New rector and vice-chancellor for Stellenbosch University

Professor Deresh Ramjugernath has been appointed by the Stellenbosch University Council as the university’s next rector and vice-chancellor.

He is currently the deputy vice-chancellor for learning and teaching.

Professor Ramjugernath, 52, will assume office on April 1 next year after Professor Wim de Villiers concludes his second and final five-year term as rector and vice-chancellor on March 31.

The university said in a statement that Professor Ramjugernath becomes the university’s 13th rector, although the title of this post has changed a number of times over the last 100 years.

As rector and vice-chancellor-designate, Professor Ramjugernath will work closely with Professor De Villiers until his retirement.

Professor Ramjugernath is a seasoned and highly experienced higher education leader with extensive senior executive experience in the sector in South Africa.

Prior to his appointment at Stellenbosch University as deputy vice-chancellor: learning and teaching in January 2021, he was the deputy vice-chancellor: research and pro vice-chancellor: innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Professor Ramjugernath resides in Stellenbosch with his wife, an accomplished academic in her own right, their three daughters and two dogs.

“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the opportunity to serve and lead one of the top universities on the African continent. I am immensely thankful to the Stellenbosch University Council for having the confidence in my vision to take the institution to the next tier in being a world-class research-intensive university that is in service to society,” said Professor Ramjugernath about his appointment.

“Stellenbosch is locally and globally respected and admired for its academic excellence, and I look forward to the period of close collaboration with Professor De Villiers before officially taking office in April next year and building on his tremendous tenure and achievements over the past decade.”

Professor Ramjugernath’s appointment comes after a thorough local and international recruitment process, including presentations by and interviews of short-listed candidates at meetings of the Senior Appointments Committee, Senate and the Institutional Forum and Council.

The chair of Council, Nicky Newton-King, commented: “We are delighted with Professor Ramjugernath’s appointment and look forward to having him lead our special institution on the next stage of its journey. He is an excellent academic and seasoned administrator and Council has no doubt that he will be a worthy successor to Professor De Villiers.”

Ms Newton-King acknowledged that the Council had a difficult task. “SU’s achievements attracted top candidates locally and internationally to apply. Kudos for this goes to Professor De Villiers, his Rectorate team and the nearly 3 500 Stellenbosch academics and professional and administrative support staff who ensure that SU continues to attract top staff and students and deliver top research and student results. The Council is most grateful for this.”