Stellenbosch University (SU) and Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences alumni held the Maties flag and pride high when they were honoured by being among Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2024. Reino Erasmus (Technology & Innovation), who holds a Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Visual Communication Design) from Stellenbosch University, also founded the technology design consultancy, Ampersand, with his business partner, Greig Timkoe.
Other Maties alumni include Pieter Odendaal (Arts & Entertainment). Mr Odendaal (35) is a writer, producer and senior lecturer in creative writing at North-West University. Amongst his qualifications, he holds an MPhil in Sustainable Development Planning and Management (SU), a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development Planning and Management (SU) and a BA in Language and Culture (SU). Lynn Daphne Rudolph was also selected in the arts and entertainment category. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Music (Viola Performance; Classical Studies) and a Master of Music (Solo Viola; Classical Studies) from Stellenbosch University.Alumnus, Dr Curwyn Mapaling currently with University of Johannesburg as Senior Lecturer for Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology proved his mettle in the Mail and Guardian 200 Young South Africa Education category. In his discipline he integrates psychological principles into higher education and beyond to promote well-being in the Global South. He holds a Bachelor of Psychology (Counselling), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling), Stellenbosch University and Doctor of Philosophy (Education), Nelson Mandela University.
The “200 Young South Africans” award is presented to a selection of youths who the Mail & Guardian considers the most influential young South Africans of the year. In this 19th year of the award, the Mail & Guardian received 4 000 nominees from the public and had to whittle it down to 200 individuals based on their individual accomplishments, ability to take leading roles in their relevant fields, peer and public recognition, and willingness to give back to society. The final list of winners is grouped into 18 different categories. Mr Erasmus was selected in the ‘Technology & Innovation’ category. “The award not only brings recognition to the work I do, but more importantly, it motivates and inspires me to take on bigger challenges. This award has particular meaning for the development of my career as it underscores my ability to integrate the disciplines of design and technology in a way that produces solutions that are relevant and sensitive to the South African context,” said Mr Erasmus.
Mr Erasmus undertook a postgraduate degree at Stellenbosch University, the Master of Arts in Visual Arts, as a working professional to not only deepen his understanding in the field of design but also to set himself the challenge of graduating from such a prestigious university. He confirms that his time at Stellenbosch University had shaped him tremendously in his personal and professional capacities. He has come to understand that it is a privilege to be a Matie alumnus. Mr Reino Erasmus (34) is at the forefront of the revolution in learning, developing apps such as the eReady ICT Readiness Assessment Tool, a mechanism that can help implement technology-integrated learning experiences and foster equitable educational opportunities across African communities, at Nelson Mandela University’s Centre for Community Technologies. Mr Erasmus’ other intimate passion is Ampersand (www.ampersandstudio.co.za). The organisation that he co-founded 10 years ago specialises in the design of digital platforms, systems, applications and tools. Ampersand has already provided technology design solutions for the public and private sectors, and across various fields, including marketing, education, health, public administration, and research and development.
On behalf of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the Department of Visual Arts and Stellenbosch University, we congratulate Mr Erasmus on this prestigious recognition. He is a true ambassador for Maties pride and we wish him the best on his professional journey ahead.