Minister Nzimande congratulates Dr Saleem Badat on his appointment to the Mellon Foundation
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, MP, congratulates the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, Dr Saleem Badat on his appointment as the Program Director for International Higher Education and Strategic Projects at the Andrew W Mellon Foundation.
This follows an announcement by the President of Mellon Foundation on the establishment of a new post, with Dr Badat being its first Director. Chief among other responsibilities, he will be overseeing and directing the Foundation’s international grant-making and other programmes in South Africa.
The Minister has also expressed appreciation for over R1.2 billion that the Foundation has provided in support to South African institutions of higher learning and cultural institutions over the past 20 years.
It is without doubt that Dr Badat will do well in his new posting as he has distinguished himself as an astute academic scholar and philanthropist. His appointment is a true measure of recognition his steadfast contribution to the higher education sector.
Dr Badat is currently the Chairperson of the leadership body of Vice-Chancellors, HESA and is on his eighth year as the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University. He previously served as the Director of the Education Policy Unit at the University of the Western Cape, and as the Chief Executive Officer of the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
He has authored and contributed in numerous books and scholarly journals. In 2004, an honorary doctorate from the University of Free State was conferred on him. He received another honorary doctorate from the University of York, his alma mater in 2008.
Enquiries:
Vuyo Yekani
Media Liaison Officer
Ministry of Higher Education and Training
Cell: 0781110668
E-mail: Yekani.L@dhet.gov.za
