A cold and steady rain fell over Stellenbosch on Friday morning, but rays of sunshine appeared over lunch as Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrated a momentous occasion: the formal installation of the institution’s 16th Chancellor – Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank.
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.
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 recent transformation efforts under 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.
As the ceremonial music faded and applause echoed through the hall, it was clear that Kganyago’s inauguration represents a pivotal moment in the SU’s ongoing story of renewal and hope.
- SU’s Chancellor serves a five-year term and may be re-elected once for a consecutive term.
