Roots are often unseen, yet they anchor us, nourish us, and quietly give rise to the lives we lead. In this edition of Matieland, we celebrate the moments when roots take shape and heritage, resilience and bold ideas grow into wings that carry people further than they ever imagined.

You’ll meet people such as Revando van Wyk, who transformed personal hardship into a platform of hope, reminding us how roots of struggle can become wings of leadership. Be inspired by Refilwe Moreetsi, whose childhood dream took her from Tzaneen to a pioneering career in aviation, breaking barriers thanks to her vision and perseverance. And you’ll discover how Antoine van Heerden turned a handful of macadamias into a thriving business after an idea rooted in campus life blossomed into entrepreneurial success.

At the institutional level, the University’s newly launched Medical Morphology Learning Centre shows how heritage and innovation coexist, blending the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the future. The Maties Bikes project, in turn, is proof that a simple bicycle can become a vehicle for change when rooted in a desire to have a positive community impact.

Our Matie roots are also deeply collective. This year’s Homecoming Weekend reminded us that Stellenbosch is more than a place – it’s a shared story of traditions, friendships and belonging that continue to shape who we are as a university community. 

Together, this edition’s stories show that when roots take shape, whether in heritage, hardship or hope, they grow into wings that change lives, industries and communities. As Maties, we carry our roots with us wherever we go, knowing that they give us the strength to soar.

Happy reading.

Blanché de Vries-Bartes

Experiencing the devastation of substance abuse first-hand while growing up, Revando van Wyk vowed to himself to turn his life around, and lead. Today, this young SU leader brings hope and inspiration to others.    

After being profiled as part of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Youth Month campaign in June, Revando van Wyk, a third-year Education student, found himself at the centre of attention as SU staff, lecturers and classmates came up to him, expressing just how much his story had inspired them. The recognition soon extended beyond the University: Schools and organisations reached out, inviting him to partner with them and tell his story in person. “It has opened exciting doors for further impact and engagement,” Van Wyk says. “I’m incredibly grateful for how my story resonated with others.”

From desperation to deep transformation 

It is hard to imagine that the young man, now a respected leader on SU’s Stellenbosch campus, once contemplated ending his life. Caught up in drugs as a teenager in Malmesbury, he watched his brother fall victim to the same spiral. His brother’s death was a devastating wake-up call. “In high school, I lost direction. I felt lost and unworthy, and attempted suicide more than once,” he explains. “It made me realise how quickly life can be taken from you when you’re walking the wrong path.”

Raised by a single mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his brother, Van Wyk knew that if he did not change course, he would break her. One day, staring at his reflection in the mirror, he took a decision that would change everything: “This isn’t the end. I won’t be a follower anymore. I’ll lead,” he told himself.

That decision – born not of confidence, but of desperation – set Van Wyk on a path of deep transformation. He changed schools, found leadership opportunities, and slowly began rebuilding his life. Now he uses his story to show others that healing is possible, and that coming to terms with your roots can give you wings. 

‘You can lead, and you can rise’

Van Wyk is the vice-chair of SU’s Education Student Committee and assists fellow students to overcome academic challenges and navigate university life. It is a role he approaches with deep empathy and commitment.

Off-campus, he collaborates with high schools on the West Coast, running leadership workshops for representative councils of learners (RCLs). He teaches public speaking, helps learners reflect on real-world issues, and most importantly, challenges them to believe in their own agency. “You don’t need money or power to have an impact,” he tells them. “You can be the impact.”

Van Wyk also assists Grade 12 learners with their university applications – something he once had to struggle through entirely on his own. He recalls how overwhelming, confusing and lonely the process felt, and now works to ensure that others do not have to face the same struggle. This sometimes sees him going far beyond his comfort zone: During the recent recess, he travelled to George and Groot Brakrivier – places he has never been before – to help matriculants apply for tertiary studies. This venture was made possible by sponsorships that he had organised off his own bat. While there, he not only managed to help students apply to SU, but also began building relationships with schools in the area to explore hosting future RCL leadership workshops.

His leadership journey continues to expand. This year, his workshop to empower young leaders has even been included in the 2025 Woordfees programme. Van Wyk wants young people to believe in the power of their own voices. “I want them to realise that no matter where you come from, no matter what you’ve been through, you can lead, and you can rise,” he says. “My work is about planting seeds in young minds, showing them that leadership is not about titles; it’s about courage. I remind them that they don’t have to wait for someone else to come and save their communities.”

