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IOL News
3 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Lesetja Kganyago officially installed as Chancellor of Stellenbosch University
Stellenbosch University hosted the official 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 Reserve Bank Governor 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝗲𝘁𝗷𝗮 𝗞𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗮𝗴𝗼 𝗮𝘀 its 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿 in the Endler Hall of the university. Image: Ian Landsberg/Independent Media As the rain fell steadily over Stellenbosch on Friday morning, a momentous occasion unfolded within the hallowed halls of Stellenbosch University (SU). The institution proudly celebrated the formal installation of its 16th Chancellor, Lesetja Kganyago, the esteemed Governor of the South African Reserve Bank. This significant ceremony, held in the iconic Endler Hall, was not merely a formality; it was a vibrant testament to the university's rich heritage and its commitment to fostering a future of academic excellence. With stirring musical performances and a grand academic procession, the event encapsulated the spirit of transformation and leadership that Kganyago embodies, as he takes on the mantle of guiding SU through its next chapter of innovation and social responsibility. The ceremony, held in the Endler Hall, unfolded with stately precision, resounding music performances by SU's top musicians and an academic procession in full ceremonial regalia – a visual reminder of the University's rich past and vibrant future. In an impassioned inaugural address in front of dignitaries, senior management and community leaders, Kganyago said he considered it a profound honour to have been chosen to represent SU. 'I accept this role with a deep sense of responsibility, aware of the complex legacy that I inherit and the expectations that lie ahead,' he said. Drawing on the words of his predecessor, Justice Edwin Cameron, Kganyago spoke of the dignity and self-worth that universities instil in their communities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading He called on the University to continue fostering institutions of 'curiosity, innovation and diversity of thought,' describing South African universities as catalysts for social change and ethical leadership. 'Universities reflect who we are and what we aspire to be,' he said, urging the institution to defend academic freedom and transformation with vigour. He did not shy away from the University's complex history, referencing both its role in apartheid-era South Africa and the ongoing struggle for transformation. Quoting renowned South African poet Antjie Krog, Kganyago cautioned that wounds left unconfronted would 'continue to inflict pain in the future'. He called for the University community to reject racism and resistance to change, insisting that diversity and inclusion are essential to intellectual exploration and justice. Kganyago praised the recent transformation efforts led by former Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wim de Villiers, pointing to Prof Thuli Madonsela's view that 'transformation is not for the faint-hearted'. Drawing on powerful examples of student-led activism, Kganyago referenced the Save7 initiative, which helped establish the Life Pod transplant support unit at Tygerberg Hospital. He also singled out students like Francisca Darkoh and Caitlin Lee, whose work in food security and prisoner rehabilitation has given life to the University's mission of social responsibility. 'Their work is a powerful example of how student leadership can drive real-world change,' he said. The Chancellor's speech also cast back to 1987, when South African universities protested apartheid-era controls on academic freedom. Kganyago recalled how he joined thousands in resisting state decrees that sought to limit university autonomy, a formative experience that established his view of education as a cornerstone of democracy. 'We must safeguard this freedom and honour it with curiosity, engagement and critical enquiry,' he stressed. As he concluded his address, the audience rose in standing ovation and spontaneous praise-singing, infusing the Endler with energy. Earlier in the afternoon, the formal proceedings were opened by SU's Registrar, Dr Ronel Retief, who welcomed a distinguished audience including members of the Reserve Bank, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, Stellenbosch Executive Mayor Jeremy Fasser and senior representatives from neighbouring universities. Retief outlined the symbolic and statutory responsibilities of the Chancellor, noting that Kganyago was elected by the University's Electoral College following a public nomination process. 'We thank you for accepting this call to serve,' she said with a big smile. Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath praised Kganyago as a leader of 'exceptional courage, wisdom and steadiness', aligning his public service record with the University's institutional values of compassion, accountability and equity. 'At Stellenbosch University, we believe that education must serve a greater purpose: to uplift, to enlighten, and to empower,' he said. 