talks@stellenboschuni

World Aids Day is observed annually on the 1st of December. In this podcast, Prof Amy Slogrove from the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health talks about why it is important to improve outcomes for children who are “HIV-exposed and HIV-free”.

Stellenbosch University is encouraging staff and students to get vaccinated. As part of this commitment to ensuring a safer campus environment and community, the University has provided access to vaccinations at the Lentelus clubhouse at the University’s soccer complex in Hammanshand Road in Stellenbosch. The university has also rolled out pop up vaccination sites on the Stellenbosch campus.  This process is managed by the university’s Campus Health Service. In this podcast,  Dr Craig Thompson, the Director of Medical Services at Campus Health shares why it is important to get vaccinated.

On Monday 1 November, South Africans will go to the polls to elect their local representatives. In this podcast, Dr Harlan Cloete from the School of Public Leadership talks about why local government matters, what the political landscape may look like after the elections, and what we can do to make sure political parties deliver on their promises.

The Centre For Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship (CSLEEC) is celebrating its fifth anniversary of excellence in student leadership. This discussion focuses on the work of the Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship in contributing to the development of student leadership, and a sneak preview of the activities that are planned in celebration of the 5thanniversary of the Centre.

Saturday 16 October is World Food Day. In this podcast, food scientist and PhD student in the Department of Food Science Melvi Todd talks about the use of health claims on food labels and the challenges related to this. Stellenbosch University

In this podcast we talk to counselling psychologist, Mari O’Reilly, about coping with stress and anxiety during exams.

Tuesday      (5 October) was World Teachers’ Day. In this podcast, Prof Maureen Robinson, Acting Vice-Dean (Teaching and Learning) in the Faculty of Education, talks about how universities and schools can support student teachers.

In celebration of the opportunities and possibilities multilingualism gives us, the Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement is hosting a Language Day conference on 30 September. As part of this celebration of multilingualism, we will be speaking to several Stellenbosch staff members who are involved in language activities at the University. Prof Mbulungeni Madiba is the Dean of the Faculty Education and has published widely on multilingual education and language planning and policy. He shares his views on multilingualism in education.

In celebration of the opportunities and possibilities multilingualism gives us, the Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement is hosting a Language Day conference on 30 September. As part of this celebration of multilingualism, we will be speaking to several Stellenbosch staff members who are involved in language activities at the University. Dr Kim Wallmach is the Director of the Stellenbosch University Language Centre. The centre offers research-based, language-related products and services to people with diverse education backgrounds, so that they can enhance their communication skills. Dr Wallmach shares her language journey and views on multilingualism.

In celebration of the opportunities and possibilities multilingualism gives us, the Division for Learning and Teaching Enhancement is hosting a Language Day conference on 30 September. As part of this celebration of multilingualism, we will be speaking to several Stellenbosch staff members who are involved in language activities at the University. Sanet de Jager, an interpreter at the Stellenbosch University Language Centre shares her language journey and what multilingualism means to her.

Adopted by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, are intended to be achieved by 2030. In this podcast, Anika Berning from the Department of Business Management talks about how non-profit organisations can help their own countries accomplish the SDGs. Stellenbosch University

Some people refuse outright to be vaccinated, while others remain hesitant citing concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines. In this podcast, Prof Wolfgang Preiser from the Division of Medical Virology talks about vaccines and tries to allay these concerns. Stellenbosch University

Wednesday 8 September was International Literacy Day. In this podcast, Danelda van Graan from the Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP) talks about how they are helping to improve the literacy and digital skills of children in farm schools.

Stellenbosch University recently launched its own vaccination site at Lentelus clubhouse for its staff, students and members of the public. In this podcast, Dr Pierre Viviers, Senior Director of Campus Health Services, talks about the day-to-day operations at the site and also why it’s important for people to pop in and get vaccinated.

