world’s top 100 research-intensive universities, but remained focused on “giving back in service of society”.
Safety in town was a key focus of the meeting. “It’s important that we, as a municipality, don’t shift responsibility,” said Fasser.
He added that those visiting the town during the festive and peak tourist season should feel safe.
The safety of students was also an ongoing concern.
Ramjugernath said that SU’s open campus means security in Stellenbosch is a shared concern that requires close cooperation.
Strategic planning
Prof Nicola Smith, SU’s acting chief operations officer, said safety will remain a top priority at a joint strategic workshop between the municipality and SU to be held early next year. “It’s one thing to monitor and enforce, but it would be much better if we could address the root causes and the university is available to collaborate.”
Ongoing discussions include the use of artificial intelligence in security monitoring and the possible deployment of Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers in targeted areas.
Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to practical, purposeful collaboration on this and other issues, such as homelessness and event planning.