'Chancellor, we are deeply honoured that you have accepted this role. Your wisdom, stature and service-oriented leadership will be a source of inspiration to our students, staff, alumni and partners,' Ramjugernath concluded. Chair of SU's Council, Dr Nicky Newton-King, who led the official investiture, described Kganyago as 'a formidable and thoughtful champion of rigorous analysis and independence'. She also introduced the University's newly designed Chancellor's gown that incorporates the 'Hope' pattern and ceremonial emblem as a symbol of transformation forged in dialogue with students, staff and alumni. Messages of congratulation followed from SU alumna Deputy Minister of Higher Education Dr Mimmy Gondwe, read by Prof Nico Koopman, Vice-Chancellor: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel. Gondwe praised Kganyago's steadfast leadership under pressure, calling his appointment 'a glowing reference to the University's commitment to excellence and value-based leadership'. She acknowledged the difficult context facing universities – from funding constraints to the disruptive rise of artificial intelligence – and noted the value of Kganyago's experience at a time of national uncertainty. A warm and reflective felicitation from Prof Rudolf Gouws of the Chancellor's Circle confirmed Kganyago's international stature and quiet resolve. Recalling their first meeting more than three decades ago in the ANC's Department of Economic Planning Gouws told Kganyago: 'Ons het 'n lang pad gekom, Lesetja.' ('We've come a long way, Lesetja.') He lauded the new Chancellor's policy clarity and principled resistance to populist pressures. 'We are proud to be associated with you,' he said. 'You have remained steadfast in your defence of the Bank's independence, and the country – and this University – is better for it.' The event closed on a soaring note with the Invitational Choir, conducted by Prof Johan de Villiers, delivering a triumphant rendition of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah followed by some more joyous notes from the SU Brass Quintet. SU's Chancellor serves a five-year term and may be re-elected once for a consecutive term.
IOL News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Cut ties with Israeli varsities, academics tell Stellenosch University
Stellenbosch University. Image: Stellenbosch University PRESSURE is mounting on Stellenbosch University (SU) to suspend all collaboration with Israeli universities where there was a risk of direct or indirect involvement in human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. In a statement signed by 214 academics, the group noted that this had been a step taken by 'other respected universities, including recently the Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR)'. 'We agree with Annelien Bredenoord, President of the EUR Executive Board when she says that academic collaborations are normally based on academic freedom, but 'that freedom has limits when fundamental human rights are at stake'. We urge Stellenbosch University's leadership to officially and unequivocally add the university's voice to this world-wide call. We believe that future generations will judge our university and its leadership harshly if it does not take a stand on the outrageous acts being perpetrated against the Palestinian people in Gaza – acts which, to borrow from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), should outrage the conscience of humanity,' the academics stated. The SU is the only university in the Western Cape that has not severed ties with Israeli universities. The university came short of taking up a strong position following a council meeting last year. During a special meeting on April 30, Senate voted against a motion themed 'Proposed resolution for Stellenbosch University Senate on the Genocide and Destruction of Scholarship and Education in Gaza'. At the time the Senate voted 80 in favour, 101 against the motion, while 18 abstained from the vote. The proposed resolution had called for an 'immediate ceasefire and the cessation on attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel, the passage of humanitarian aid and the return of all captives including the safe return of hostages captured by Hamas, and including the safe return of Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons'. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It also called for the university to express concern and opposition to any attempts to 'curtail academic freedom by labelling criticism of Israel or Zionist policies as antisemitism' and to express solidarity with 'academic colleagues victimised for their willingness to speak out against the educaracide in Gaza', among others. The 214 academics maintain that the gross violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, including the crime of genocide, being committed by Israel in its devastating assault on the Gaza Strip raise profound questions about the responsibility of universities to condemn such acts and avoid collaborating with implicated Israeli institutions. 'Unlike several other South African universities, Stellenbosch University as an institution has been largely silent on this issue. A Senate motion calling for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of attacks on civilians in Gaza and Israel, the passage of humanitarian aid and the return of all captives was defeated on 30 April 2024. As concerned members of the University community we again call upon our University to take a public stand on the violations of international law being committed against the Palestinian people.' The group cited a 2018 Restitution Statement adopted by the university acknowledging and expressing 'deep regret' for its contribution to the injustices of the past. 