Friday 3 September is Casual Day. In this podcast, Dr Michelle Botha from the Institute for Life Course Health Research makes the point that while charitable appeals are important to support people with disabilities  ̶  particularly visually impaired people  ̶ , they should not rely on messaging that perpetuates negative ideas about disability. Stellenbosch University

Discrimination, patriarchy, bias and harmful social norms are just some of the obstacles women face when they want to enter and advance in the field of science. In celebration of Women’s Month, Hannah Simba, who is a PhD student in Public Health, talks about what needs to be done to get more women into science. Stellenbosch University

Young women and adolescent girls in countries like South Africa are more vulnerable to HIV infection due to biological, social and cultural factors.  In celebration of Women’s Month, Dr Gonasagrie Nair from the Centre for Medical Ethics and Law talks about how these women and girls can be empowered to choose HIV prevention options that will work for them. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University houses unique programmes in South Africa, including the BCom International Business programme. In this podcast we talk to Professor Pierre Erasmus for more information about this degree. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Some people suffer from symptoms long after the acute phase of Covid-19 (long-Covid). These symptoms may last for weeks or even months. In this podcast, Prof Renata Schoeman from the University of Stellenbosch Business School talks about what employers need to do to support employees suffering from long-Covid when they return to work.

Many of South Africa’s municipalities have become dysfunctional. In this podcast, Dr Harlan Cloete from the School of Public Leadership talks about the government’s District Development Model and whether it will be the panacea for local government ills. Stellenbosch University.

Stellenbosch University houses unique programmes in South Africa, including the BScAgric Grapevine & Wine Sciences programme. In this podcast we talk to Prof Maret du Toit for more information about this degree. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Covid-19, civil unrest, looting and violence have hit us hard and we’re desperately searching for ways to recover. Offering useful tips of how this could be done, Dr Morne Mostert from the Institute for Futures Research argues in this podcast that we should reinvent ourselves and be creative in the recovery process instead of reverting back to how things were before these crises.

Stellenbosch University houses unique programmes in South Africa, including the BAccLLB programme. In this podcast we talk to Silke de Lange for more information about this degree. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Sunday (11 July) was African Anti-Corruption Day. In this podcast, Dr Chris Jones from the Unit for Moral Leadership talks about corruption in Africa and what needs to be done to combat it. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University offers three different programmes in accounting. In this podcast we talk to Adrian Samuel for more information about these degrees. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Stellenbosch University recently introduced the Bachelor of Data Science programme. In this podcast we talk to Prof Paul Mostert for more information about the degree. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Stellenbosch University offers various programmes in the discipline of Disaster Risk Reduction which leads to a broad range of career opportunities. In this podcast we talk to Dr Robyn Pharaoh for more information on this field. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

The proposed amendments to the Firearms Control Act have led to an outcry from pro-firearm lobby groups. In this podcast, Dr Guy Lamb from the Department of Political Science talks about firearm violence and control in South Africa and the role of legislation and policing in this regard. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University offers various programmes in the discipline of Urban and Regional Planning which leads to a broad range of career opportunities. In this podcast we talk to Dr Anele Horn for more information on this field. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Dr Njeri Mwagiru from the IFR and Joni Karjalained from the Finland Futures Research Centre explains what they do at workshops and conferences to help us understand and imagining the new normal. For more information email: heilet@ifr.sun.ac.za Interviewer: Chantal Swart from the Institute for futures research

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) will come into effect fully on Thursday 1 July 2021. In this podcast, Jerall Toi, one of Stellenbosch University’s two deputy information officers, touches on the issue of privacy and how it will be impacted by POPIA.

