The Department of Genetics together with the Institute for Plant Breeding and Biotechnology concludes 2025 with a year defined by celebration, achievement and renewed purpose. Marking 100 years of genetics at Stellenbosch University, the department stands today as a vibrant community of 25 academic staff members, 8 technical officers and 2 administrative staff, all of whom sustain one very active scientific environments in the faculty. This community supports 95 postgraduate students across honours, master’s and doctoral programmes, together with 8 postdoctoral research fellows who continue to push the boundaries of discovery. Their collective efforts have advanced genetic research, illuminated complex biological questions and produced new knowledge that has made this centenary year truly one to remember.

Centenary Celebrations and Academic Community Life

A vibrant calendar of centenary activities helped shape the spirit of the year. A film screening created opportunities for students, academics and alumni to explore the evolution of genome editing as a discipline and to consider how far the field has advanced since the department’s founding. The centenary symposium at STIAS became the intellectual centrepiece of the celebrations. Staff, students and alumni gathered in Stellenbosch to share their research, reflections and honour one hundred years of scientific leadership in genetics.

Teaching and Learning Excellence

Teaching remained a cornerstone of the department’s mission throughout this centenary year. Academics delivered an extensive curriculum comprising 15 undergraduate modules across Genetics, Biotechnology, Plant Breeding, Biology and Biometry, as well as 12 postgraduate Honours modules in Genetics and Plant Biotechnology. These programmes required substantial preparation, laboratory coordination and sustained teaching hours, reflecting a deliberate effort to provide specialist scientific training that equips students for careers in both industry and research. The depth and breadth of these modules continue to strengthen the department’s reputation for offering one of the most comprehensive genetics teaching portfolios in the country.

The outcomes of these efforts are clearly visible in the achievements of our students. Fourteen Biotechnology Honours students and sixteen Genetics Honours students will graduate this year. Their programme consisted of six months of intensive coursework followed by four months of laboratory based research focused on real world scientific problems. After completing their research, each student presented and defended their project before the department, an exercise that strengthened their scientific communication and critical reasoning. Images from these presentations are included below.

The department also saw the graduation of three MSc students this year (M Dippenaar, C Engelsman, S Goodchild). Each candidate completed two years of dedicated research work followed by the writing of a full thesis, with some students publishing their findings in peer reviewed journals. As with the honours programme, the MSc degree concluded with an oral departmental defence that allowed candidates to present, justify and reflect on their research journeys.

At doctoral level, the department celebrated the graduation of two PhD students in 2025 ( now referred to with titled as Dr Jessica Vervalle and Dr SihleMthethwa). The PhD degree represents a minimum of three years of intensive research that must be both novel and publishable, with at least one peer reviewed publication required for completion. PhD candidates undergo rigorous proposal development, data generation, thesis writing and international examination processes before defending their work publicly within the department.

he outlook for 2026 is particularly strong. The Honours programme is expected to welcome approximately 40 new students, while the incoming MSc cohort already includes 20 confirmed candidates, among them three students joining from Wits. The doctoral pipeline is also growing steadily, with four new PhD applicants currently under review for the year ahead.

Several recognitions highlighted academic excellence within the department this year. Elmi Bruwer received the Hofmeyr van Schaik Medal for being the top fourth year student in Genetics, while Ethan Paton received the Academic Excellence Award as the top fourth year student within the IPBB.

A notable staff achievement was the twenty five year long service award presented to Prof Aletta Bester van der Merwe. Her extensive contributions in molecular population genetics, marine genomics and wildlife forensics, together with her longstanding commitment to teaching and postgraduate supervision, have shaped both the department and the broader scientific community. The department also celebrated the awarding of the 2025 Chancellor’s Award to Prof Johan Burger, recognising his exceptional lifetime contribution to research, teaching and scientific leadership.

In addition to these academic recognitions, the department hosted its annual end of year function, a gathering that brought together staff, and postgraduate students to celebrate the achievements of 2025. (See photos below.)

