(AGENPARL) – ven 12 aprile 2024 CUT MAKING GIANT LEAPS WITH A GIANT
Media Statement on the Inauguration of Dr Vincent Maphai as Chancellor of Central University of Technology
12 April 2024
A giant
Today, the Central University of Technology has caught a giant who is poised to help the institution make giant leaps into the future.
The inauguration of Dr Vincent Maphai as a Chancellor is a significant milestone for the University as it marks its 20th anniversary since its establishment as a University of Technology.
Twenty years is a significant milestone in the life of an institution and I therefore, at this moment would like to wish our university, the staff and students, a happy 20-year anniversary filled with hope and great success.
Universities in South Africa and beyond, are struggling with a plethora of challenges. From governance related challenges to finding a foothold in the new digital age; from scrambling for funding to staying relevant and appealing to the new crop of students; from a highly competitive environment overcrowded by private institutions to cultivating good relations with industry for placement of students for work integrated learning opportunities; etc., universities all over are struggling to survive.
The appointment of Dr Maphai as our Chancellor could not have come at a right time in the life of our institution. We are truly privileged to have a person of Dr Vincent Maphai’s caliber, experience and gravitas as our steward in this phase of our existence as a university.
Dr Maphai brings a plethora of experiences from academia, research & development, industry, business and entrepreneurship.
He holds a PhD from the University of Natal, and a Masters from University Leuven in Belgium among others. His service in the academic environment spans over two decades of serving in Councils of various universities in SA and as an academic professor domestically and abroad.
He was Chairman of the Presidential Review Commission, a body set up by then president Nelson Mandela to investigate government restructuring and service delivery.
Having previously served as one of the Commissioners of the South African National Planning Commission, Dr Maphai is well versed with key development issues of our nation and the role that higher education can play to uplift our nation to greatness.
CUT Council could not have hoped for someone better.
The role of a chancellor is to be a steward, an ambassador and ceremonial head of the university.
In Dr Maphai we have found a sage from whom we can seek counsel. We are at the stage where we need to forge partnerships with industry to do skills transfer and provide opportunities for our students to gain workplace experience. It is quite comforting to know that in Dr Maphai we have an ambassador to point us in the right direction for these meaningful partnerships.
Mobilizing investment is another challenge we need to be creative about and take our university to greater heights. And we are looking forward to follow his torch as he illuminates our paths and giving us direction in this regard.
The success of an institution is largely dependent on the caliber of its leadership. Dr Maphai illustrious career that has been punctuated by extra-ordinary achievements can only give us hope for the future of our institution.
As the leadership collective and management of this institution, we pledge our support and commitment to work collaboratively under his stewardship as we take this university to the next level.
Myself as vice-chancellor and my leadership collective understand and appreciate the responsibility placed on our shoulders and reiterate our commitment to make this a university of choice for both students and faculty.
Captions:
1. The newly inaugurated CUT Chancellor, Dr Vincent Maphai.
2. CUT Registar, Dr Sally Dzingwa during the investiture of the Fourth CUT Chancellor, Dr Vincent Maphai.
Kind regards,
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Ms Seithati Semenokane
Journalist / Media Relations Specialist
Communications & Marketing
Resources & Operations
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Vision 2030
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