Mr David Baker Effendi, an MSc-student in Computer Sciences at Stellenbosch University, has received an Amazon Research Award based on his innovative research in program analysis with applications in bug-finding and cybersecurity. The Amazon Research Awards  include cash and Amazon Web Services (AWS) promotional credits for making use of Amazon's cloud computing resources. David says the award will help to cover his tuition fees and living expenses but, most importantly, it will provide him with much needed computing resources for his experiments and research. In his research, under the supervision of Prof Brink van der Merwe, David combines graph theory and machine learning for automated vulnerability detection in software. His research thus far has led to collaboration with Dr Fabian Yamaguchi, chief researcher at the code security platform ShiftLeft, and the introduction of a computer security module on Honors level at Stellenbosch University. Full story: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=8256

Students and Learners may experience anxiety around dealing with Mathematics during tests and examinations. In this podcast we talk to Dr Karin-Therese Howell who provides us with some advice on the matter.

Wednesday 16 June is Youth Day. In this podcast, Prof Dion Forster from the Department of Systematic Theology and Ecclesiology talks about the importance of this day and why the term ‘born free’ is problematic when used as a reference to today’s young people. Stellenbosch University

Janine Nel and Zanne Horrell from Teach the Future SA, reflects in light of the South African youth and youth day in June. You can contact them via email at janine@teachthefuturesa.orgor zanne@teachthefuturesa.org

Statistics South Africa’s latest labour force survey showed that the official unemployment rate rose to a record-high of 32.6% in the first quarter of 2021. That’s about 2.5 percentage points higher than during the first quarter of 2020. In this podcast, Lisette IJssel de Schepper from the Bureau for Economic Research unpacks the data and also talks about how unemployment could be reduced.

Stellenbosch University offers various programmes in the discipline of Physical Geography which leads to a range of career opportunities. In this podcast we talk to Dr Suzanne Grenfell for more information on this field. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities

Chantal Vigus, the online marketing specialist from the Institute for Futures Research interviews Heilet Bertrand, the marketing manager for the IFR to discuss more about Futures thinking methods and the workshops. www.ifr.sun.ac.za heilet@ifr.sun.ac.za Next workshop signup link: https://usb.events.idloom.com/futures-methods-workshop-2-2021

Saturday 5 June is World Environment Day. In this podcast, Prof Chris Reddy from the Department of Curriculum Studies talks about the major environmental challenges we face and what we can do to address them. Stellenbosch University

Stellenbosch University (SU) hopes to launch a social impact initiative soon to help the small community of Faure rebuild their forgotten village and restore its natural environment. The project, which will cost an estimated R1,5 million, will be driven by Dr Willem de Clercq and Ms Marlene de Witt of SU’s Water Institute. “Our aim is to rediscover this lost village situated next to the R102 highway between Somerset West and Kuils River,” explains De Clercq. “We hope to involve the staff and students of various SU departments as well as government, the private sector and other communities to bring economic, social and environmental upliftment to Faure. We expect the project to run for approximately five years.”

Since most flowers consist of both male and female parts, they can potentially mate with themselves (self-pollination) or a different plant (outcrossing). But does this process only happen by chance? While plants are often viewed as relatively passive participants in their own mating process, simply waiting for the birds and the bees to distribute their pollen for them, researchers from Stellenbosch University believe they have found (more) evidence of female choice in plants. In this podcast, Prof Bruce Anderson from the Department of Botany and Zoology will talk about this phenomenon, and how they managed to describe it using different colored quantum dots to track pollen movement between Wachendorfia paniculata flowers and their pollinators.

On Tuesday 25 May we celebrate Africa Day. In this podcast, Dr Chris Jones from the Unit of Moral Leadership talks about some of the challenges regarding democracy, governance, development, and economic conditions that many African countries will have to overcome if they want to achieve lasting prosperity. Stellenbosch University

Since some children in South Africa don’t have books at home or at school, it’s not surprising that they struggle to read well enough to expand their knowledge of the world. In this podcast, Dr Zelda Barends from the Department of Curriculum Studies talks about how the I CAN READ programme helps to improve the reading and writing skills of learners. Stellenbosch University.

With fake news, conspiracy theories and anti-vaxxers on the rise, Prof Faadiel Essop from the Department of Physiological Sciences and the Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa reflects on what this means for the future of science in a post-truth world.

