Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, officially stepped into his new role on Tuesday.
Image: Stefan Els
ACADEMIC excellence is front and centre as one of three focus areas for Stellenbosch University’s new Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Deresh Ramjugernath, over the next few years.
His other key priorities are people, culture, and processes; and, partnerships and sustainability.
Ramjugernath, 52, officially stepped into his new role Tuesday morning.
He takes over from Prof Wim de Villiers who completed two terms at the helm.
“Stellenbosch has a proud history of excellence in learning and teaching. Under Prof De Villiers, we have also become a strong research-intensive university. But we cannot be complacent. We must now move from good to great – continually striving to improve our teaching, research, innovation and social impact,” Ramjugernath said.
A seasoned and highly experienced higher education leader with extensive senior executive experience in the sector in South Africa, Ramjugernath served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at SU since January 2021.
Before making Stellenbosch his home, Ramjugernath was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Pro Vice-Chancellor: Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
In higher education, you don’t advance as an institution by only playing a defensive game, said Ramjugernath.
“You need to play a bold, big game. For me, Stellenbosch being the first African university to feature among the top 100 universities in the world, will be that bold step for us.
“This ambitious goal of global excellence should not be the sole aim though. Stellenbosch ‘advancing knowledge in service of society’ – to quote in part our vision – should be what we all strive for. This is in the light of much noise out there of what universities can and should be. To reach that goal our focus should be first and foremost the academic project, and to ensure that we have the best academic offerings.”
He said one of their biggest challenges will undoubtedly be sustainability.
“This includes financial, social and environmental sustainability. Issues around funding – particularly NSFAS and student debt – are destabilising. Coupled with that is the misconception that a university degree is the only path to success, which burdens universities further. At the same time, universities must do more to equip graduates with not just technical knowledge but also skills, competencies and attributes for employability. That’s why we will further pursue academic renewal at SU.
“And a big part of this will be the notion of futureproofing through technology. Embracing artificial intelligence, digital transformation and hybrid learning isn’t optional – it’s essential. It is the single biggest opportunity to improve higher education.”
Overseeing the portfolio of student affairs over the last four years has given him added insight into the lives of students.
“We want to create an academic environment where every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, has the resources, mentorship and opportunities needed to thrive.
“In all of this, we should not forget our unique setting,” Ramjugernath added. “Stellenbosch is known as the innovation capital of South Africa – an African equivalent of Silicon Valley. In our work, our teaching, our research, and our social impact, we should adopt an entrepreneurial mindset. To a large degree, this is what inclusive transformation is about – it means belonging, representation, and growth. It is about building a truly diverse, inclusive, multicultural, and multilingual institution where we should never settle for complacency but continue changing, exploring, and discovering. Transformation is about fostering a culture that brings out the best in everyone.”
Council chair Dr Nicky Newton-King, said Council was excited about Ramjugernath’s bold vision for the University.
“Prof Ramjugernath is stepping into this role at a challenging moment for all higher education institutions. At the same time, there are great opportunities to position Stellenbosch University, its academics and students for top tier academic performance and to build deep and sustainable partnerships in South Africa, on the African continent and abroad with other higher education institutions and the private sector. Council looks forward to Prof Ramjugernath’s stewardship of our institution.”
Ramjugernath resides in Stellenbosch with his wife, Prof Prathieka Naidoo, an accomplished academic in her own right, and their three daughters. Besides being a dog lover and an avid sports fan who plays tennis, paddle and golf, Ramjugernath loves the outdoors.
Cape Times