At the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation at Stellenbosch University, we believe that knowledge should be shared, co-created, and applied to address real-world challenges. Our Knowledge Exchange & Scholarship initiatives foster collaboration between academics, practitioners, and communities to generate impactful solutions that drive social change.

Through engaged scholarship, we bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that academic insights contribute to meaningful transformation in society. Our work promotes reciprocal learning, where diverse voices and lived experiences inform knowledge production and application.

Orientation

The Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation (CASIT) invites all new and existing academic and professional, administrative, and support services staff to a Social Impact orientation session.

The purpose of the orientation is to introduce participants to Social Impact as a key strategy of Stellenbosch University (SU); to provide orientation relating to the concepts and practices of Social Impact; and to highlight the support offered by CASIT.

By the end of the orientation session participants will have a clear understanding of the University’s vision of advancing knowledge in service of society, and how CASIT plays an enabling role in supporting staff and students to fulfil this vision.

Date: 18 March 2026 
Time: 09:00 – 13:00
Venue: Old Lückhoff Building, Banghoek Road, Room: 1002

Please register by Tuesday 17 March 2026:

Gallery 2026

Gallery 2025

Social Impact Committees

The Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation at Stellenbosch University supports Social Impact Committees across faculties and environments to drive meaningful, context-specific social impact. These committees play a vital role in embedding social impact and transformation into academic, research, and institutional activities.

Institutional Transformation Committee (ITC)

The Institutional Transformation Committee (ITC) at Stellenbosch University (SU) serves as a strategic body focused on promoting comprehensive and meaningful transformation within the university’s structures. Established to ensure alignment with South Africa’s broader transformation agenda and policies, the committee plays a critical role in fostering inclusivity, equity, diversity and social justice within the university.

Transformation Key Performance Areas

SU is committed to transformation; thus, all staff are required to include a key performance area related to Transformation. Staff are encouraged to align their individual weighting with the University’s objectives.

Funding Opportunities

The Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation provides modest seed funding for initiatives that align or respond to SU themes. The purpose of this seed funding is to support Social Impact initiatives that cannot be financed by means of normal funding mechanisms. It provides start-up capital and is not meant to cover normal running costs or subsidise existing programmes. View the comprehensive funding Criteria and Evaluative Framework 2025.

Social Impact Symposium

The Social Impact Symposium, hosted by the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation at Stellenbosch University, is a dynamic platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative action on pressing social issues. This annual gathering brings together academics, students, practitioners, community leaders, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches to sustainable social change and transformation.

Transformation Indaba

The Transformation Indaba at Stellenbosch University is an annual forum that brings together staff and students to critically assess and discuss the institution’s progress in transformation. Organized by the Institutional Transformation Committee (ITC), the Indaba serves as a barometer and vital platform for reflecting on achievements, identifying challenges, and setting priorities for the upcoming year.

Visual Redress Initiatives

Visual Redress Initiatives at CASIT are aimed at transforming the institutional landscape to reflect a more inclusive, representative, and socially just university environment. These initiatives focus on reimagining physical and symbolic spaces through artworks, memorialisation, naming practices, and storytelling that acknowledge diverse histories, voices, and contributions. By fostering critical engagement and dialogue, CASIT seeks to challenge historical imbalances, promote a sense of belonging, and embed social impact within the visual identity of the institution.