Carrying his story with pride

Known as a thoughtful and humble role model at SU, Van Wyk was afforded a life-changing opportunity by SU International to travel to Italy to attend a summer school last year. It was an experience he will never forget, he says. “I always thought travelling overseas was only for certain people, but there I was, standing in Italy, carrying my story with pride!”

One of his proudest achievements is far more personal, though. He saved the money he had earned from working as a driver at SU International to install an indoor toilet for his family – a long-overdue upgrade from the outside toilet they had to make do with for years. “It may sound small, but for us, it was huge. It meant dignity. It meant change.”

Van Wyk is the first in his family to attend university – a milestone that comes with great pride, but also a certain amount of pressure. “When things get hard, I say to myself: ‘Onthou jou naam, Van Wyk.’ (‘Remember your name, Van Wyk.’) It’s a reminder of who I am, of the family I represent, and of the legacy I want to leave behind.”

The roots of his success

He credits his mother, Lena van Wyk, as his anchor. “She’s my greatest inspiration. She survived tuberculosis, worked as a cleaning lady, and carried our family through immense hardship. Even in her pain, she stood strong and showed me that our circumstances do not define us. Her resilience, unconditional love and quiet sacrifices gave me the courage to change my life and choose leadership over despair,” Van Wyk reflects. “Every step I take is a tribute to her strength and the hope she instilled in me. She is the reason I fight for a better future for myself and others.”

He is also blessed with friends who keep him grounded, and campus staff who never tire of answering his questions as they guide him through every stage of his academic journey. “Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” he says. “I’m proud of my journey at Maties.”

His message to fellow students who want to have a positive impact, but don’t know where to start? “Don’t wait for inspiration. Be the inspiration. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just start asking the right questions, and someone will point you in the right direction. And most importantly, don’t take a ‘no’ as the end of the road. Let it shape you, not stop you. Your voice matters. Your story matters. And somewhere, someone is waiting for you to rise so that they can believe they can too.”

From a room in Helderberg residence in Stellenbosch to a 10 000 m² production facility in Paarl. From local market sales to a range of 25 different products available at retailers, health and coffee shops countrywide. From one entrepreneurial engineering student to a thriving company with 135 employees. This is the story of ButtaNutt in, well, a nutshell.

ButtaNutt focuses on healthy, sustainable and environmentally friendly plant-based products and is the brainchild of Stellenbosch University (SU) alumnus Antoine van Heerden.

Today, in addition to the nut butters they started with, the business also sells a variety of milk alternatives (oat, almond and macadamia milk), yoghurt alternatives, luxury nut mixes and health rusks. Thanks to external investors’ backing – starting with PepsiCo in 2019, and more recently, a 54% equity investment by PSG – ButtaNutt has been able to establish a state-of-the-art production and packaging plant in Paarl over the past two years. They currently produce record volumes, including over 800 000 litres of milk alternatives per month on average. 

Ironically, ButtaNutt’s health products are produced and packaged in what once served as the Rembrandt tobacco brand’s final packaging store, and as a brandy distillery before that. Like these products, ButtaNutt hopes to become a household name across South Africa.

Rooted in side hustle
 The seed for the business was planted in 2012 when Antoine, a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the time, began selling macadamia nuts from his parents’ farm to fellow students and the broader Stellenbosch community. With the help of his sister, who was studying to be a chef, he began developing nut butters, roasting, grinding and bottling them in his residence room and later in his apartment to sell at markets in the Stellenbosch area.

After graduating in 2013, he had to choose between pursuing a master’s degree or trying to make the business work. “I decided to give it a year and see how things go,” says Antoine. During this time, he also met his business partner, SA triathlete Dan Hugo, who invested in the business.

It was a challenging journey, though, and growth came in fits and starts. “The first few years were quite the struggle, and we had a lot to learn,” he recalls. “For example, when we delivered our first products to Wellness Warehouse, we didn’t know that we had to provide the barcodes. So, we went to buy a few barcodes, stuck them onto the products, and re-delivered the next day.”

In 2016, ButtaNutt won a Western Cape premier’s award for best emerging agri-processing business. While developing, the company also benefited from the guidance of the SU Launchlab, the University’s start-up incubator. 

