Big changes for one of Cape Town’s iconic stadiums
Stellenbosch University and the Maties Rugby Club have entered into a strategic sponsorship agreement with the financial firm Salt EB.
This partnership introduces a naming rights model for the university’s flagship stadium, which will now be called “The Danie Craven Stadium powered by Salt EB.”
Salt Employee Benefits (Salt EB) is an independent retirement fund administrator based in South Africa.
Located in Johannesburg, it manages pension and provident funds, umbrella funds, and risk benefits for more than 920,000 members.
Salt EB handles tasks such as claims processing, compliance, and member communication.
Stellenbosch University said this new partnership with Salt EB aims to preserve the stadium’s historical legacy.
Beyond stadium branding, the agreement represents an investment in student-athletes by funding high-performance programs and recreational rugby on campus.
“Rather than replacing the identity of the Danie Craven Stadium, the partnership adopts an associative naming model and recognises the contribution of Salt EB as a strategic partner,” said Stellenbosch University.
The university said that Heritage elements associated with the Stadium will be highlighted through ongoing storytelling, commemorative projects and heritage installations.
University leadership and representatives from Salt EB both agreed that this collaboration could promote long-term sustainability while supporting community impact and sporting excellence.
The agreement employs an associative naming model aimed at attracting private investment without compromising the stadium’s historic identity.
The university said that the collaboration will ensure long-term support for Maties Rugby and should directly benefit student-athletes by funding rugby programs, high-performance teams, and talent identification initiatives.
“The announcement marks an important milestone in strengthening the University’s commitment to sporting excellence, strategic partnerships and the continued development of world-class sports facilities,” said Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor Deresh Ramjugernath.
“We are most grateful to Salt EB and look forward to years of partnership in serving the Maties and broader sporting community,” said Ramjugernath.
Stellenbosch University gets a new Campus Rugby partner
Salt EB has also become the new Campus Rugby partner, investing in recreational rugby opportunities for university residences and commuter students.
Along with the partnership announcement, Sean Erasmus, formerly the head coach at Paarl Boys’ High School, has been officially introduced as the new head coach for the Maties Men’s Senior Team.
Salt EB Chairperson Eddie Strydom said they are looking forward to partnering with Stellenbosch University.
“Not only is Stellenbosch University a leading university providing a diverse sporting experience, but we are also honoured to be associated with the Maties Rugby Club,” said Strydom.
Strydom explained that the Maties Rugby Club boasts a longstanding rugby history dating back to 1875 and is known worldwide.
He said that Salt EB, with the goal of becoming a truly empowered, credible, and sustainable financial services business, can deliver valuable services to its clients and will benefit from partnering with SU.
Maties Sport Head Drikus Hancke highlighted the partnership as a new era for Maties Rugby.
“The partnership not only ensures long-term sustainability for the Club but will also directly benefit student-athletes through funding for rugby programmes, including talent identification and support for high-performance teams,” said Hancke.
He explained that Salt EB is also the Campus Rugby partner, which is an investment in the recreational rugby student community.
“Campus Rugby provides opportunity for residents and commuter students to compete and enjoy rugby,” he said.
“Salt EB has partnered with Maties Rugby to ensure that this offering is done in a way that contributes to a transformative student experience at Stellenbosch University.”
He explained that Campus Rugby is a feeder into the high-performance teams, and the sustainability of this pathway will be enhanced by working with partners who value development and opportunity.
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