Research Productivity and International Impact

The department’s research performance continued to strengthen its reputation as a centre of innovation. Together, the Department of Genetics and the IPBB produced forty four peer reviewed publications in 2025, representing an impressive spread of research across insects, animals, fish, fruit crops, cereals and human genetics. This diversity reflects the breadth of expertise within the department and highlights the interdisciplinary character of our research environment. Throughout the year, academics, students, post-docs presented their findings at various conferences across the world, ensuring that the department’s work remains visible and influential within global scientific networks.

The Phenotyping Facility also experienced an exceptional year. Its two TraitFinder systems supported fifteen research projects, serving both internal and external collaborators. Harvesting, led by Ms Cecil Bester and the Plant Breeding Laboratory team, progressed without major obstacles and remains on schedule for completion in December. The facility continues to be a strategic asset for Stellenbosch University and a catalyst for advanced plant phenotyping research in Africa.

The IPBB also recorded a year of strong innovation driven activity that reflects its mandate to advance applied biotechnology and crop improvement. Several research projects within the institute made notable progress on early-stage technologies and translational approaches with potential for public facing impact. While many of these outputs are still under development, they represent an exciting pipeline for 2026 contributions that will support industry, agriculture and food security.

Service to the Scientific and National Community

Service was a defining thread throughout the year. Staff contributed to national advisory boards, governmental discussion panels, journal editorial committees and postgraduate examination panels. These roles ensure that the department’s expertise continues to inform scientific decision making, policy development and the advancement of genetics education and research in South Africa and beyond.

Farewell to Colleagues

This milestone year also brings heartfelt farewells. Two of our colleagues, Willem Botes and Paul Hills, have moved on to exciting new professional opportunities outside the university. Their contributions to plant breeding and plant biotechnology have shaped generations of students and advanced key areas of research within the department. We celebrate their achievements and wish them great success as they take on new roles in their respective fields.

We also mark the retirement of Johan Burger whose distinguished career has left a deep imprint on the department. His leadership in molecular genetics and plant virology, along with his mentorship of countless postgraduate researchers, has been central to the department’s development. Although his presence will be greatly missed, we extend our warmest wishes as he enters a well deserved new chapter of life.

Looking Ahead

This year we celebrate the graduation of 35 students across the Honours, Masters and Doctoral programmes, each representing a new spark of possibility for the future of genetics and biotechnology. Their achievements remind us of the transformative power of education and the promise carried forward by every new scientist we train. Their success is also a reflection of the remarkable people who sustain this department. Our academic, technical and administrative staff pour countless hours into thoughtful teaching, careful laboratory preparation, rigorous supervision and compassionate mentorship. It is through their dedication that our students discover their potential, and through their guidance that the next century of genetic discovery will be shaped.

As the departmental scribe, it is a privilege to  have witness the closing of this milestone year. In reflecting on all that our community has achieved, I am reminded of a truth that speaks to the heart of who we are:

Excellence is not achieved in comfort. It is built by people who choose to show up, even when it is difficult, and still give their best.

Your departmental scribe

M. Le Roux

Prof. Johan Burger – a plant virologist has been a cornerstone of the Stellenbosch University Department of Genetics for the last 29 years. As a lecturer, he designed and taught foundational molecular genetics courses that shaped the scientific grounding of thousands of undergraduate students. As a former Head of Department, he provided steady leadership during pivotal years of growth and transitioning. As a supervisor, he trained and mentored hundreds of postgraduate students who now contribute to academia, industry and global scientific communities. Beyond his scientific work, Prof. Burger also served on numerous committees and advisory boards across academic, government and private sectors, contributing his expertise to national policy discussions, scientific review panels and industry collaborations. These roles extended his influence far beyond the laboratory, helping shape decision making in plant health, biotechnology and agricultural innovation.

Yet for all his accomplishments, it is his mentorship thoughtfulness, patience and deep humanity that has shaped a generation of scientists whose careers continue to reflect his influence. As he now steps into retirement, the Department reflects on the career of a professor whose teaching, research, and service have left an enduring mark on Stellenbosch University.

When asked what first drew him into plant virology, one might expect a carefully planned academic trajectory.