Business starts booming

An opportunity to export macadamia nut butter to the United States with a view to macadamia milk production not only gave ButtaNutt a much-needed boost, but also presented them with a chance to experiment with their own milk alternatives. “Although the company started out as a producer of nut butters, it was always our ambition to produce nut milks too. We knew that it was a big category, but we didn’t realise just how big, and it was only a matter of time before one of the bigger players in the industry also caught on.” When they launched their first milk alternatives in 2021, they were aiming for 20 000 litres per month. In August 2025, ButtaNutt processed, packaged and distributed a million litres. 

Risk might seem ‘nutty’

The investment in their new facility was a huge risk, and the project costs were twice the company’s annual turnover, says Antoine, but they put their heads down, confident that the plant-based industry would continue to grow. “The move to the new premises as well as new packaging (from plastic bottles to Tetra Pak cartons) enabled us to reduce product prices by approximately 25%, increase shelf life from 6 to 12 months, and expand production capacity five-fold.”

Additionally, the company now has a much smaller environmental footprint: It now takes 40% less electricity to produce a litre of milk, 50% less water for equipment cleaning, and fewer trucks to transport materials to the factory.

SA born and buttered

Antoine describes ButtaNutt as a truly South African company. They are the first local producer of oat milk, and the only local supplier that uses local products to produce macadamia and almond milk. Until recently, they had to import oats from Finland to comply with gluten content requirements, but thanks to new colour sorting technology driven by artificial intelligence, local oats can now be efficiently sorted and used. “It’s fantastic that we can support the local economy by purchasing local raw materials,” he adds.

“We believe in South Africa, we are passionate about South Africa, and we want to be successful in South Africa. Export opportunities are a plus, but to us, success means succeeding in South Africa.”

Still lots of innovation to come

Antoine believes a significant part of ButtaNutt’s growth over the next five years will come from products they have yet to develop. “Our company believes in innovation. We are able to rent this old Rembrandt warehouse today precisely because we started innovating with milk alternatives and didn’t just stick with nut butters. We are using only 40% of the production line’s capacity at present, so there is enormous growth potential.”

ButtaNutt is not planning on resting on its laurels. “Having a top-selling product does not mean that there is no room for improvement. This is why development and innovation are key pillars of our business model.” Antoine says. “The industry is still in its infancy, and we have a long way to go still. Today’s plant-based products are already much better than ten years ago, and they can improve even further. The challenge is to determine how to continue innovating and creating products that add value for clients, are good for their health, and are sustainable and environmentally friendly. South Africa has some of the best raw materials in the world, and the products we can supply are world-class”.

Stellenbosch University’s revitalised Medical Morphology Learning Centre (MMLC) sits comfortably at the nexus of roots and wings, offering elements of both a traditional medical museum and a forward-looking tech-enabled learning centre. Officially Africa’s largest and most advanced interactive learning facility, the centre sets a new standard for studying the human body.

Located in the state-of-the-art Biomedical Research Institute at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), the recently launched Medical Morphology Learning Centre (MMLC) combines cutting-edge technology with traditional anatomical resources to offer students multiple ways to learn about human anatomy. 

This makes the MMLC more than just another learning centre; it is a catalyst for future-ready health professionals, says Prof Karin Baatjes, FMHS’s Vice-Dean: Learning and Teaching. “The MMLC is a training facility where learning is no longer passive, but an immersive journey. We use the latest technology and continually reimagine health sciences education, thereby transforming how students connect with the complexity of the human body,” she explains.

Best of both worlds

The revitalised MMLC successfully represents both the past and the future, honouring long-standing traditions of anatomy education and reimagining the field through innovation, technology and student-centred learning.

The facility’s original museum collection included some 1 300 embryological, anatomical, pathological, forensic, zoological and medical history specimens – most of which remain preserved today. Alongside these, the new-look centre now also incorporates technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), 3D printing and interactive touch-tables. These resources allow students to engage with anatomy both physically and digitally, making the subject more accessible and clinically relevant across the health professions.

New way of learning

Prof Simone Titus-Dawson leads the Digital Education and Innovation Unit in the Department of Health Professions Education. Her team was responsible for equipping the MMLC with its new interactive technologies. “These tools allow students to move beyond rote memorisation and engage actively with anatomy in ways that are flexible, repeatable and interactive. This enables multimodal and multidimensional ways of learning,” she says. “Students can explore structures from the macro to the micro level, seamlessly linking histology, gross anatomy and pathology. Another benefit is the development of spatial awareness by viewing structures in 3D or even zooming in on body systems. Where students struggle with difficult concepts or terminologies, they can revisit the content as often as they need, with digital tools providing instant feedback and self-check opportunities.” 

