Prof. Wim de Villiers

Loading player...
In this special episode, Sibu Ndudula and Shaun Daniels sits down with Prof. Wim de Villiers, the 12th Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University, as he reflects on his remarkable ten-year tenure before stepping down at the end of the month.

Born and raised in Stellenbosch, Prof. De Villiers has had a lifelong connection to the university—first as a student, then as a global academic and medical leader, and finally returning to lead his alma mater. In this conversation, he opens up about the highs and lows of his leadership, including navigating major transformation movements like #FeesMustFall, the university’s evolving language policy, and initiatives in gender equality, campus safety, and visual redress.

During the interview, they also discuss the challenges of leadership, the lessons he’s learned, and what he envisions for the future of Stellenbosch University. Plus, on a lighter note, they find out his go-to song, his favourite book recommendations, and what three things he’d write down for the new Rector on their first day in office.

Tune in for a reflective and insightful conversation about transformation, leadership, and the future of one of South Africa’s top universities.
19 Mar English South Africa News · Society & Culture

Other recent episodes

Dr. Leslie van Rooi

In this special Human Rights Day edition of Lift Club, Wilné van Rooyen and Zeeko Alexander sits down with Dr Leslie van Rooi, Acting Senior Director: Student Affairs at Stellenbosch University. Recorded in the lead-up to Human Rights Day 2025, this powerful conversation explores young people’s understanding of human rights,…
1 Apr 29 min

Dr. Jim Green & Mr. Jim Adams

In this special episode, we welcome two distinguished former NASA leaders, Dr Jim Green (former Chief Scientist at NASA) and Mr Jim Adams (retired Deputy Chief Technologist), during their visit to Stellenbosch University as part of the Space Tour South Africa 2025. Listen as they share valuable insights into their…
17 Mar 51 min

Victims of Apartheid-era atrocities versus the South African government

In today's powerful episode, Lesedi Mnisi is joined by three guests closely involved in a landmark court case against President Ramaphosa and the South African government. Anti-apartheid activist survivors and family members—including first applicant Lukhanyo Calata—are seeking constitutional damages over the government's alleged failure to adequately investigate and prosecute apartheid-era…
12 Mar 46 min

Dr. Mimmy Gondwe

Today’s podcast episode revisits an insightful interview conducted by MFM 92.6 during Dr Mimmy Gondwe’s visit to Stellenbosch University last year. Dr Gondwe, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training and an esteemed Stellenbosch alumna, returned to campus to honour former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo at the Labour Law Colloquium…
12 Mar 39 min