Instead, as Prof. Burger explained with a smile, his journey into the field happened “by chance.” His father wanted him to study medicine, consequently he applied and was accepted into medical school in Pretoria, as expected he boarded the train heading north but somewhere around De Aar, he realised with sudden clarity that this path was not truly his. So he did something remarkably bold: he got off the train, turned back to Cape Town (Stellenbosch), and abandoned medicine before it ever began.

From there, he enrolled in Food Science at Stellenbosch university (1983), where an unlikely mentor changed everything: a lecturer remembered less for his teaching and more for his love of motorbikes. Their shared enthusiasm for motorcycles grew into a friendship, and this same lecturer became the first person to introduce him to plant viruses. “I was thoroughly hooked on virology after that,” he recalled. That early fascination ultimately led him to shift his academic path from Food Science to a BSc in Plant Pathology.

After completing his a BSc in Plant Pathology he fulfilled the compulsory national service required of young men in South Africa, a period he describes as “formative.” Noting that the leadership responsibilities he took on in a 33-year (part-time) military career, including eventually serving as a commanding officer of 3 Field Engineer regiment, helped shape his maturity and confidence rather than influencing his scientific direction. He later joined the University of Cape Town to study under Prof Barbara von Wechmarand Prof Ed Rybicki plant virology, where he entered a Master’s programme that eventually upgraded into a PhD focusing on “The characterisation of Ornithogalum mosaic virus”. With characteristic humour, he often notes, “You know, I actually only have two degrees to my name, a BSc and a PhD.”

Teaching Across Generations

When asked what it was like teaching generation after generation of students from millennials to Gen Z to early Gen Alpha Prof. Burger simply smiled and shrugged. “The labels never mattered”, he insisted. “Students are students.” they wanted to learn genetics. For him, that curiosity bridged every supposed generational divide.

One of his greatest joys was Genetics 244, an undergrad module he built entirely from scratch during his very first year (1997) in the department as a young academic. At the time, the module did not exist, and its creation marked his first real opportunity to shape how genetics would be taught to future cohorts. When he started, about40 students filled the lecture hall; today, the class sits at around 500. “It still astonishes me,” he said. The growth was never about prestige – it was affirmation that he had made the learning feel possible, accessible and exciting.

Yet the moments that meant the most to him came much later, often quietly, in the form of thank-you emails from former students. During our interview, he picked up one such email (the image below) and read it aloud. As he spoke, his voice softened and trembled ever so slightly. He paused, clearing his throat, clearly moved, though not quite to tears. “There is nothing more rewarding,” he said gently.

And of course, decades of teaching delivered its share of humour. One story he recalls with particular amusement is the day an UberEats courier walked straight into his lecture with a McDonald’s order  “right there, during class!” he laughed. The moment was so unexpected and absurd that a student captured it on TikTok, where the clip quickly gained 8 254 likes, and 447 shares (click here to view the video). It became one of many stories that entered his personal folklore.

Research: From Vineyard Viruses to Old-Vine Mysteries

One of the most defining eras of Prof. Burger’s research took shape at Stellenbosch University through a collaboration with the renowned Kanonkop Wine Estate. Rather than highlighting a problem, the partnership reflected Kanonkop’s forward-thinking commitment to understanding one of the wine industry’s oldest questions: why do old vines produce wines with such exceptional depth and character? It is a question many vineyards in Stellenbosch and across the world continue to explore.

This curiosity set the stage for a pioneering study that became a cornerstone of Prof. Burger’s career. Working alongside his PhD student  at that time (Dr Beatrix Coetzee) and collaborators, he helped generate one of the first comprehensive “viral maps” of a vineyard, a way of identifying the natural community of viruses that live quietly in vines and soils. As described in their publication, it was the first time a South African vineyard’s viral profile had been sequenced in such detail using advanced technology. Prof. Burger still recalls the moment they saw the results: “It was extraordinary,” he said, delighted by how quickly winemakers recognised the value of this new insight into vine health.

