The Faculty of Engineering hosted another vibrant and engaging Open Day on Saturday, 15 March 2025, welcoming prospective students and their families to explore the exciting world of engineering at Stellenbosch University (SU). As part of SU’s annual Open Day, the event allowed learners to experience the Faculty’s academic offerings, world-class facilities and dynamic student community.
From early morning, eager learners and parents arrived at the bedouin tent to collect their information packs and meet undergraduate engineering students who acted as enthusiastic tour guides. A DJ added to the lively atmosphere, while The Chalkboard/SANGA kept attendees refreshed with delicious food and coffee.
The Dean, Prof Wikus van Niekerk, along with Prof Celeste Viljoen, Vice-Dean: Teaching and Quality Assurance, and Prof Corne Schutte, Vice-Dean: Research and Industry Liaison, led the general information session that gave attendees key insights into the Faculty’s undergraduate programmes and student experience. Additionally, visitors had the opportunity to watch Recharging Hope, an inspiring documentary that was screened continuously throughout the day.
A highlight of the Open Day was the departmental tours and demonstrations, where prospective students explored the various fields of engineering through hands-on experiences. Visitors engaged with cutting-edge projects and innovative research within the Faculty’s five departments:
- Chemical Engineering: Demonstrations included antioxidant extraction from fruit skins, sustainable hydrogen production using purple bacteria and urban mining for a circular economy.
- Civil Engineering: Prospective students witnessed advancements in 3D-printed infrastructure, mobility modelling for future cities and water dynamics in shaping flow.
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering: The department showcased its Electronic Systems Laboratory, High Voltage Laboratory and Media Laboratory, drawing particular attention to the humanoid robot, George V0.1, which captivated audiences with its impressive moves.
- Industrial Engineering: The focus was on designing and improving production systems, with demonstrations of the travelling salesperson problem and the VR Learning Factory.
- Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering: Visitors explored energy systems, mechanical innovations and mechatronic developments through interactive exhibits.
Tours departed every 10 to 15 minutes, ensuring all guests had ample opportunity to engage with the different departments and their unique offerings. The Winter Week team and the Engineering Student Council also assisted visitors by answering their questions and ensuring everyone had an enjoyable experience despite the ongoing construction of the General Engineering Building.
Prof van Niekerk expressed his appreciation to faculty members, acknowledging their dedication and commitment to making the event a success: “Each year, I am truly impressed by the dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of our staff and students who willingly give up their Saturday to showcase Engineering and our Faculty to prospective students. Your efforts ensured parents and learners an engaging, informative and highly valuable experience. I sincerely thank all of you for your time, dedication and energy. Your contributions have undoubtedly made a lasting impact.”
The Faculty of Engineering looks forward to welcoming another cohort of outstanding students in 2026. Prospective students are reminded that applications for 2026
open on 1 April 2025 and close on 31 July 2025.
Photo: Open Day 2025 in action.
Photographer: Ignus Dryer.
[Article by Amber Viviers]
