Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago, was on Friday formally installed as Stellenbosch University (SU) 16th Chancellor.
Dignitaries in attendance included senior SU leadership, government officials, Reserve Bank representatives, and university stakeholders.
In his inaugural address, Kganyago called the role “a profound honour,” acknowledging SU’s legacy and the work ahead. “I accept this role with a deep sense of responsibility,” he said. “Universities reflect who we are and what we aspire to be.”
While he accepted the role, Kganyago did not shy away from addressing SU’s complex past, noting its historical complicity in apartheid. Quoting poet Antjie Krog, he warned that “wounds left unconfronted will continue to inflict pain,” urging the University to reject racism and resistance to change.
He called on the university to continue fostering “curiosity, innovation, and diversity of thought.”
Kganyago described higher education as a space for ethical leadership and social change. He praised recent transformation work under former Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers and commended initiatives like Save7 and student-led projects in food security and prisoner rehabilitation.
During his speech, Kganyago reflected on his personal history of student activism in the 1980s, when he joined university protests against apartheid-era restrictions on academic freedom. “We must safeguard this freedom and honour it with curiosity, engagement and critical enquiry,” he said to a standing ovation.
The ceremony was opened by SU Registrar Dr Ronel Retief, who welcomed guests including SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter and Stellenbosch Mayor Jeremy Fasser. Retief highlighted the Chancellor’s symbolic role and affirmed that Kganyago’s election followed a transparent public nomination process.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Deresh Ramjugernath hailed Kganyago as a leader of “courage, wisdom, and steadiness,” aligning his public service ethos with SU’s core values. “Your leadership will inspire our students, staff, alumni and partners,” he said.
Chair of the University Council Dr Nicky Newton-King led the formal investiture and unveiled a newly designed Chancellor’s gown that incorporates a “Hope” pattern.
Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Mimmy Gondwe, in a message read by Prof Nico Koopman, praised Kganyago’s calm leadership. She emphasised his relevance at a time when universities are navigating funding shortfalls, digital disruption, and rising political pressures.
A personal tribute from Prof Rudolf Gouws of the Chancellor’s Circle recalled Kganyago’s long-standing policy integrity and principled leadership. “You’ve remained steadfast in your defence of the Bank’s independence,” he said. “And the country – and this University – is better for it.”
The occasion closed on a celebratory note with a rousing performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus by the Invitational Choir and a final flourish from the SU Brass Quintet.
Kganyago is set to serve a five-year term as Chancellor, with the option of one re-election.