But the project didn’t stop at mapping. To understand how age influences flavour, the team compared the older, established vines (53 years old) with newly planted young vines (7 years old) growing right beside them under the same conditions. They collected leaves, stems and berries/grapes, studied how the plants developed over the season, and looked at the subtle biological differences between the two. One of the most striking findings was that the older vines ripened nearly two weeks later than the young vines, a small shift with potentially big implications for the layered, nuanced wines that old vineyards are celebrated for.

Through this collaboration, Kanonkop demonstrated the kind of curiosity and scientific openness that has long shaped its reputation: a willingness to invest in research that reveals, rather than hides, the quiet complexities of winemaking. And for Prof. Burger, it became a project that not only advanced the science of South African viticulture but also showed the power of partnership between industry and academia.

From Mentorship to Collaboration to Legacy of his lab

When Prof. Burger speaks about mentorship, his voice softens in a way that reveals just how deeply he valued it. “There is nothing more rewarding than supervising a student,” he said. Guiding them through uncertainty, watching them grow, and eventually stand confidently in their own scientific abilities was, for him, the true heart of academic life. His hope was always simple: that once they completed their degree in genetics, they would use it to do something meaningful. Many did, leading research teams, shaping national policy, and driving innovation across industry.

The moment that captured his legacy most clearly came on 12 November 2025. As he recounted it during this interview, his eyes filled and he paused, unable to hide the emotion. Without his knowledge, his former MSc and PhD students including post-doctorals and colleagues , some he had not seen in decades, had organised a surprise celebration in his honour. Several travelled long distances just to be there. When he walked into the room and saw all the faces of people he had once guided, he was overcome. “It was truly amazing,” he said quietly, wiping his eyes as he remembered it.

In that moment, it became clear that his greatest contribution was never a single experiment or publication. It was the people he had helped shape, and the scientists who now carry his influence into the world.

For Prof. Burger, collaboration was the lifeblood of his science. “One cannot progress in science without collaboration,” he said. Working with others not only strengthened the rigour of his research,it opened doors to new ideas, new techniques, and entire scientific worlds he might never have reached alone.

His career carried him across continents for workshops, conferences, and collaborations that often grew into lasting friendships. Among those he remembers most fondly are Prof. Assunta Bertaccini in Italy, ValerianDolja in the United States, and Prof. Giovanni Martelli of the University of Bari a towering figure in grapevine virology. He also spoke warmly of Prof. Marc Fuchs from Cornell University, whose expertise and partnership helped elevate the international standing of the Vitis group.

These were not merely professional connections; they were relationships built on trust, respect, and a shared love of discovery. “Science becomes better when done together,” he said a simple truth.

And perhaps nothing captures this better than the sprawling collection of lanyards in his office: badges from dozens of conferences, institutes, and countries. Each one marks a place he travelled, a talk he gave, a collaboration formed, a student met, a question asked.

When asked about the future of his research group, Prof. Burger responded with quiet certainty. There was no hesitation, only genuine pride in what the team had become. “I am excited to see where it will go,” he said, speaking with the ease of someone who has spent decades building not just a laboratory, but a scientific home.

What stood out most was his complete trust in the new leadership. He expressed deep confidence that those stepping into his place are capable, forward thinking, and ready to guide the group into its next chapter. “Such is the nature of science,” he reflected. “You work on discovery and impact, and when it is time to let go, you must do so with confidence.”

The Companions Who Shaped the Man Behind the Science

Behind every accomplished scientist stands a circle of support, and for Prof. Burger that support includes his companion Karin. She is central to this chapter of his life, and when he speaks of her his tone softens immediately. He describes her as “an amazing lady,” a phrase offered with unmistakable admiration. However his affection is just as evident when he speaks of his two sons. Having them, he says, was “a blessing,” and the pride he carries for them is unmistakable. His eldest son became a solar engineer working in sustainable energy technology, while his younger son pursued geochemistry and now works internationally for an exploration company in the USA. As he shares small stories about them, the ordinary details only a father remembers, a quiet joy settles into his voice. Their influence was never planned, yet it shaped him deeply, giving him perspective, resilience, and the grounding that only family can provide. As he reflects on them, he adds with heartfelt sincerity, “I am really honoured to have raised such wonderful sons together with my ex wife, who is also a strong academic.

