#SWAN: Stellenbosch Women Alumnae Network
A network of inspiring Matie women
Stellenbosch University alumnae have contributed to the legacy and excellence of the institution in innumerable ways. And the Stellenbosch University Women Alumnae Network wants to honour and celebrate these contributions.
SWAN, launched in August 2020, aims to bring together a network of women through discussions on feminine leadership, career development, keynote addresses by remarkable women, and round-table discussions.
In the first year since the launch, we have brought many stories of ground-breaking Matie women to the forefront. From celebrating women in niche industries to collating our first SWAN publication which features profiles of 50 Matie women from all walks of life. In 2022 we have more to offer, share and celebrate with you.
International Women’s Day
Monday, 7 March – Thursday, 10 March
Women are the trailblazers and changemakers of the world. On international women’s day we honour, celebrate, and reflect on their monumental achievements, especially Matie women from across the world.
Inspiring the next generation to take the baton, SWAN in collaboration with Matie women’s residences will host a series of intergenerational virtual and in-person conversations.
National Women’s Month
Monday, 8 August to Thursday,
11 August
We are celebrating Women’s Month the only way we know how – by hosting phenomenal Matie women to share their stories and to reflect on the women who have impacted their journeys.
SPAR Women’s Challenge Races
September 2022
Every year thousands of women in South Africa look forward to taking part in the SPAR Women’s Challenge races and their associated fun runs. Due to the lockdown regulations imposed in 2020 and 2021, SPAR changed the game by launching their first ever virtual challenge.
We very much hope that we will all be able to return to the races and fun runs we all enjoyed before COVID-19 and that you will consider taking part in these races to raise funds for your alma mater.
We would happily set up your fundraising profile on GivenGain and help you to be a fundraiser while you put your fitness to the test. See our section on peer-to-peer fundraising for more info
SWAN Leadership Book Club
Beyond creating a space to celebrate and share stories of phenomenal Matie women, this SWAN book club offers a space for discussion and exploration of the unique issues that arise when women take the lead. We aim to create an intimate space for dialogue, and to bring women together, to share ideas, opinions and build new networks
You can be part of this global book club by joining www.matiesconnect.com. Alternatively, get in touch with Ferdi van Dyk at dfvandyk@sun.ac.za.
Become part of the network
To be part of the SWAN network, join the SWAN group on www.matiesconnect.com.
Connect with old friends, form new relationships, and mentor young and future alumnae. As we connect past, present, and future alumnae, we hope that the network will grow and flourish regionally and globally into a platform where women can engage on issues and interests that matter to you on a personal and professional level.