Invitation to AIG7
About Stellenbosch
History
Population and Culture
The University
Logistical Information
Scientific Program
Social Program
Important Dates
Abstract Submission
Fieldtrips and Excursions
Finances
Registration
Accommodation
Organising Committees
Important Contacts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The town of Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town) and developed from a colony of dutch settlers to whom land had been granted on the banks of the Eerste River. The name Stellenbosch was given to a small island in the Eerste River by Simon van der Stel, Commander of the Cape, who had encamped there with his entourage in 1679.

The valley was fertile and particularly suited to agriculture and the river banks and surrounding areas well wooded. The Dutch East India Company intended that fruit and vegetables be grown here to supply ships en-route to and from the East Indies. The early settlers were also encouraged to plant oak trees, and today the leafy oak-lined streets have led to Stellenbosch being known as "Eikestad" or city of oaks.

After the arrival of Jan van Rieebeck in the Cape in 1652 and the establishment of a colony, The Dutch East India Company developed an experimental vineyard below Table Mountain in the Company's Gardens. The first wines produced in South Africa came from this vineyard. In 1685, Simon van der Stel, established Groot Constantia in the Constantia Valley. This estate is recognised as the oldest wine estate in South Africa still in operation and will be visited on the Mid-Conference Field Trip. Today, Stellenbosch, along with Constantia, Paarl, and Durbanville are world famous South African wine regions producing red, white, sweet and fortified wines.
 

Of the towns founded in the Cape during the reign of the Dutch East India Company, Stellenbosch is the best preserved. In particular, the heart of Stellenbosch along Dorp Street has many national monument buildings which convey an idea of what the Cape would have looked like going back to the time of Simon van der Stel. More recent buildings preserve a mix of Cape Dutch, Victorian and Georgian building styles.

Many of these historic buildings now house art galleries, craft shops and cafes. A number of museums house important international art collections and the Stellenbosch Conservatoire (where the conference will be held) is the countries oldest music school.

 
With roots dating back to 1866, Stellenbosch University is one of the oldest Universities in South Africa. Originally started as a theological seminary, Stellenbosch University was founded as Victoria College in 1918. A century-long tradition of quality research and education has ensured the University a place among the finest academic institutions in the world, while preserving its Afrikaans heritage. In addition, Stellenbosch University has a fine sporting tradition having produced more than 155 players for the national rugby team, the Springboks. Stellenbosch University has a resident population of more than 18,000 students. More than one third of these are postgraduate students which means Stellenbosch has quite a thriving nightlife!