Stellenbosch University (SU) is among South Africa’s leading tertiary institutions based on research output, student pass rates and rated scientists, and is recognised internationally as an academic institution of excellence. This is confirmed by two world university rankings after SU was included in the Times Higher Education and QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) world rankings in 2012, for the second consecutive year. In 2011 the University was also listed on the Leiden rankings, and in 2012 SU was named the leading African University by the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities which ranks universities according to their web presence.
SU also boasts the second-highest number of scientists in South Africa who have been ranked by the National Research Foundation (NRF) – 306 in 2012. With 18 research chairs under the NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChi), the University is regarded as a leader in the fields of biomedical tuberculosis research and management, wine biotechnology, animal sciences and mathematical biosciences. Another SARChi chair, in the field of invasion biology, is shared between SU and the University of Venda. This constitutes but one of SU’s many partnerships, both local and international. As preferred research partner, SU also participates in various international academic networks.
Climate change may threaten the survival of the Cape frog. The solution could lie in creating corridors for them to move to new habitats and more suitable climate spaces.
Ensuring that children eat healthily can prevent them from developing kidney disease.
Shutterstock
A curriculum can’t be decolonised by simply removing content. This denies students the chance to participate in local policy debates and the global job market. A more nuanced approach is needed.
Cybercriminals take advantage of computer users’ lack of education about their methods.
Shutterstock
Doctors in South Africa have not been doing enough counselling of people who drink, smoke, don’t exercise and eat badly on ways to change their lifestyles.
Fixing South Africa’s perilous education system will involve building consensus – a time-consuming process.
Reuters/Rogan Ward
South Africa’s government should put more effort into developing concrete strategies for dealing with the factors preventing the removal of the critical constraints on economic growth.
South Africa is not training enough medical sub-specialists.
Reuters/Andreea Campeanu
South Africa produces a limited number of medical sub-specialists due to the way in which the training programme is set up. This could improve with a paradigm shift.
The beginning of any child’s school career can be a scary time. But parents and teachers can make it easier.
Thomas Mukoya/Reuters
It takes a combination of people, places and activities to make school a happy environment for kids. Here’s how teachers and parents can get involved.
Maize is a staple food in South Africa. Its production is likely to decline by half this year due to drought. The poor will be the hardest hit.
Shutterstock
South Africa has been hit by a severe drought and will not be able to produce enough maize - its staple food - in 2016. This will prompt a rise in imports and therefore food prices.
The Chinese and South African governments, led by presidents Xi Jingping and Jacob Zuma, cement ties during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Reuters/Wang Zhao/Pool
When it comes to the global political economy, no one “talks left and walks right” more than China, a dominant player in global capitalism. South African and Chinese aspirations have much in common.
What better way to spend your year-end holiday than absorbed in a good book or ten?
Shutterstock
There isn’t a lot of time for recreational reading when you’re running a university. But when year-end holidays roll around, Africa’s vice chancellors can finally read for pleasure.
If an online offer seems too good to be true, it probably is and you’re being phished.
Shutterstock
Phishing attempts tend to rise during the festive season when people are more likely to respond to online marketing and to spend more money. How can you protect yourself?
An example of the restoration of a degraded mountain slope in China. The country has numerous initiatives underway to battle climate change.
Anthony Mills
Those who don’t want Stellenbosch University to make English the main language of instruction have invoked South Africa’s Constitution - but the assumptions underlying their arguments are false.
China has experienced deforestation in some parts of the country placing valuable biodiversity at risk of extinction.
Shutterstock
China needs to do more to manage the balance between conservation and tourism to protect its rich biodiversity.
Moroccan teacher Moulay Ismael Lamrani with his class. Research suggests that an induction year is extremely valuable for teachers just entering the profession.
Youssef Boudlal/Reuters
The first year at work is the toughest for novice teachers. Induction, guided by more experienced teachers, has proved an effective solution all over the world.
Shanghai demonstrates how good planning can help Africa to develop successful special economic zones.
Shutterstock
China’s experience indicates that special economic zones can help countries in Africa attract foreign investors, diversify their economies and promote manufacturing.