Monday 3 May is World Press Freedom Day. In this podcast, Dr Marenet Jordaan from the Department of Journalism and Alexander Brand, Editor-in-chief of the student-run community news publication MatieMedia, talk about how ordinary South Africans can help to uphold media freedom and protect it against a diverse array of threats. Stellenbosch University

Saturday 1 May is International Workers’ Day. In this podcast, Dr Daniel le Roux from the Cognition and Technology Research Group talks about the impact of automation in the workplace and what we can do to cope with it. Stellenbosch University

The theme for this year’s World Intellectual Property Day (Monday 26 April) is “IP & SMEs: Taking your ideas to market”. In this podcast, CEO of the Stellenbosch University LaunchLab Josh Romisher talks about how this incubator and entrepreneurial services platform helps to turn ideas, research and intellectual property into high-impact and sustainable companies.

Wednesday (26 April) is World Creativity and Innovation Day. In this podcast, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies Prof Eugene Cloete highlights the importance of innovation and creativity in research and entrepreneurship.

Dr Morne Moster, the director for The Institute for futures research, shares his thought on creativity.

Heilet Bertrand, the marketing manager of the IFR, explains what the IFR does and why their existence is so important. Links: The future of work report: http://www.foresightfordevelopment.org/library/download-file/46-1466/54 Heilet email address: heilet@ifr.sun.ac.za Web address: www.ifr.sun.ac.za Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/instituteforfuturesresearch Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15202725

In this podcast we discuss what Teach the future does and how important foresight is for students and school leaners. Janine Nel is a futures study alumnus and one of the directors of Teach the Future SA. Website is http://teachthefuturesa.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teachthefuturesa Stellenbosch University

Today (7 April) is World Health Day. In this podcast, Prof Resia Pretorius from the Department of Physiological Sciences tells us more about lifestyle      diseases and why it’s so important that we identify our risk for these illnesses early. Stellenbosch University

Chantal Vigus, the online marketing specialist from the Institute of Futures Research at the University of Stellenbosch business school, interviews Prof Andre Roux, the head of the futures studies program and principal lecturer in economics at the USB about foresight. What it means, significance and the importance thereof.

Wednesday (24 March) is World Tuberculosis Day. In this podcast, Dr Karen du Preez, who is a clinical researcher at the Desmond Tutu TB Centre in the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, talks about specific measures that can help to improve TB care for children. Stellenbosch University. 

Sunday 21 March is Human Rights Day. In this podcast, Prof Reggie Nel, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, talks about the key issues that should receive attention on this year’s Human Rights Day. He also reflects on the role that young people from different faith communities can play in promoting human rights. Stellenbosch University

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month with World Head Injury Awareness Day being observed on Saturday 20 March. In this podcast, Emma du Preez from Campus Health Services sheds more light on the symptoms and potential long-term effects of concussion, and also how it can be prevented. Stellenbosch University

In this podcast, Prof Geo Quinot from the Department of Public Law argues that, given the challenges around public procurement in South Africa, serious questions have to be asked about the way our government is procuring the vaccines and services needed to vaccinate the population. Stellenbosch University

World Wildlife Day is observed annually on March 3. In this podcast, Dr Francis Vorhies from the African Wildlife Economy Institute talks about how linking the economy with wildlife in Africa can promote development in rural areas, boost food security and conserve wildlife. Stellenbosch University

The Minister of Finance Tito Mboweni delivered his 2021 Budget Speech on Wednesday. In this podcast, Hugo Pienaar, who is the chief economist at the Bureau for Economic Research, assesses the budget and talks about how it will impact the average South African. Stellenbosch University

South Africa’s Covid-19 vaccine rollout has started, but many citizens still remain skeptical about taking their jabs. In this podcast, Prof Mark Tomlinson from the Institute for Life Course Health Research in the Department of Global Health sheds more light on vaccine hesitancy and how we can overcome it.  Stellenbosch University