At the same time, while working with shared digital resources, students are also able to collaborate in teams, which simulates the teamwork expected in healthcare practice. “The entire approach is aimed at strengthening understanding, and preparing students more effectively for patient care,” says Prof Titus-Dawson.

“It is an honour to be part of the MMLC’s transformation, but it’s not an individual effort,” she adds. “The MMLC is the result of a steering committee working together, and the dedication of many colleagues who have poured their expertise and passion into the project. We also receive strong support from FMHS, which has been critical in bringing the vision to life.”

Making anatomy ‘real’ and relevant

The Division of Clinical Anatomy oversees the curation of specimens for the MMLC, ensuring that they are integrated into the curriculum and used for learning and teaching in innovative ways. Through ongoing research and evaluation, the Division also ensures that the centre remains at the forefront of anatomy education, both nationally and internationally.

To Janine Correia, senior lecturer in Clinical Anatomy, the revitalisation of the MMLC into a dynamic learning environment provides an important bridge between tradition and innovation. “It is a privilege to contribute to a project that preserves the legacy of anatomical teaching, while advancing new methods that support student learning and professional development,” she says. “Combining tangible specimens with modern tools makes anatomy ‘real’ for students and keeps education relevant and engaging.”

Catering to broad audience

As MMLC coordinator, Amber Anderson ensures the smooth running of both operational and strategic aspects. This includes planning educational tours, student engagements and outreach activities. “I hope that students who visit the MMLC leave not only with greater knowledge of the human body, but also with an appreciation for anatomy as the foundation of medicine.” The centre is also open to a broader audience, including school learners, visiting academics and the general public. By opening its doors more widely, the facility aims to foster a deeper awareness of anatomy, medical science, and the rich history of education at Stellenbosch University. 

“The ultimate goal is to ensure that the facility thrives both as a centre of academic excellence and a collaborative hub that brings people together across disciplines,” Anderson concludes.

Giving old bicycles a new lease of life, the Maties Bikes project in rural Worcester has set the wheels in motion for promoting healthy and active lifestyles, while helping to advance health equity and community wellbeing.

Exploring ways to deepen its outreach in rural communities, the Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation at Stellenbosch University (SU) never thought the answer would be the University’s aging fleet of bicycles. What began as a simple idea of repurposing these bikes has evolved into a project that is unlocking access, mobility and opportunity for learners, students and health workers.

Launched in May this year, the Maties Bikes project is the brainchild of Dr Leslie van Rooi, Senior Director: Social Impact and Transformation, and Dr Therese Fish, Vice-Dean: Clinical Services and Social Impact at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS). To date, the initiative has distributed 150 bicycles to schools, NGOs and undergraduate students in the Worcester region. The project is overseen by Dr Fish, with operational support from her office manager, Colleen Charters, and Roelof Loubser, mobility manager at SU Transport Services.

Why Worcester?

“SU, and in particular FMHS, has a long history of outreach activities in rural communities where service delivery has historically been poor,” Dr Fish explains. “More than a decade ago, FMHS established the Ukwanda Rural Clinical School in Worcester, which places our undergraduate Health Sciences students in rural health facilities, where they receive practical experience, while also bolstering often under-resourced health services. Our rural campus has given SU a particularly large footprint in Worcester, so the Maties Bikes project is a continuation of the activities and partnerships the University has established in the region over the years.”

‘Wheelie’ beneficial 

To date, Worcester RC Primary School, Esselen Park Secondary School, NGOs supporting community health workers as well as SU’s own students based at rural training sites have all benefited from the repurposed bikes.

For schools, the benefits go beyond mobility. “The bicycles are already leading to the establishment of cycling clubs, encouraging learners to lead healthier and more active lives,” says Dr Fish. “They also give learners the chance to develop mechanical skills in bicycle maintenance, while fostering leadership, teamwork and a sense of belonging.” Cathy Roodman of Esselen Park Secondary confirms the wide-ranging benefits of the project: 

“The 20 bikes allocated to our school are not merely a means of transportation, but serve as a link to opportunity. Our cycling club is helping learners embrace physical activity, build interpersonal and leadership skills, and cultivate a stronger sense of community.”

