On 12 October 2024, Stellenbosch University’s (SU) main campus and the Tygerberg campus was a buzz of activity as Grade 12 applicants, who have already accepted conditional offers to study at SU, descended on Maties. They were invited to have a first-time experience of varsity life through a campus-wide campaign titled NextGenMaties, or the next generation of Maties for the academic year 2025. The students were accompanied by their supportive parents (some of whom are proud Maties alumni themselves), who showed that they have a personal stake in their children’s future studies and career aspirations with a Maties qualification.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences made every effort to impress its prospective cohort of students for the 2025 academic year, showing them the various departmental academic offerings within the Faculty. Chair of the BA Student Committee (BASC) and programme director for the welcoming ceremony, Ms Jordan Dart, warmly welcomed those in attendance and introduced the outgoing dean, Professor Anthony Leysens. Prof Leysens gave an informative and insightful overview of the Faculty’s focus, quality, and commitment to academic excellence to ensure that our students succeed in their studies and careers. “Make it count, make it worth it. You have three years and three years go so quickly. In the process think about postgraduate studies,” said Prof Leysens. Sadly, Prof Leysens’ term ends at the end of this academic year, after serving the Faculty for two terms and leading it to its status as one of the top humanities faculties in the world. The incoming dean is Professor Vasti Roodt, current Vice-Dean for Teaching and Learning. She is ready and keen to take the Faculty to even greater heights during her tenure as dean.
Ms. Cheryl Richardson, the Faculty Academic Administrator, congratulated the prospective students on making it thus far, highlighting that their journey is not yet complete. They need to finish off with excellent academic results in their final exams but by virtue of being here and having been accepted, it shows that they have met the grade for the 1 100 places the Faculty has available for new arrivals. She further explained the process and procedures they will encounter and must complete to be Maties students in 2025.
Ms. Khanyiswa Xinwa, Student Support Coordinator, emphasised that her office was there to serve the needs of the students in the challenges they might experience, as being a student is a challenging but also an exciting commitment. The students should not hesitate to contact her office.
Mr. Rudi le Roux briefly emphasised the importance of technology onboarding, in other words, being able to use and access the technological support at the students’ disposal. He further detailed the service offered to students who have disabilities.
Ms. Dart had an opportunity to introduce her BASC members, who warmly introduced themselves and their portfolios in turn. The BASC members and their respective portfolios are: Ms Penny Campbell (Vice-Chair; BA Language and Culture II), Ms Shila Chabalala (Secretary; BA Humanities II), Ms Misha Fray (Treasurer; BA Language and Culture III), Ms Jade Lopes (Student Relations; BA Humanities I), Ms Tana Benn (Social Impact; BA Humanities II), Ms Ayanda Gqolana (Transformation and Culture; B Social Work III) and Ms Neuza Langa (Social Media and Marketing; BA Development and Environment II). To read more on their mandate, click here: Code of Conduct (BASC 2023-24).
In conclusion, Mr Alex Plaatjies thanked those in attendance for their participation in the NextGenMaties event. Then the aspirant Maties and their parents went on a faculty and campus tour that included departmental presentations.
“Thank you again for the really wonderful introduction to the BA faculty on Saturday. Maya and her friends absolutely loved it,” said Monique Ethelston, proud parent of future Maties and Maties alumna herself.
NextGenMaties, formerly known as Maties 101, was also hosted by other faculties at SU, including Engineering, AgriSciences, Education, Economic and Management Sciences, Law, Theology and Science. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences prospective students were treated to lecture simulations, tours and engaging with other current students. They also met the departmental staff and got an overview of their forthcoming studies in the next three-year academic period.