Stellenbosch rector and vice-chancellor Professor Wim de Villiers will be hanging up his cloak soon.
Image: Stefan Els
As Professor Willem Johan Simon “Wim” de Villiers prepares to step down as Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) in just 23 days, his decade-long tenure has left an indelible mark on the institution.
Describing his leadership as a “restless decade,” De Villiers’ time at the helm has been characterised by transformative change, academic excellence, and a tireless commitment to fostering a more inclusive and dynamic university.
De Villiers, who began his tenure in 2015, views his “redeployment” not as a retirement, but as the end of a significant chapter in a lifelong commitment to education and service.
“This has been a team effort between my wife Catherine and I, especially when it came to fundraising, promoting the university, and hosting key meetings,” he remarked. “I could not have done it without her. Now, it’s time to focus solely on her and our family.”
Prior to his appointment at SU, De Villiers served as the Dean of Medical Sciences at the University of Cape Town (UCT). It was on April 1, 2015 that he embarked on the journey that would shape the future of SU.
Under his leadership, SU underwent a dramatic transformation.
From the completion of over 90 000 qualifications to a stronger emphasis on postgraduate education, De Villiers pushed for inclusivity and equity, ensuring the university was accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
“The stigma attached to Stellenbosch is broken,” he reflected. “We’re no longer just a historically exclusive institution. We’re a world-class, inclusive university, constantly striving for improvement, even if it means we must have those ‘difficult conversations.’”
De Villiers believes the current SU is a far cry from the institution he encountered in the 80s.
“We are more mature in terms of critically reflecting and attempting to make it better,” he said.
A key achievement of his tenure has been SU’s transformation into a global hub of research excellence. With the establishment of the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking, as well as the School for Climate Studies, De Villiers positioned the university at the forefront of critical global academic fields.
However, his tenure has not been without challenges.
Stellenbosch University will be saying goodbye to their Vice Chancellor
Image: Independent Newspapers
One significant issue was the university's language policy, which sought to balance Afrikaans and English as mediums of instruction.
The debate was contentious, but de Villiers managed it with care, striving to ensure that SU remained an inclusive space for all students.
“Our efforts were aimed at promoting multilingualism and ensuring all students had access to quality education,” he said.
Another challenge arose in 2022, when a deeply disturbing incident occurred at the university.
A white student was caught urinating on a black student’s belongings, sparking outrage across the SU community.
De Villiers condemned the act and launched the Khampepe Commission to investigate.
The Wilgenhof residence came under the spotlight when students discovered two "toxic rooms"
Image: Ruan Belligan/Facebook
This led to the formation of the Committee for the Institutional Response to the Commission’s Recommendations (CIRCoRe), strengthening SU’s commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
“Addressing the issue led to new, comprehensive measures to combat such violations and ensure they do not happen again,” he stated.
The Wilgenhof residence scandal in 2024 was another major challenge.
Reports surfaced about "dehumanising practices" at the residence, prompting De Villiers to take swift action.
“We had to ensure that our student residences reflected the values of respect and inclusivity that Stellenbosch University stands for,” he said.
The university worked through public debates, controversy, and legal actions, eventually reaching settlements, including renaming the residence.
Professor Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-chancellor for Stellenbosch University Picture: Stefan Els Professor Wim de Villiers, rector and vice-chancellor for Stellenbosch University shared his plans for the future.
Image: Stefan Els
“This effort was part of a broader commitment to fostering a culture of respect and transformation.”
Despite these challenges, DeVilliers looks back on his time with pride. “The students are truly the heart of this university,” he shared.
“It’s always a privilege to see them start with bright eyes and bushy tails, and then watch them walk across the stage at graduation.”
He also cherishes the simple joy of walking through the student centres, where the sounds of piano music greet him. “I feed off that energy,” he said. “It reminds me why I chose this path.”
So, what’s next for De Villiers? After stepping down on March 31, he plans a well-deserved break with his family before diving into “special projects” focused on healthcare research and higher education. But he is far from finished with his mission to shape young minds.
Reflecting on his leadership, De Villiers remains proud of the strides made at Stellenbosch University. “I feel privileged to have served here. The progress we’ve made, even in the face of challenges, is something I’ll always treasure.”
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za
Weekend Argus