Lesetja Kganyago: Students and universities as catalysts for change

Inaugural address by Mr Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 20 June 2025.

The views expressed in this speech are those of the speaker and not the view of the BIS.

Greetings honoured guests, staff and students.

Rector and Vice-Chancellor Professor Deresh Ramjugernath, Chairperson of Council Dr Nicky Newton-King, I thank you for so warmly welcoming me into the Stellenbosch University community. Thank you also to my wife, Zibusiso, and my children for being here today, and, of course, my South African Reserve Bank colleagues for their support.

I consider it a profound honour to have been chosen to represent Stellenbosch University as its 16th Chancellor, not least because of this institution's role in shaping some of our country's greatest minds. I accept this role with a deep sense of responsibility, aware of the complex legacy that I inherit and the expectations that lie ahead. I look forward to doing my part, given the important role of universities in our democratic society. It is critical that we protect these institutions against threats to academic freedom.

When he was installed as Chancellor, Justice Edwin Cameron – a Stellenbosch alumnus – made a moving observation about why we should care about our universities, intellectual attainment and institutional excellence. "For our own dignity," he said.