'This is indeed a moment to embrace change at our institution, including taking an institutional position on Gaza,' the statement read. The collective in their statement also cited the South African government case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging violations by Israel of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Stellenbosch University said it was not the only university, 'locally or globally, that has refrained from an institutional stance on this issue to safeguard academic freedom, and it has repeatedly expressed its sympathy and compassion for those affected by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza'. 'Stellenbosch University (SU) recognises the severity and far-reaching impact of the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. It is important to emphasise that our institution stands firmly for the principles of peace, respect for human rights, freedom of expression, academic freedom, and the principles of International Humanitarian Law. We are committed to supporting and fostering environments where all viewpoints can be heard and will continue to engage in this regard.' The university expressed its commitment to providing a space that encourages constructive debate and academic freedom. 'To fully perform its role in society, the university must maintain an environment of freedom of inquiry and expression. There are many instances where such robust conversations, specifically also on the crisis in Gaza, have been encouraged and welcomed on various SU platforms and its campuses. The most recent statement supported by Senate and other staff members in their individual capacity also testifies to the existence of such spaces of freedom of speech and expression at the University. The vote of the special Senate meeting also occurred in this broader framework and as an outcome of an inclusive and democratic statutory process. All academic discourse at SU takes place within the framework of the values of the University, namely excellence, compassion, accountability, respect, and equity.' CAPE TIMES
Daily Maverick
03-06-2025
- General
- Daily Maverick
Du Toit verdict highlights the persistent shadow of apartheid in SA's universities
Three years after the barbaric incident at Stellenbosch University where a white student, Theuns du Toit, urinated on a black student's study material, a court has acquitted him of criminal charges. A legally sound outcome according to the courts of law, but in the court of public opinion one that fails to address the collective pain Du Toit's actions evoked among many students who have been on the receiving end of humiliating acts because of the colour of their skin. In an opinion piece I wrote at the time of this incident, I referred to 'the outrage sparked by Du Toit's barbaric act', and the pain and trauma 'that his actions triggered among many black and brown students'. For many of these students, Du Toit's entering Babalo Ndwayana's room and urinating on his study material was not just a despicable act by an intoxicated student. The act carried the burden of history and became an echo of the violence of apartheid's dehumanising treatment. It is also a reminder of their own collective experiences of the insidious violence of racial humiliation and marginalisation that they have encountered in lecture halls and administrative offices, in residences, and in the wider Stellenbosch, as recounted in testimonies to the commission of inquiry that was chaired by Justice Sisi Khampepe. The State may not have been able to prove that Du Toit acted with criminal intent when he went into Ndwayana's room. But the impact of his vulgar act exposed the ever-present tension between progress — the moral and psychological possibility of change — and the historical burden and the sheer reality of the legacies of an apartheid past that intrudes into this progress, pushing back against change. What has become increasingly clear is that this case, in the public imagination, is no longer just about one student's intoxicated behaviour or another student's quest for recognition. Proxies Du Toit and Ndwayana have come to represent more than themselves. They are proxies for a deeper, unresolved confrontation between our country's apartheid past and its unfulfilled democratic promise. The national outrage and political polarisation that erupted after Du Toit's acquittal attests to this. For many historically marginalised students — at Stellenbosch University (SU) and elsewhere — Du Toit urinating on Ndwayana's study material became an embodied symbol of the enduring indignities that echo from apartheid and persist in their everyday encounters, the subtle, insidious acts of exclusion and humiliation that undermine their dignity and sense of worth. Du Toit, in turn, has become a rallying figure, his story a cause célèbre for those who feel that transformation has gone 'too far', or that white identity, especially Afrikaner identity, is under threat and must be defended at all costs. It is tempting, in moments like these, to