Recognition From the University Community

Prof. Burger’s contributions have also been formally recognised within Stellenbosch University. He received the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for research, acknowledging the depth and quality of his work over many years. The department later hosted a warm farewell celebration (see photos below), offering an opportunity for colleagues and former students to thank him, share memories and enjoy the moment together before he steps into this next phase of his life.

Looking Back, Standing Present, Moving Forward

As your departmental scribe and as a former undergrade student in Prof. Burger’s Gen 244 class and now his colleague,I can say without hesitation that he was and remains an eclectic lecturer with a rare ability to connect across generations. Even now, as a colleague, that same calm and grounded presence endures. Nothing seems to ruffle him; he brings humour, humility and an ease that has long made him one of the department’s most memorable figures.

When asked what comes next, he answered with characteristic steadiness. “I am not disappearing,” he said. “I will still be connected, just in a different way.” Retirement for him is a shift rather than a departure: continued affiliation with the research environment, balanced with long awaited time for family, golf and the freedom academia seldom allows.

As our conversation ended, Prof. Burger shared a few final reflections on teaching, science and the journey ahead. You can watch his message in the video below

Composed by M. Le Roux

The Department of Genetics at Stellenbosch University is proud to announce its Centenary Symposium, at Stellenbosch University. This once-in-a-lifetime gathering will celebrate 100 years of excellence in genetics research, teaching, and innovation, bringing together academics, alumni, industry leaders, and students for a day of reflection, discovery, and future-focused dialogue. With RSVPs now closed, we are excited to welcome 170 confirmed delegates who will join us for this historic celebration.

Delegates can expect a full day of thought-provoking presentations  on  research from across the genetic sciences, personal journeys shared by alumni, and insights into how our department has evolved into one of only two independent genetics departments in South Africa. The programme will blend scientific sessions with history and storytelling, offering a rich perspective on both our past contributions and our ambitions for the future. Networking opportunities will be plentiful, with exhibitor stands from key industry partners, interactive poster sessions, and time to connect with colleagues and friends old and new.

The symposium will be hosted at the Wallenberg Research Centre @ STIAS in Stellenbosch, a world-class conference facility. Delegates can look forward to a seamless conference experience with modern, high-tech audiovisual facilities. The day will be punctuated with delicious refreshments, including arrival coffee, mid-morning snacks, a buffet lunch, and afternoon tea. Special attention will also be given to dietary needs, with options ranging from vegan and vegetarian to gluten-free and Halaal. A professional videographer/photographer will capture the entire event, ensuring that the spirit of the centenary is recorded for our archives, website, and official university media. Delegates are encouraged to dress smartly, as these images will form part of the permanent record of this milestone celebration.

We are especially proud to acknowledge Separation Scientific SA (Pty) Ltd and Inqaba Biotec as our lead sponsors for this centenary celebration. Their longstanding partnership with our department and their commitment to advancing genetics research have been instrumental in making this event possible. Alongside them, we are delighted to welcome Anatech Analytical Technology as an additional sponsor, further strengthening the industry’s support for this milestone occasion. Together, these sponsors ensure the symposium will be both impactful and memorable.

The celebrations will not end when the formal sessions conclude. Delegates are invited to join an after-hours cocktail event, where conversations will flow in a relaxed atmosphere and the centenary spirit will continue in style.

As your departmental scribe, I have had the privilege of experiencing this department from many angles, first as an undergraduate student, then as a postgraduate, later as a lecturer, and in that time, I have witnessed five brilliant heads of department, the growth of our institute from IPB to  IPBB, and the department’s continued rise as a hub of excellence. What an exciting time to be part of the Faculty of AgriSciences and to celebrate 100 years of Genetics at Stellenbosch.

Friday, 8 August marked a significant milestone for our 2025 Honours students in the Department of Genetics and the  the Institute for Plant Biotechnology and breeding  (IPBB) programme. After completing an intense six-month series of theory modules, they took their first bold step into the laboratory phase of their academic journey, presenting their project proposals to staff, postdoctoral fellows, and fellow students.

