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

Parasite Under Pressure: The Hidden Science of Beating Malaria

In this edition of Lift Club with Caleb Daries and Mophethi Mabeba on MFM 92.6, we sit down with Dr. Tawanda Zininga from Stellenbosch University’s Department of Biochemistry to unpack his groundbreaking malaria research. Dr. Zininga recently co-authored a study that shines new light on three small heat shock proteins…
1 Oct 20 min

Feeding Tomorrow: How Luther Chipembere Turns Data into Hope

In this special episode of Lift Club with Llewellyn Buys and Mophethi Mabeba, we sit down with Luther Chipembere, Stellenbosch University’s first-ever winner of the national FameLab science communication competition. Luther, a doctoral student in Agricultural Economics and Artificial Intelligence, shares how his groundbreaking research uses AI, satellite imagery, and…
1 Oct 13 min

MFM 30 Years Podcast: Simangele “Sima” Mashazi — Where Voice Meets Story

From early mornings on campus radio to opening major festivals and lecturing at Stellenbosch University, Simangele “Sima” Mashazi is a rare kind of multi-hyphenate — and her story is one of deep artistry, curiosity, and connection. In this rich new episode of our 30 Years of MFM podcast series, Sima…
4 Sep 34 min

MFM 30 Years Podcast: Carla Mackenzie — Radio is the Constant

For over a decade, she’s been a voice you’ve known and trusted. From campus radio countdowns to national drive time shows, Carla Mackenzie has lived and breathed radio — and in this episode of our 30 Years of MFM podcast series, she returns to the station where it all began…
4 Sep 29 min