Professor Deresh Ramjugernath (52), the 13th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), officially stepped into his new role last week, taking over from Professor Wim de Villiers who completed two terms at the helm.

“Stellenbosch has a proud history of excellence in learning and teaching. Under Professor 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.”

A seasoned and highly experienced higher education leader with extensive senior executive experience in the sector in South Africa, Professor Ramjugernath served as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching at SU since January 2021.

A more than capable cricketer in his younger days (an all-rounder shining with both bat and ball) he knows only too well that in captaining one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities, there will be many difficult balls to face.

In higher education you don’t advance as an institution by only playing a defensive game, states Professor 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.”

It is for this reason that Professor Ramjugernath views academic excellence to be front and centre as one of his three focus areas for the next few years – with the other two being people, culture, and processes; and, partnerships and sustainability.

“One of our 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 need to become even more student-centred because student success and employability of our graduates are the highest priorities from a learning and teaching perspective. 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.

"I believe universities should not only educate, but also empower, ensuring that each student can contribute to South Africa’s development, economic growth and overall well-being. That is why our commitment extends beyond academic achievement.

"As we work to secure greater donor funding, establish new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, we are dedicated to building a future where every student has access to holistic support – academic, financial, psychological and professional. This comprehensive approach to student success reflects our belief that education is not simply a pathway to employment but a catalyst for positive social change.

The world is changing and with it the world of work. And that is why I also want to focus on fostering a humanising and enabling culture at the University. I want to prioritise people, culture, and systems that will allow everyone at SU to thrive.”

Bringing out the best in people is a question of working together in an inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary manner, reckons Professor Ramjugernath.

“Some of the greatest breakthroughs we see now is the result of interdisciplinary research – by fostering a sense of teamwork. That is how we tackle the most ‘wicked problems’ in the world.

“We can only be great if we work together and, importantly, if we all move forward together. I believe in a fresh, service-oriented approach to leadership. I lead by example – if I expect academic excellence, I must model it myself. Leadership, to me, is about service, not status. It’s about empowering others – giving people agency and helping them realise their potential, just as others did for me.”

“Universities cannot thrive in isolation. Strategic partnerships are the keys to sustainability and to opening doors to opportunity. We need to further grow our various streams of income to the benefit of all partners.

“Amongst others, I am broadening our internationalisation agenda. It’s however not just about collaborating with other universities but also with government, civil society and industry – both locally and globally. To support this, we will be establishing a Partnerships Office to coordinate efforts while empowering champions across the University.

“In all of this, we should not forget our unique setting, says Professor Ramjugernath.

“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.”

Universities are only great when they have the support of all its stakeholders, says Professor Ramjugernath.

“I firmly believe we have what it takes, and I am excited to now put shoulder to the wheel with the support of my management team and our incredible staff, our Council, our alumni and the many other stakeholders, partners and friends of our beloved University. Let’s shape tomorrow together – one conversation, one breakthrough, one act of courage at a time.”

The Chair of Council, Dr Nicky Newton-King, commented that Council is excited about Professor bold vision for the University with academic excellence, people and partnerships at its centre.

“Professor 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.

"As an excellent academic and seasoned administrator, Council looks forward to Prof Ramjugernath’s stewardship of our special institution.”

Ramjugernath resides in Stellenbosch with his wife, Professor 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, Professor Ramjugernath loves the outdoors.

More on Professor Ramjugernath

Before making Stellenbosch his home, Professor Deresh Ramjugernath was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Pro Vice-Chancellor: Innovation, Commercialisation and Entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

He boasts extensive board and governance experience having served on several company and organisation boards.

A pre-eminent scientist in the field of chemical engineering and specifically in chemical thermodynamics and separation technology (becoming the youngest full professor in his field in Africa at age 31), Professor Ramjugernath served as the DST/NRF South African Research Chair (SARChI) for Fluorine Process Engineering and Separation Technology until 2018.

He has successfully graduated over 130 master's and PhD students and supervised over 20 postdoctoral fellows. Professor Ramjugernath has published in excess of 350 peer-reviewed journal papers and has presented at least 300 papers at international conferences

Professor Ramjugernath studied at UKZN and obtained the degrees BSc Eng (Chemical) in 1993, MSc Eng (Chemical) that was upgraded to a PhD in 1995 and a PhD in Chemical Engineering in 2000.