Saturday (20 February) is World Day of Social Justice. In this podcast, Prof Ronelle Burger from the Department of Economics and RESEP (Research on Socioeconomic Policy Group) talks about how the bias in data availability perpetuates social injustice and existing inequalities. Stellenbosch University

Thursday (11 February) is the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In this podcast, Dr Taime Sylvester, who is a postdoctoral research fellow at the South African Medical Research Council’s Centre for TB Research in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, speaks about the importance of addressing the gender gap in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Stellenbosch University

Today (4 February) we observe World Cancer Day. In this podcast, Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht, who leads the Cancer Research Group in the Department of Physiological Sciences, highlights some of the advances in personalised medicine and biotechnology that are offering new hope for cancer patients. Stellenbosch University

As a registered social worker but also a person with a disability, Noreth Muller-Kluits always knew it was her calling to facilitate change and help address the needs of persons with disabilities. She recently graduated with a PhD in Social Work, and in this podcast talks about her doctoral research, which focused on the experiences of adults with an acquired physical disability on social work support in a South African context.

Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel, Vice-Rector for Learning and Teaching, will retire at the end of 2020 after a long and distinguished career at Stellenbosch University. In this podcast, he reflects on the highlights and challenges.

It’s important for companies to rotate from audit firms after a certain period of time. In this podcast, Prof Nicolene Wesson from the Stellenbosch University Business School sheds more light on mandatory audit firm rotation and what this means for South Africa.

Thursday (3 December) is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. In this podcast, Dr Marcia Lyner-Cleophas from the Disability Unit reflects on what the pandemic has taught us in terms of removing the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from participating meaningfully in all spheres of society.

Gender-based violence (GBV) continues unabated in South Africa, even during the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children (25 Nov-10 Dec). In this podcast, Prof Juliana Claassens from the Gender Unit in the Faculty of Theology talks about the possibility of looking at both biblical and contemporary trauma narratives to deal with GBV in our society. Stellenbosch University

Researchers at Stellenbosch University (SU) are searching for the safest and most effective treatment for babies at high risk of contracting HIV. “Babies with HIV constitute a small proportion of the HIV-positive population, and only a few antiretroviral drug formulations and little pharmacokinetic data are currently available to inform optimal treatment,” says Prof Adrie Bekker of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at SU’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS). “We have made significant progress in the field of HIV, but a gap remains regarding optimal prevention and treatment of babies born to women with HIV.” Bekker and Dr Tim Cressey from Chiang Mai University in Thailand are the principal investigators of the PETITE study, evaluating the pharmacokinetics and safety of a novel fixed-dose combination (FDC) 4-in-1 granule formulation (abacavir/lamivudine/lopinavir/ritonavir) in neonates exposed to HIV.  The study is funded by Unitaid as a part of the larger BENEFIT Kids project led by SU’s Desmond Tutu TB Centre. The BENEFIT Kids project primarily aims to improve children’s access to better treatment as well as the prevention of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, and has included this complementary and vitally important study for this much neglected population of infants.

Prof Anita Cloete is an associate professor at Stellenbosch University's Faculty of Theology, whose research and teaching is focused on youth, youth culture as well as religion and media. Cloete shares more insight into her life, work and mission to help educate and empower South Africa's youth through teaching and research within the discipline of practical theology.

In this podcast, Ms Tonia Overmeyer, The Director for the Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship, as well as the Dean of Students at Stellenbosch University provides more insights into the recent name change of the Centre. She provides insights into the vision of the Centre as well as the importance of experiential learning as a key element in student development. Finally, Ms Overmeyer outlines the roles and offerings of the various departments within the Centre for Student Leadership, Experiential Education and Citizenship. Stellenbosch University.

