Professor Mosa Moshabela has taken up his tenure as UCT vice-chancellor, acknowledging some of the challenges the university faces. Picture: Leon Lestrade/Independent Newspapers
UCT’s new vice-chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela, acknowledged some of the challenges the university faced as he takes up the role, including rebuilding trust among stakeholders, with a priority to work with council to fill the vacancies on the executive team.
Moshabela, who officially began his tenure on Thursday, shared some of his goals on his first day in office.
“One of my intentions is to create a university environment where staff and students can grow and contribute to the world on any scale, large or small. UCT’s strength lies in each member of the university community, students and staff members alike.
“In addition to creating an enabling environment for students and staff to thrive in, my goal is to build a united community.
“Unity should be a common thread that binds us together as a campus community, even in our diversity,” he said.
Moshabela said he was immensely honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading UCT as the 11th vice-chancellor.
“I start this journey not only full of optimism and hope for UCT, but also mindful of the fact that I will draw from the collective strength of all members of the UCT community,” said Moshabela.
“As I join during this period, following the challenges the university faced in recent years and appreciating the sterling job done by Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy over the past 16 months, I am mindful that we can only go far by going together.
“Emeritus Professor Reddy, in his role as vice-chancellor interim, stabilised the institution, and I thank him and members of council, chaired by Mr Norman Arendse (SC), for their steadfast leadership.”
Moshabela acknowledged some of the challenges as he takes up the role.
“There are, of course, many serious challenges ahead for all of us: improving the university’s financial position; rebuilding trust among all our stakeholders; attracting students and academics from across Africa and the globe; and working with other university leaders across South Africa to respond to the higher education funding challenges.
“Another important priority will be to work with council to fill the vacancies on the executive team.
“I look forward to the journey ahead, as we collectively work towards ensuring that UCT remains the best university in and for Africa.”
Cape Times
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