reduce the complexity of this moment into a single narrative as a problem of 'racism at SU'. That was the framing offered by Makhi Feni, chairperson of the Select Committee on Education, in his remarks about the Du Toit verdict in Parliament last week, that 'racism at Stellenbosch University' should be 'pinned on old white lecturers'. He went further to dismiss the urination incident as nothing more than 'a clear case of drunkenness and misbehaving youth'. For a senior government official in higher education, these remarks are not only irresponsible; they reflect a denial of the depth of institutional transformation work still needed across our universities, including the role his own department must play in supporting these efforts. Dismissing this merely as the recklessness of an intoxicated student is a negation of the experiences of those for whom Du Toit's actions evoked long-silenced memories of insidious acts of violence against their dignity — and of the serious work that Stellenbosch University has already undertaken in trying to confront its past. Enduring challenges The findings of the Khampepe Commission testify to this. Playing the alcohol card will not resolve the enduring challenges we face in our efforts to address the wounds of history that erupt on our university campuses. There is a moment in the recording that Ndwayana made of the urination incident where Du Toit refers to him as 'boy'. According to his lawyer, Dirk van Niekerk, Du Toit cannot be held responsible for what he said or did. 'My client was intoxicated,' he reportedly explained in statements in the media, and furthermore, that in passing its verdict, the court 'understood the situation very well regarding his intoxication'. But even though Du Toit's calling Ndwayana 'boy' in the recording was rendered inconsequential in a court of law, used as a form of address, the word in this context is an echo of the historical violence of apartheid when black men were infantilised as a way of asserting white superiority. It should thus not be glossed over simply as a reflection of youthful intoxication. Of course, I am not suggesting that Du Toit's use of the term 'proves' racist intent — the court has already ruled on this issue. Rather, as a term that carries the burden of historical resonance, the word is part of apartheid's lexicon of social domination. Du Toit's use of the term points to the enduring legacy of what I refer to as the psychic violence of the apartheid mind. Many students saw themselves in Ndwayana. While the legal slate has been wiped clean for Du Toit, the collective trauma and outrage his actions triggered remain unresolved, silenced and pushed underground, but will continue to play out in subtle and not-so-subtle ways, as with all historical traumas. The public debate about this issue is now dominated by the narrative of Du Toit's legal victory. The story of how all of this is affecting Ndwayana, and how he, and others who identify with his experience, are holding up in the face of it all has been overshadowed by the looming spectre of Du Toit's civil claim. As Judith Butler has argued, whose voices are allowed to shape public discourse tells us something fundamental about whose lives are considered valuable. As we brace for the possibility of a civil suit from Du Toit's lawyers, Stellenbosch University would do well to resist the temptation to settle behind closed doors in the name of reputational damage control. Doing so would not only silence the public debate that must continue about the emergence of these problems in our institutions, but also risk reinforcing the very dynamics that perpetuate the fault lines that keep confronting us with the unfinished business of our past, which will remain unresolved unless we face this history and its 'afterlife' with moral courage. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, for all its flaws, offers insights that show the possibility of creating a space for acknowledgement, truth telling, and moral accountability, the kind of reckoning that law alone cannot deliver. DM
TimesLIVE
30-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
‘Justice not served': Family outraged as student who urinated on Babalo Ndwayana's belongings walks free
The family of Babalo Ndwayana has expressed deep disappointment after the acquittal of former Stellenbosch University student Theuns du Toit, who was caught on video urinating on Ndwayana's belongings in a university residence in 2022. Du Toit was cleared this week of charges of crimen injuria and malicious damage to property, bringing a three-year legal process to a controversial close. The Stellenbosch magistrate's court found there was insufficient grounds to convict him. The incident, which went viral on social media at the time, drew national outrage and sparked renewed debate on racism and privilege in South African institutions. Ndwayana's father Mkuseli Kaduka, told TimesLIVE the family was devastated by the Stellenbosch magistrate's court's decision. 'Babalo and myself are both disappointed and devastated by the outcome of the case. Justice was by no means served at all,' said Kaduka. Stellenbosch University said it considered the process fair and closed. Meanwhile the SU convocation lamented the damage caused by the case to the university's reputation and called for an apology to Du Toit.
