WSU in search of rector for Buffalo City campus

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is looking for a rector for its Buffalo City campus. The position was previously occupied in a temporary capacity by Ferdie Gerber.

This after the Department of Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announced in a Government Gazette last year that it was decentralising the four-campus institution, which has proved unwieldy to manage from one central point.

The university has three other campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth and Queenstown with permanent rectors.

WSU acting spokesman Thando Cezula said the Buffalo City campus position was vacant.

“Mr Gerber was only acting in that position and he is now currently on study leave. Mr Cawe Novukela has been appointed as acting Buffalo City Campus rector.”

As part of the academic requirements, candidates should have:

• A doctoral degree;
• Be an outstanding academic with an established research track record and at least five years’ experience in a senior leadership role in a university;
• A track record for managing a complex portfolio, running a unit of a reasonable size;
• The ability to mobilise and inspire others towards shared goals;
• Excellent people and communication skills;
• The ability to maintain and strengthen synergies among the different campuses in the interest of the unity of the institution;
• Understand the operations and affairs of a university environment;
• Think strategically and put strategies into operation through plans and projects;
• A good understanding and experience in change management implementation; and
• Computer skills.

According to the university, the campus rector was a newly created position and the vacancy is for a five-year contract. The successful candidate will be based at WSU’s Buffalo City campus and report to the university’s vice-chancellor and principal.

The university qsaid as a member of the institutional management committee (IMC), the rector had a strategic role to play, and at campus level would be responsible for rolling out the divisional management system.

The closing date for applications is July 30.