World Children’s Day is commemorated in November with South Africans observing National Children’s Day on the first Saturday of the month. In this podcast, Prof Mark Tomlinson from the Institute for Life Course Health Research talks about children’s rights and what’s needed to make them a reality. Stellenbosch University

In this podcast, Stellenbosch University (SU) Registrar Dr Ronel Retief talks about how SU’s new information system SUNStudent will change the institution’s academic administration, improve services and create a better user-experience for staff and students.

In this podcast we talk to Ms. Ruth Andrews about the upcoming Stellenbosch University Experiential Education Conference. For more information visit: www.sueec.com  Experiential Education as Pedagogy for Social Justice: praxis and practice for shaping 21st century global citizen-leaders. The purpose of this higher educational conference is to explore emerging trends and transitions in the higher education experiential education domain and the intersections thereof with social justice and the formation of the global citizen-leader.

Stellenbosch University offers career assessments at the Centre for Student Recruitment and Career Advice. In this podcast we talk to Ms Marichen Klaver for more information about these assessments.

The Ombud has for long served as an independent channel through which people can seek help. The Stellenbosch University Ombud, Adv. Rina Meyer, is an independent person appointed to facilitate the informal resolution of concerns regarding the University. Meyer shares more insight to the work her office does at the university.

Musicologist turned archivist Dr Lizabé Lambrechts works as a popular music and cultural heritage researcher and practitioner. For the past ten years, she has worked as a researcher and as an archivist, building and maintaining one of the biggest and fastest growing popular music archives in South Africa, the Hidden Years Music Archive, at Stellenbosch University. Stellenbosch University

Dr Marcela Espinaze has always been passionate about wildlife conservation. Her current postdoctoral research investigates the influence of nest types, and their associated microclimatic conditions, on ectoparasite populations in African penguins in South Africa. In this podcast, Espinaze talks about the conservation of African penguins and the parasites that threaten the survival of animal species. Stellenbosch University

Monday 5 October is World Teachers’ Day. In this podcast, Prof Maureen Robinson from the Department of Curriculum Studies talks about the challenges that student teachers face during the pandemic and how this might influence teacher education in the future. Stellenbosch University

September is Heritage Month with festivities reaching a crescendo on Heritage Day (24 September). In this podcast, Dr Leslie van Rooi, Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation, reflects on the issue of heritage and how South Africans should celebrate it. Stellenbosch University

September is Heart Awareness Month with World Heart Day being celebrated on 29 September. In this podcast, Dr Jo-Anne Kirby of Campus Health Service/the Institute for Sports and exercise Medicine talks about why it is so important to create awareness about good heart health and how Campus Health Service is making a contribution in this regard. Stellenbosch University.

On Monday (21 September), people around the world celebrate the International Day of Peace. In this podcast, Prof Lindy Heinecken from the Department of Sociology and Social Anthropology speaks about the meaningful contribution female soldiers can make to peacekeeping operations around the world. Stellenbosch University. 

Research for Impact is one of Stellenbosch University (SU)’s core strategic themes in terms of which the institution wants to advance knowledge in service of society. In this podcast, Prof Eugene Cloete, Vice-Rector: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, tells us more about how the different divisions in his responsibility centre help promote research outputs and innovation at SU to ensure it becomes Africa’s leading research-intensive university and brings about economic and/or social improvement in the country.

Stellenbosch University recently introduced a new stream Data Engineering under the BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme. In this podcast we talk to Prof Herman Engelbrecht for more information about the degree. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still impossible for students to study abroad. But, says DVC for Strategy and Internationalisation Prof Hester Klopper, that does not mean internationalisation at SU has halted. Stellenbosch University, Deputy Vice Chancellor. 

In celebration of International Literacy Day (8 September), Dr Pauline Hanekom from the Stellenbosch University Centre for Pedagogy (SUNCEP) talks about why it so important for our learners/students to have the necessary digital literacy skills.