The Genetics and IPBB Honours groups presented  their work in different venues:

In the Genetics Department’s Seminar Room, the flash presentations  spanned an impressive range of topics, from important crops such as grapevine, wheat, raspberries and detection protocols in Candidatus, to aquaculture research on dusky kob, and studies on other species like guitarfish. Presentations also covered human genetics,  including the pathogenesis of ageing and Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)  and animal genetics, featuring work on snakes such as the Gaboon viper.

Meanwhile, in the Natural Sciences Building, the IPBB students took a different approach. Standing beside their posters like custodians of their research, they engaged curious audience members who stopped by. Instead of timed flash talks, they offered concise, on-the-spot explanations, creating an interactive and conversational atmosphere around their work. Their research topics were just as diverse,  from alternative protein sources for food, beans, and marula oil, to salinity stress in Thinopyrum distichum, phenomics, sugarcane, potatoes, and coffee.

I attended both venues, and both buzzed with energy as staff and postdocs circulated, posing challenging questions and offering guidance to sharpen research objectives. Despite the differences in format between IPBB and Genetics, one thing was certain: the research was solid, and the creativity in both scientific ideas and poster designs was evident.

“This is where the real work begins,” one staff member remarked. “They’ve done the groundwork ,  now they get to apply it, experiment, and  discover.”

As your departmental scribe, I can’t help but reflect on my own Honours journey at IPBB. Thus can I say; In science, the pursuit is rarely a straight path to the “next big discovery.” More often, it is a gradual awakening,  a process of finding your rhythm, learning to think with both precision and creativity, and allowing the questions to shape you as much as you shape the answers.

The months ahead will test patience and persistence with long hours in the lab, relentless data analysis, and challenges that seem insurmountable. Yet, within those very moments lies the quiet thrill of discovery  not just of new knowledge, but of the scientist you are becoming!

Goodluck!
Composed by The Department Scribe – M. Le Roux

The Department of Genetics proudly hosted its first official centenary event with an evening that was as intellectually rich as it was socially engaging. Held on 14 May 2025 at the Neelsie Cinema, the screening of Human Nature, a documentary unpacking the revolutionary CRISPR Cas9 gene editing technology, brought together around 80 guests including staff, undergraduate and postgraduate students.

The film set the tone for the evening, exploring both the scientific promise and the ethical complexities of gene editing, from potential cures for inherited disorders to the ongoing debates around human enhancement and the future of our species.

A lively panel discussion followed, featuring leading voices in science and ethics. Prof Johan Burger, a molecular virologist, provided insight into the real-world application of CRISPR editing. Dr Susan Hall, a bioethics specialist, offered an ethical lens through which to view this rapidly evolving field. Dr Chantelle Scott, a genetic counsellor, contributed perspective on patient engagement and communication, while Dr Tim Newman, CEO of CPGR, shared valuable thoughts on innovation and industry. The conversation was guided by Prof Clint Rhode, Chair of the Department of Genetics. Topics ranged from the legal status of base editing in South Africa to the economics of genome sequencing. The audience engaged with enthusiasm, asking insightful questions about what defines therapy versus enhancement, and who should have access to emerging technologies. As the conversation continued over refreshments in the foyer, one thing was clear: CRISPR is more than just a gene editing tool. It is a reflection of our ethical compass and scientific ambition.

This event marked a meaningful start to our centenary year. We are deeply grateful to our panellists for generously sharing their expertise and lending depth and dimension to the discussion. A special word of thanks goes to the planning committee, Dr. Nathaniel McGregor and team, for curating such a seamlessly executed evening, and to our event photographers, Dr. Hendrik Swiegers (Postdoctoral Fellow) and Nic Clemo (MSc student), for beautifully capturing the occasion.

As your departmental scribe, it was blissful to witness how naturally and synergistically this event came together. I am incredibly excited to share what is next in our centenary calendar. Each event has been carefully curated to celebrate not just our past, but the future we are building together.

Composed by The Department Scribe – M. Le Roux