The much-anticipated announcement of a new vice-chancellor for Walter Sisulu University has been postponed at the 11th hour.
The institution has been without a permanent head since the departure of Professor Marcus Balintulo in 2006, who spent five years at the helm.
WSU acting spokesman Thando Cezula said the announcement, due last week, was postponed to give time for the finalisation of all “internal processes”.
No details were provided on what remained to be finalised but he said it was necessary for all the correct processes to be followed.
The university’s council, which had the final word on the appointment of a VC, comprised members of the students’ representative council, labour unions National Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and National Tertiary Education Union (Nteu), along with external stakeholders.
The four candidates vying for the top post, are ex-University of South Africa registrar Mogege Mosinege, Vaal University of Technology deputy vice-chancellor for governance and organisational transformation Professor Gordon Zide, WSU’s deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs and research Sandile Songca, and deputy vice-chancellor of teaching, learning and technology Dr Stanley Mukhola from the Tshwane University of Technology.
According to WSU, the successful nominee had to be someone with a track record of accomplishments in a relevant field of practice nationally or internationally and be familiar with the higher education sector.
Among the key responsibilities of the job was to enhance the university’s vision, mission and values, with the forging of sound and meaningful partnerships with government, industry and business.
In 2012, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Minister Blade Nzimande placed the institution under administration due to financial instability, student unrest and transformation of academics, among eight challenges identified in the institution’s turnaround strategy.
Nzimande appointed Professor Lourens van Staden as an administrator to steer the embattled institution out of rough seas.
In 2011, Nzimande appointed Professor Khaya Mfenyana as interim vice-chancellor. However, he did not vie for the position of a permanent VC.
Former IEC chairwoman Brigalia Bam stepped down after serving two terms as chancellor since 2005. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
Naming of new WSU vice-chancellor delayed
The institution has been without a permanent head since the departure of Professor Marcus Balintulo in 2006, who spent five years at the helm.
WSU acting spokesman Thando Cezula said the announcement, due last week, was postponed to give time for the finalisation of all “internal processes”.
No details were provided on what remained to be finalised but he said it was necessary for all the correct processes to be followed.
The university’s council, which had the final word on the appointment of a VC, comprised members of the students’ representative council, labour unions National Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) and National Tertiary Education Union (Nteu), along with external stakeholders.
The four candidates vying for the top post, are ex-University of South Africa registrar Mogege Mosinege, Vaal University of Technology deputy vice-chancellor for governance and organisational transformation Professor Gordon Zide, WSU’s deputy vice-chancellor for academic affairs and research Sandile Songca, and deputy vice-chancellor of teaching, learning and technology Dr Stanley Mukhola from the Tshwane University of Technology.
According to WSU, the successful nominee had to be someone with a track record of accomplishments in a relevant field of practice nationally or internationally and be familiar with the higher education sector.
Among the key responsibilities of the job was to enhance the university’s vision, mission and values, with the forging of sound and meaningful partnerships with government, industry and business.
In 2012, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Minister Blade Nzimande placed the institution under administration due to financial instability, student unrest and transformation of academics, among eight challenges identified in the institution’s turnaround strategy.
Nzimande appointed Professor Lourens van Staden as an administrator to steer the embattled institution out of rough seas.
In 2011, Nzimande appointed Professor Khaya Mfenyana as interim vice-chancellor. However, he did not vie for the position of a permanent VC.
Former IEC chairwoman Brigalia Bam stepped down after serving two terms as chancellor since 2005. — loyisom@dispatch.co.za
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