The Stellenbosch International Piano Symposium has been presented biennially since 2006 by the Department of Music of Stellenbosch University. The main purpose of the symposium is to bring together international and national pianists through master classes, lectures and concerts. In 2012 it was expanded further by the relaunch of the Hennie Joubert Piano Competition for gifted youth of South Africa, offering attendees and learners an unmatched level of exposure to top level musicianship.

In 1983 the South African piano manufacturer Dietman proposed a sponsorship for the promotion of the performing arts to the Wellington Music Society, through their contact with Dr Manie Rust. It was decided to use the funds to start a new piano competition. Joan de Villiers (chair of the Wellington Music Society) contacted Hannelie Prinsloo, André Serfontein and Bennie van Eeden to serve with her as founding members of the Dietman Piano Competition. The first competition was held in 1984.