Community health workers, in turn, can now cover larger areas more effectively and maintain closer, more consistent contact with residents. This will create increased opportunities for community engagement and support in areas where access to healthcare remains limited.

And for Health Sciences students, the bicycles make it easier to move around rural training sites, enhancing both their learning experience and their contribution to local health services.

Study might see scale-ups 

Dr Fish acknowledges that transport challenges in rural South Africa are vast and extend far beyond what Maties Bikes can address, and there are no plans to expand beyond Worcester at this time. However, research is under way to measure the project’s broader impact, which could potentially motivate future expansion. 

As part of the Pedal Forward programme, Prof Eileen Africa from FMHS’s Department of Exercise, Sport and Lifestyle Medicine is studying how bicycles influence physical activity levels among school learners. The programme systematically integrates cycling into daily school routines, encouraging sustainable healthy habits and learner autonomy. “Her findings could provide the evidence base for scaling similar initiatives in the future,” notes Dr Fish.

SU alumna Refilwe Moreetsi’s career successes in aviation pave the way for aspiring female pilots waiting in the wings.    

Growing up in Tzaneen, Limpopo, the world of aviation was a far cry from Refilwe Moreetsi’s day-to-day existence. Yet a single flight at the age of seven determined her entire life’s trajectory. Today, she stands as the first black female senior first officer of South African Airways (SAA), serving concurrently as fatigue risk management specialist. This makes her a pioneer in an industry that for decades excluded women of colour.

Stellenbosch-trained trailblazer

Her pathway into the skies began at the Faculty of Military Science at Stellenbosch University (SU), where she completed the rigorous ground-school phase of her military pilot training. The specialised programme in Mathematics, Physics and Aeronautics demanded both precision and dedication. She graduated with distinction, proving her passion and discipline, and laying the foundation for what was to follow. 

Moreetsi went on to train at the Central Flying School in Langebaan, where she earned her wings on the Pilatus PC-7 ‘Astra’. “It was rigorous and the pass requirements were high, and with good reason, as there is very little room for error in aviation,” she says. “One of my most vivid memories is flying inverted and looking at Table Mountain upside down.” She later flew the Oryx helicopter on humanitarian missions, including flood relief, firefighting and search-and-rescue operations. 

A career rooted in progress

Moreetsi eventually fulfilled her childhood dream of flying for the national carrier, piloting the Airbus A320. Her time at SAA has been full of firsts: As the airline’s first black female senior first officer, she was part of the first all-African female crew to operate a commercial flight in South Africa. Additionally, in 2022, Moreetsi became the first African woman at a local airline to hold a pilot management position as a fatigue risk management specialist – a role vital to ensuring that pilots are fit to fly safely. “Fatigue directly affects judgement, alertness and overall performance. Fatigue risk management is about monitoring and minimising these risks to keep operations safe,” she explains.

“To me, my career milestones go far beyond my profession – they are a symbol of progress, proving that doors are opening wider for women in general, and women of colour specifically,” Moreetsi says.

Her journey has certainly not been without its challenges, however. Aviation’s demanding schedules often tested her balance between work and personal life. “I’ve learnt to plan ahead, manage my free time wisely, and prioritise family, health and self-care. Leaning on my support system has been key.”

Firm believer in spirit of possibility

This inspiring SU alumna hopes to continue mentoring young aviators and contributing to a more inclusive aviation industry. “My journey reflects the spirit of transformation and possibility in South Africa. Coming from a small town and becoming part of aviation history, my story is a reminder that dreams of young South Africans, no matter where they start, can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.

“Don’t let fear or doubt silence your ambition,” she advises youth contemplating a career in aviation. “Aviation may seem intimidating, but with hard work and dedication, it’s achievable. Your journey won’t just be about flying aeroplanes; it will be about proving that you belong in spaces once thought impossible.”

Stellenbosch University’s tenth annual Homecoming Weekend (11–13 September) brought Maties from across the world back to campus for three days of celebration, connection and nostalgia. From milestone reunions and anniversaries to the Matieland Concert, Theatre Showcase and Winemakers Showcase, the weekend was filled with memorable moments.

Hosted in Heritage Month, our Homecoming also underscored Stellenbosch’s rich heritage of stories, traditions and lifelong friendships, and the roots that Maties have laid down here through the decades. The event offered alumni a chance to reminisce and celebrate their shared Matie spirit, reminding us why Stellenbosch will always feel like home.