About

The future growth of South Africa and the continent depends on competent, ethical, courageous and principled leaders who act in the interest of the communities they serve. Poor leadership in companies, organisations, various levels of government and civil society impact on productivity, profitability, investment, resources and quality of life. Youth development also is a national priority.

How Stellenbosch University is helping to find solutions

In response to current leadership challenges Stellenbosch University decided to combine its student leaders’ enthusiasm and its existing expertise to create a formal leadership development curricula and to establish the Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert (FVZS) Institute for Student Leadership Development.

Why Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert?

The late Frederik van Zyl Slabbert was a former South African opposition leader, political analyst, businessman, patriot and activist for social and political change. He was a student leader, residence head, lecturer and Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. He had a formative influence on the course of South African history and will be remembered for his vision to bring together members of the Apartheid regime, Afrikaans-speaking business people and academics, and exiled liberation movements in the historic Dakar meeting in 1987.

He lived the principle of critical citizenship and embodies Stellenbosch University’s vision to produce students that can serve our growing democracy, and solve the socio-economic challenges facing South Africa and the continent. His formidable intellect, integrity, dedication to democracy and dialogue, as well as his service to society have inspired the University to establish the FVZS Institute (for Student Leadership Development) to pay homage to his legacy and the ideals he stood for.

How the FVZS Institute for Student Leadership Development will make a difference?

The FVZS Institute for Leadership Development at Stellenbosch University is the first of its kind within higher education in South Africa and offers programmes to develop and strengthen the leadership, as well as personal and graduate attributes of its own students, as well as students from other universities and colleges and school learners. Programmes include engagement with other local institutions and international partners such as Kennesaw State University and Samford University, both in the United States.

The objective of the programmes is to foster ethical leadership and an understanding of students’ role as leaders in an African and global context; and to develop leadership, communication, conceptual and management skills.

How this institute ties in with the HOPE Project

Promoting student success is one of the key objectives of the HOPE Project. The Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development is the latest addition to the various structures that have been established to provide excellent academic support and development opportunities to ensure successful, well-balanced students and graduates that are sought-after in the workplace.

By aiding the development of top quality political, business and civic leadership, the challenges inherent in the international development agenda will also be addressed in the long term.

Project leader
Dr Leslie van Rooi, Head: Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development
Tel: +27 (0)21 808 3697
Fax: +27 (0)21 808 4806
E-mail: lbvr@sun.ac.za