Stellenbosch University recently introduced an interdisciplinary BSC degree in Applied Medicinal Chemistry. In this podcast we talk to Maambele Khosa for more information about the degree. 'Not sure what to study?' is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Stellenbosch university recently introduced an interdisciplinary BSC degree in Biomedical Mathematical Science. In this podcast we talk to Prof Anna-Mart Engelbrecht for more information about the degree. What to study is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

Higher educational institutes all over the world, including Stellenbosch University, went through some stormy waters to continue with teaching while the COVID-19 pandemic forced everyone to stay indoors. Lecturers and students have learned some lessons on how to continue under these difficult circumstances with teaching and learning. Dr Mags Blackie, a senior lecturer in chemistry, has also learned some lessons and thanks to her problem-solving mindset created new teaching methods that also support the learning capabilities of students. Angelique Dreyer interviews Dr Blackie, who will share her experience with us.

In celebration of Women’s Month, Prof Anita Bosch from the University of Stellenbosch Business School talks about the gender pay gap in South Africa and why more transparency is needed in this regard.

Prof Ronelle Burger is a researcher and lecturer in the Department of Economics at Stellenbosch University. She researches exclusion and poverty in African countries, and supports the design of systems and policies that help improve the lives of the poor.

Stellenbosch University (SU) recently introduced a new BSC degree in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. In this podcast we talk to Prof Hugh Patterton for more information about the degree. "Not sure what to study?" is a podcast for prospective SU students about the study opportunities.

In celebration of Women’s Month, Prof Nuraan Davids from the Department of Education Policy Studies speaks about the need to address the stigma of teaching as ‘women’s work’ by disrupting patriarchal discourses and norms that perpetuate the marginalisation of women. Stellenbosch University

In this podcast, Dr Rene Naidoo-Blassoples from the Institute for Wine Biotechnology talks about how her project is recovering wastewater for reuse in sanitation, farming and agriculture to help address water and food insecurity. Stellenbosch University. 

In celebration of Women’s Month, Dr Rizwana Roomaney from the Department of Psychology talks about the stigma around women’s health issues and how this should be addressed. Stellenbosch University

In this podcast, Dr Elize Archer from the Centre for Health Professions Education talks about why it is so important to equip medical students and healthcare professional with empathic communication skills. Stellenbosch University. 

In celebration of Women’s Month, Prof Nox Makunga from the Department of Botany and Zoology talks about the need for more women to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Stellenbosch University 

In this podcast, Dr Sanmarie van Deventer from the Department of Public Law highlights the importance of regulating online contracts to protect internet users when they browse a website, click the “accept” icon or download software.

In celebration of Women’s Day and Women’s Month, Prof Louise du Toit from the Department of Philosophy highlights the devastating impact of sexual violence by saying that it takes away the victim’s sense of power he/she has in the world.

With the ongoing global Covid-19 pandemic, well-being and mental health has become an important priority for many academic institutions around the world. Shibu Mamabolo, who specialises in Employee Health and Wellness discussed how Stellenbosch University is helping staff with wellness resources.

Prof Martina Meincken has initiated the process of making African violins by using indigenous African wood species. The first violin was made over three months from yellowwood and sapele by one of the best luthiers in South Africa, Hannes Jacobs from Pretoria.  We also have a special surprise. Christian Brand joins prof Meincken and plays his piece: Sonata No. 1 for solo violin by C.J. Brand.  (Please note that the Violin recording was done on a cellphone in a non controlled environment. This was not a professional recording in a studio. ) Read the full story here: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=7497

According to Prof Kanshukan Rajaratnam, Stellenbosch University has a competitive edge. “Thanks to our leadership, SU has deviated from the norm in a unique manner. The School is set up to focus not only on Data Science, but also on Computational Thinking, thereby offering a unique value proposition to students, researchers and industry. I am excited to be part of shaping and growing what is an important part of the University's future." Visit http://www.sun.ac.za/english/data-science-and-computational-thinking for more information.