Cosmopolitan
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
All the Kai Cenat 2025 Streamer University Controversy, Explained
It was nothing if not ambitious. Last weekend, Kai Cenat, one of the world's top Twitch streamers, took over a college campus in Akron to host 'Streamer University,' a four-day program that drew 120 students and 17 professors. All food/lodging expenses were covered by Kai, and each student was gifted a T-Mobile phone from which they could livestream their entire experience. Like real school, students could partake in semi-serious classes to prime themselves for virality (like 'Monetization for Dummies' and 'Defense Against Hating'). Also like real school, there was real drama, which is inevitable when you put a large number of young people in close quarters for an extended period of time (see: Love Island, any season). But unlike real college, the Streamer University students were fame-hungry and surveilled by hundreds of thousands of Twitch users 24/7. Thanks to that, we got a handful of meme-worthy moments, plus highly entertaining evidence that the creator economy is alive and well. So alive and well, in fact, that these participants were willing to commit to 96 hours of live-streamed dormitory life to succeed within it. Plus, the University of Akron was willing to loan their campus to a 23-year-old Twitch star to host this action. 'Our team is committed to helping the greater Akron community and beyond take advantage of all UA has to offer by hosting successful events on our campus,' said Brandon Alexander, the University of Akron's director of conference and events services. 'As we establish campus as an incredible option for large-scale conferences, it only serves to benefit the region.' Now you may ask–who had the time to keep up with a round-the-clock production like Streamer University? And I have the same question. But I've made it my mission to figure out exactly how this whole Kai Cenat fest went down. So let's run back the most notable moments that transpired at the most-discussed fake college around. From a viewership standpoint, SU was a success. According to Cenat's team, it garnered over 23 million total hours watched. The most-viewed participants included Kai (obviously), his Twitch stream regular/right-hand man, Ray, and the influencer India Love, who you might remember from her popular presence on Tumblr in the early 2010s. (We love cross-platform success.) In potentially less exciting news, the university's top-viewed channel belonged to 'professor' DDG, who was also named the weekend's MVP. Earlier this month, DDG's ex, Halle Bailey, received a temporary restraining order against DDG, alleging abuse, so the decision to name him SU's MVP was a divisive one. Kai made the initial call for Streamer University applicants earlier this month via a very Harry Potter-inspired trailer. We were finally able to meet the inaugural class of 120 creators selected during an hour-long meet-and-greet video, which you can watch on YouTube (should you have time to spare). Here's a rundown of the weekend's top ten performers: Is the route to online success predictable enough to build a curriculum around? The school's class offerings would indicate that. Students could take courses taught by 'professors' (aka popular influencers like Duke Dennis and cookingwithkya) on the following need-to-know influencing concepts: SU was not without its hiccups. Before classes kicked off, controversy began to brew about admissions. The streamer Malik Richh hopped online to accuse Kai of favoritism, saying that he had a bias for close friends and established creators during the student selection process. Some of the program's female participants were also subject to misogynistic claims from social media commentators, insinuating that their admission was based on looks alone. Despite that noise, SU was truly a win for the girls involved, with streamers like Primate Paige and Daejorno sharing their accounts' significant growth after the program. Throughout the weekend, physical altercations also arose, a dorm room was trashed, and one student was even sent to the hospital after getting injured during a water gun battle. In another highly-discussed moment, Drake's number was leaked during a livestreamed FaceTime call with one of the students, Tylil. He revealed the rapper's number to his audience by turning his phone toward the camera, which Drake took fairly well, telling him, 'You definitely leaked my number. Don't worry, I can get a new number tomorrow. It's a blessing in disguise anyway.' The rapper also sent in a congratulations message for graduates, which was shown during the commencement ceremony. So that's what you missed on Glee. It's unlikely that everyone who's graduated from Streamer University can or will replicate Kai's unique success. This man has had stars like Tyla, SZA, Benny Blanco, and Kevin Hart join his streams and has (inadvertently) caused a full-blown riot on the streets of New York City. But if anything, the fanfare and intrigue around this past weekend's livestreamed programming is pretty indicative that we've entered a new chapter of online influencing. One in which authentic, no-holds-barred access to creators might take precedence over carefully edited content. Kai implied that platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime were interested in buying the streaming rights for "Streamer University," but justified his decision to keep the operation independent on Twitch, with a strong message for creators. During a post-university stream, he said: "With an idea like this original, you gotta keep it where it's at. I want y'all to learn something, bro. [Your] channels, and who you are as a person… This [your] idea, this is [your] stuff. Treat your platform as you would treat other platforms."
