Outgoing ASA Chairperson Honoured with Rector’s Award for Excellence in Leadership
The Faculty of AgriSciences congratulates Janice Kahumuza, outgoing Chairperson of the AgriSciences Student Association (ASA), on receiving Stellenbosch University’s Rector’s Award for Excellence in Leadership. This award represents the University’s highest recognition of student leadership and honours her contribution to the student community.
During her 2024/25 term, Janice led the ASA under the vision “Service and Synergy in Excellence,” growing the Association in visibility, accountability, and impact. She fostered collaboration between students, faculty, and industry while introducing governance and support structures that will benefit the ASA for years to come.
A highlight of her term was the comprehensive redrafting of the ASA Constitution, which enhanced governance and accountability and included the proposal for an External Caucus, a pre-election platform allowing students to engage directly with leadership candidates. Janice also implemented effective planning tools, such as the ASA Almanac and a three-year strategic framework, to guide the Association’s future direction. She introduced mid-term progress reports and a peer evaluation system, reinforcing internal accountability, and represented students on the Faculty’s Senior Appointments Committee during the selection of a new Dean.
Under her guidance, ASA grew as a hub for student–industry engagement. Initiatives like Industry Insights Interviews, Lunch Bag Talks, and the Think Tank Series connected students with professionals, encouraged student-led debates, and created opportunities for hands-on learning and critical thinking. Participation in networking events further laid the groundwork for future collaborations between the ASA and the wider agricultural sector.
Janice also strengthened student support and community-building. Her team developed a proposal for a sustainable Agri Pantry, initiated hands-on learning experiences at the HortiDemo Centre at Welgevallen Experimental Farm, and coordinated the Across the Class year-end networking function, fostering unity across the faculty’s diverse student body.
Her peers credit her with combining clarity of vision with empathy in leadership. “Janice created a culture of trust, accountability, and genuine care, and revitalised the ASA into a highly structured, professional, and impactful team,” said Carla Mostert, outgoing ASA Socials Portfolio holder.
Reflecting on her journey, Janice said: “I am deeply grateful to have been entrusted by an incredible team and the AgriSciences student body to serve as their Chairperson. From the beginning, my primary goal was to serve both the team and the faculty to the best of my ability. This journey has been profoundly fulfilling and enriching, inspiring me to continue striving as an agent of meaningful impact in all my future endeavours.”
As she concludes her studies and leadership role, Janice leaves behind a legacy of service, synergy, and innovation, with the Rector’s Award affirming both her personal achievements and the growing culture of student leadership excellence within the Faculty of AgriSciences.