In this podcast, Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operation Officer and Chairperson of the Institutional Committee for Business Continuity, highlights the importance of a collaborative approach to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this podcast, Renee-Hector Kannemeyer, Deputy-Director for the Division of Social Impact and also the Head of Matie Community Service, talks about the institutional activities that staff and students can participate in to celebrate Mandela Day during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In this podcast, Dr Elijah Doro from the Department of History makes the point that current debates about the cigarette ban also have to pay attention to the murky political history of tobacco.

In this podcast, Prof Lizette Rabe from the Department of Journalism speaks about the insidious nature of fake news and what we can do to curb its spread.

In celebration of World Population Day (11 July), Prof Mark Tomlinson from the Institute for Life Course Health Research highlights some of the population issues we face today and what we should do to address them.

In this podcast, Prof Bob Mash from the Division of Family Medicine and Primary Care talks about how community healthcare workers are delivering medicine to high-risk groups who can’t go to healthcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this podcast, Prof Aslam Fataar from the Department of Education Policy Studies talks about how teachers have gone beyond the call of duty to meet the needs of learners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this podcast, Prof Nico Koopman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, speaks about how his responsibility centre is helping to promote transformation and diversity at Stellenbosch University and beyond.

In celebration of Youth Month, SR Chairperson Lewis Mboko talks about the challenges young people face during the COVID-19 pandemic and what they can do to rise above them.

In celebration of World Refugee Day (20 June), Dr Callixte Kavuro from the Department of Public Law highlights the plight and challenges of refugees and asylum-seekers.

When he took the helm at Stellenbosch University in 2015, it was the time of Rhodes Must Fall, Open Stellenbosch, the ‘Luister’ video and Fees Must Fall. Five years later, he started his second term in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. And still he sees the glass “half full”. We talk to Professor Wim de Villiers about what makes him tick, and what the future may hold for one of Africa’s top higher education institutions.

In celebration of Youth Month, Mandela Rhodes Scholar and Master’s student in Educational Policy Studies Delecia Davids highlights some of the pressing challenges young people face.

In this podcast, Prof Bruce Watson from the Department of Information Science offers a few tips on how we can protect ourselves against cyber criminals during the lockdown.

In celebration of Youth Month, Philosophy student and SRC member Ingrid Heydenrych talks about the challenges student leaders are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic as they try to stay in touch with their fellow students.

In celebration of Youth Month, Psychology Honours student Unopachido Mubaiwa talks about the power young people have to bring about transformation in society.

In this podcast, Dr Stephanie Vos from the Africa Open Institute talks about the importance of looking at popular music from the vantage point of local artists, producers and listeners.

In this podcast, Prof Brian van Wilgen from the Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology talks about the impact of invasive species in South Africa and what needs to be done to keep them in check.

In this podcast, Ms Anika Berning from the Department of Business Management highlights the challenges non-profit organisations face as they try to help alleviate the plight of millions of South Africans during the lockdown.

In this podcast, Prof Zwelinzima Ndevu, Director of the School of Public Leadership, takes a closer look at the leadership our government has thus      far provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this podcast, Dr Morne Mostert from the Institute for Futures Research offers a few tips that may help senior decision-makers and students to think strategically about the future during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this podcast Dr Elsje Pieterse from the Department of Animal Sciences talks about the idea of farming with insects to use as food, bioplastic, animal feed and even as alternatives for antibiotics.

In this podcast Prof Jason Bantjes from the Department of Psychology talks about students’ mental health problems and what needs to be done to address them in a way that help students  deal with these psychological challenges.

In this podcast, Ms Ilhaam Groenewald talks about the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdown on sport and what the landscape may look like once we’ve weathered the storm.

In this podcast, Prof Michael le Cordeur reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our democracy and various issues related to education.

In this podcast, Prof Sandy Liebenberg explains that in our battle against COVID-19, we should not neglect the socio-economic rights of millions of South Africans who are trapped in poverty and unemployment.