On 16 September 2024, the Faculty of Engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU) celebrated its 80th anniversary with a gala dinner held at the Wallenberg Conference Centre at STIAS. The event brought together esteemed guests, faculty members and industry partners for an evening of reflection and celebration, honouring the Faculty’s eight decades of excellence in engineering education and research.
Prof Celeste Viljoen, Vice-Dean: Teaching and Quality Assurance in the Faculty of Engineering, opened the event, welcoming attendees, included current SU Rector Prof Wim de Villiers and newly appointed Rector Prof Deresh Ramjugernath.
Prof Petrie Meyer, acting dean of the Faculty of Engineering, provided an overview of the Faculty’s rich history, highlighting its growth from humble beginnings in 1941 with 42 students and three staff members to its current stature with over 4 000 students and 300 staff members. He also noted the high number of PhD graduates, currently averaging between 55 and 60 annually, and added: “This year has marked the biggest ever intake of first year students – around 1300 – following a record-breaking number of applications, which satisfied our highest-ever selection criteria.”
Prof Meyer said the completion of the campus renewal project and the rise of online education are expected to transform the way programmes are delivered. “The Faculty is also embracing shifts in research, with a focus on solving global challenges, while prioritising the wellness of staff and students. With a dynamic team of young faculty members, innovative teaching resources, and a commitment to addressing humanity’s greatest challenges, the next 80 years promises to be transformative for the Faculty of Engineering,” he said.
The evening’s programme also featured a musical performance by renowned South African singer Anna Davel, whose soulful performance added to the night’s celebratory atmosphere.
A highlight of the evening was the recognition of special guests who have played a pivotal role in the history of the faculty. Among them were:
- Mrs Isa Thompson, the first woman to earn a BEng degree (Civil) from the Faculty in 1973.
- Mr Henry Green, the first person of colour to earn a BEng degree (Electronics) in 1979.
- Mr Phillip Conradie, a graduate from 1948 and former lecturer in Engineering Graphics, who was part of the Faculty’s second graduating class.
Distinguished guests included Prof Stan du Plessis, Chief Operating Officer of SU; Mr Pieter Uys, Chairman of the Faculty of Engineering Advisory Board; and Dr Andy Calitz, SU honorary doctorate recipient and Advisory Board member. Former deans of the Faculty, Prof PW van der Walt (1993 – 2002), Prof Arnold Schoonwinkel (2002 – 2012) and Prof Hansie Knoetze (2012 – 2017).
Also in attendance were Ms Refilwe Buthelezi, President of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and Dr Rebecca Maserumule, Chief Director of Hydrogen and Energy at the Department of Science and Innovation.
In his closing remarks, Prof de Villiers reflected on the Faculty’s remarkable journey over the past 80 years. He emphasised the Faculty’s trailblazing achievements, including the creation of Africa’s first analogue computer and the launch of the southern hemisphere’s first satellite, both monumental milestones that continue to inspire the engineering community today. He said: “Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. May the next 80 years be filled with as much progress and inspiration as the last.”
The anniversary dinner not only celebrated the rich history of the Faculty of Engineering but also set the stage for its future ventures to continue its legacy of innovation and excellence as it embarks on the next 80 years.
Photos of the event can be viewed here (click on the button named “Celebrations” and scroll further down).
