The Trustees
The SURF Board of Trustees consists of five employer and five member trustees.
Mr Ché Bermosky
Member trustee
Mr Bermosky is a legal adviser at the University, has served as an alternate trustee since 1 January 2018 and as a full member trustee since 7 December 2019.
Current term expires: 6 December 2030
Mr Stefan Engelbrecht
Director: Operations, Stellenbosch Business School
My vision for the Stellenbosch University Retirement Fund (SURF) is a member-first fund that protects long-term prosperity through excellent governance, low, transparent costs, and responsible investment. I will champion reliable governance and accountability; investment strategies that beat inflation across life stages; and a simple, supportive member experience with clear communication, digital tools, and timely guidance before and after retirement. I will respect election rules, collaborate with trustees and experts, and focus on the interests of all members—from new staff to those nearing retirement. My goal is to earn trust, deliver value, and make every rand work smarter and longer.
Current term expires: 6 December 2030
Ms Miriam Hoosain
Employer trustee
Ms Hoosain is appointed as Chief Director: Human Resources from 1 May 2023.
Current term expires: 8 May 2026
Prof Niel Krige
Chair and Employer trustee
Prof Krige is extraordinary professor at USB and has served as a trustee since 18 November 2005.
Current term expires: 17 November 2026
Mr Manie Lombard
Employer trustee
Mr Lombard is Chief Director: Finance and has served as a trustee since 5 May 2011.
Current term expires: 4 May 2026
Mr Naweed Mullajie
Alternate Member Trustee
As a trustee, I envision a Stellenbosch University Retirement Fund that is transparent, responsive, and sustainably managed—one that ensures the financial security and dignity of all members, now and in the future. I will act with integrity, care, and diligence, prioritising member interests above all. I will promote robust communication, inclusive representation, and prudent investment practices. My commitment is to foster trust, accountability, and resilience in the Fund, so that every member feels confident in their retirement journey.
Current term expires: 6 December 2030
Mrs Mari Patterson
School for Accountancy
As a Chartered Accountant and auditing lecturer with over a decade of experience in academia and professional practice, my vision as a trustee will be to promote a high standard of corporate governance, transparency, and ethical stewardship. I believe that effective oversight of retirement funds requires integrity, accountability, and a long-term focus on members’ financial wellbeing. With a Master’s degree in Commerce (Computer Auditing) and a commitment to ethical behaviour and good governance, I aim to strengthen risk management practices, ensure the implementation of sound governance principles and compliance with both fiduciary and ethical obligations. As a trustee, I will work collaboratively with fellow trustees and other relevant parties to uphold the principles of fairness, integrity, transparency, and sustainability.
Current term expires: 6 December 2030
Dr Elze-Mari Roux
My vision is to ensure that our pension fund continues to serve members with integrity and sound governance. As a Certified Financial Planner, I care about the financial well-being of others and have dedicated my research to helping people make better retirement savings decisions. My professional and research experience has strengthened my belief that informed decision-making is essential to achieving sustainable retirement outcomes. I will work to strengthen communication between the fund and its members so that employees understand their benefits and feel empowered to make sound decisions for their future. Every member deserves to know that their retirement savings are managed responsibly and that the fund’s policies are guided by their best interests. I hope to earn your trust in serving as a dedicated representative for all members.
Current term expires: 6 December 2030
Prof Gretha Steenkamp
Employer trustee
Prof Steenkamp is an associate professor at the School of Accountancy. She is a chartered accountant and has been with the university since 2006. Her expertise is in financial reporting and governance practices.
Current term expires: 31 December 2027
Prof Richard Stevens
Employer trustee
Prof Stevens is the Vice-dean: Teaching & Learning of the faculty of law and a commercial attorney. He has been with the university since 1 January 1999 and specializes in corporate governance and corporate finance and has a keen interest in financial market regulation law. His mission is to ensure the long-term health of the fund to benefit the long-term interests of fund members.
Current term expires: 31 December 2027
Mr JP Steyn
Member trustee
Mr Steyn, a chartered financial analyst, is a senior lecturer in Investment Management at the Department of Business Management. Having previously worked as a fund manager, he has been with the University for five years and is the company secretary for a number of SU-related entities. These include US Enterprises, LaunchLab and BioCODE. He is also a director at GreenX Engineering.
Current term expires: 6 December 2030
Prof JL van Niekerk
Employer trustee
Prof Van Niekerk is the dean of Engineering and has been with the University for nearly 23 years. His mission as employee trustee would be to represent staff’s interests and ensure that the fund makes the best decisions in the long-term interest of all employees.
Current term expires: 22 November 2025