This annual competition, sponsored by Die Burger, is presented by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences to identify the most inspiring undergraduate lecturer, seen through the eyes of the majority of students.

According to Rudie, his love of taxation started in his honours year at the University of Pretoria. His lecturer, Mrs Karen Stark, inspired him and stimulated his interest in the field of taxation. He now applies her friendliness and approachability in his own class presentations. He obtained his master’s degree in Taxation under the supervision of Prof Gerhard Nienaber.

Rudie didn’t expect  to be named Top Lecturer for a second time. “When you hear which other lecturers are nominated, you become doubtful. It still feels unreal. It is a great privilege and honour. I feel very humble. I don’t know what I did right”, says Rudie.

The individual interaction with students is the part of a lecturer’s job that Rudie likes best. That way, he gets to know people and then tries to make a difference in their lives. To show interest in a student is also very important. According to Rudie this is the stage of a student’s life in which a lecturer can make a positive contribution.

To make the lectures interesting and to stimulate interest in the field of taxation, Rudie tries to make his classes practical. He always tells his students that taxation is relevant for all professions, whether they study to become a doctor or an actuary. “I try to keep my classes interesting by moving around a lot while I talk and using hand movements as well”, says Rudie.

Rudie is currently a lecturer in Taxation in the Department of Accounting at the University of Stellenbosch. Read more