It is with great pleasure that I extend congratulations to Minister S’bu Ndebele on his installation as Chancellor of the University of Zululand.
I am particularly pleased that he will be taking over the position in which I have had the privilege to serve since 2001. The University of Zululand has to make a marked impact in its immediate community and also raise its international profile. It takes committed people to meet this challenge, and the University of Zululand team, including the new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fikile Mazibuko, are equal to the task.
We trust that Mr Ndebele’s association with the university will bear for the institution and the community at large, and we know that he will undertake this task as diligently and in a distinguished manner, just as he has executed all other tasks in service to this country. As an alumnus of the institution, this gives Mr Ndebele an opportunity to plough back to the University.
Higher education in this country faces various challenges, ranging from a lack of resources, high dropout rates, and a lack of employment opportunities on graduation. Government, led by the Department of Higher Education, is working to address these issues. We are also concerned about the disruptions in universities which affect learning. We are aware of the high cost of higher education, which excludes a number of deserving students. Affected parties including student bodies should continue working with government to address these challenges.
South Africa is faced with many challenges, particularly rural underdevelopment and poverty. We are looking at these rurally based institutions to become nodal points for development, providing relevant cutting edge skills. The University of Zululand has a unique role to play in developing these communities so as to improve their livelihoods. I therefore wish Minister Ndebele and the University of Zululand well in all their endeavours to make this institution a leading rural-based comprehensive university providing quality education.
Issued by: The Presidency
4 May 2010
