Stellenbosch Monitor

27/08/2026

Jaarlikse kompetisie vir jong wynskrywers skop af

Die 2026 SA Nuwe Wynskrywer van die Jaar-kompetisie vir skrywers van 35 jaar en jonger is nou oop vir inskrywings. Die sluitingsdatum is Maandag 21 September.
https://www.stellenboschmonitor.com/2026/08/27/wie-is-sa-se-beste-nuwe-wynskrywer/

24/08/2026

For many writers, seeing their name on the cover of a published book is the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

The dream of a novel, memoir, biography, poetry collection or children’s book, born from months or even years of creativity, research and dedication. But publication is rarely the finish line. For most independent authors, it is only the beginning of a harder challenge: getting noticed.

Self-publishing has opened doors that once stood firmly shut, allowing writers to bring their work to market without a traditional publishing house behind them. But that same accessibility has also created an increasingly crowded marketplace, with thousands of books competing for readers’ attention. The question facing independent authors today is no longer simply, How do I publish? It is, How do I get found?

For many writers, seeing their name on the cover of a published book is the fulfilment of a long-held dream. The dream of a novel,…

15/08/2026

Bekende Stellenbosse wynlegende en sportfotograaf, Thys Lombard, sterf onverwags

Thys Lombard (61), internasionale bemarkingsbestuurder van die Oldenburg-landgoed op Stellenbosch is Vrydag op Jongensfontein tydens die jaarlikse Vintners Surf Classic oorlede. Die omstandighede van sy dood is nog onseker.
https://www.stellenboschmonitor.com/2026/08/15/thys-lombard-sterf-tragies-by-jaarlikse-vintners/

Bekende Stellenbosse wynlegende en sportfotograaf sterf onverwags Thys Lombard (61), internasionale bemarkingsbestuurder van die Oldenburg-landgoed op Stellenbosch is Vrydag op Jongensfontein tydens die jaarlikse Vintners…

16/07/2026

Every family has stories that deserve to be remembered. Yet too often, those stories disappear with the people who lived them.

In an age where we take thousands of photographs but rarely capture the stories behind them, a new South African service is helping individuals and families preserve something far more valuable than memories alone - it is preserving wisdom.

The Leave Your Legacy Experience, developed by Dr Martin Combrinck (PhD), offers people the opportunity to record the defining moments of their lives and transform them into a beautifully crafted legacy keepsake for future generations.

Unlike traditional memoir writing, the experience is not simply about documenting dates and events. It is a guided process that helps people reflect on the moments that shaped them, the lessons they learned, and the values they hope to pass on.

"Every person has a story," says Combrinck. "But even more importantly, every person carries a lifetime of wisdom.

Every family has stories that deserve to be remembered. Yet too often, those stories disappear with the people who lived them. In an age where…

12/07/2026

This is not simply another Yoga Retreat.

It is a weekend designed to restore your body, calm your mind, and awaken your spirit through:
• Gentle Yoga.
• Guided Meditation.
• Mindfulness.
• Nature Walks.
• Healthy Meals.
• Quiet Reflection.
• Connection around the fire.

Everything is designed to help you return home feeling lighter.
https://www.asanga.org.za/yoga-meditation-retreat/

08/07/2026

Matie paddlers aim high in Berg 2026

At just 22 years old, Stellenbosch University’s fourth‑year electrical engineering student Joshua Glyn‑Cuthbert has emerged as one of South Africa’s most exciting young canoeists — and a serious contender for this year’s Berg River Marathon title.
https://www.stellenboschmonitor.com/2026/07/08/matie-star-sets-sights-on-berg-glory/

08/07/2026

Senekal van intern tot kurator

Annerie Senekal is pas aangestel as die Universiteit Stellenbosch Botaniese Tuin (USBT) se eerste vroulike kurator. Sy het op 1 Julie 2026 amptelik haar nuwe rol opgeneem, 'n posisie wat sy in baie opsigte reeds die afgelope nege maande beklee het.

Vir baie besoekers is die tuin 'n plek van rustigheid wat 'n welkome blaaskans bied van die gejaag van die dorp. Die Botaniese Tuin is egter veel meer as net 'n versameling mooi plante en blomme. Elke versameling, inligtingsbord en sorgvuldig geplaasde plantspesie vertel 'n verhaal van bewaring, navorsing en opvoeding.

Die kurator werk dikwels agter die skerms en verseker saam met 'n klein maar toegewyde span tuinboukundiges, navorsers en ondersteuningspersoneel dat hierdie lewende laboratorium bly floreer.

Senekal van intern tot kurator Annerie Senekal is pas aangestel as die Universiteit Stellenbosch Botaniese Tuin (USBT) se eerste vroulike kurator. Sy het op 1…

08/07/2026

Life has a way of becoming busy. Between work, family, responsibilities and the constant stream of notifications, many of us spend our days reacting rather than truly living. We keep telling ourselves that we'll slow down "when things settle down." Yet somehow, they rarely do.

A yoga retreat offers something increasingly rare: the opportunity to pause. It is not about escaping your life - it is about reconnecting with it.

During a retreat, you step away from the distractions that constantly demand your attention and create space to listen to yourself again. Through gentle yoga, mindful breathing, meditation and time in nature, your body begins to relax, your mind becomes quieter, and your perspective starts to shift.

Many people arrive feeling tired, overwhelmed or emotionally drained. They leave feeling lighter, calmer and more energised. They sleep better, breathe more deeply and rediscover a sense of balance that often gets lost in everyday life.

Life has a way of becoming busy. Between work, family, responsibilities and the constant stream of notifications, many of us spend our days reacting rather…

02/07/2026

Johann Rupert herkapitaliseer Khaya Lam titelakte-projek
Meer as 24 000 oordragte reeds voltooi

Die Vryemarkstigting (FMF) het dweur die toedoen van Johann Rupert, deur die Reinet-stigting en Remgro, die Khaya Lam (My Tuiste) titelakte-projek wat die FMF in 2010 geïnisieer het, weer herkapitaliseer het.

  Meer as 24 000 oordragte reeds voltooi Die Vryemarkstigting (FMF) het dweur die toedoen van Johann Rupert, deur die Reinet-stigting en Remgro, die Khaya Lam…

02/07/2026

Smart, sustainable development for new airport

Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University (SU) have entered into a cooperation agreement aimed at advancing innovation under the shared themes of “smart” and “green” development. The partnership reflects a joint commitment to foster sustainable growth and drive academic advancement.

Smart, sustainable development for new airport Cape Winelands Airport and Stellenbosch University (SU) have entered into a cooperation agreement aimed at advancing innovation under the…