It is an honour of the highest order to be elected as Chancellor of one of the most distinguished universities in the country. I wish to thank members of the university council and senate, and the wider student body for their confidence in me and for the support they have demonstrated by electing me.
Less than a week ago, I was inaugurated as Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, thus your consideration and election of me is both humbling and gratifying. I am accepting this honour on behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal especially needy students who aspire to further their education but cannot because of their financial status. As a former student of this university, I understand the critical role it played in shaping my life.
Universities are tangible symbols of our Hope for a Better Future and hope for our youth, for our society, and for our communities. To be given the honour of presiding over an institution which shapes young minds is an enormous responsibility, but one that I look forward to immensely. I firmly believe that building our institutions of higher education into world-class centres of excellence is the key to the future development of our country.
Critically, I want to reiterate the current government's resolve to ensure academic freedom. Democracy can only be sustainable if the culture of debate and dialogue is entrenched in all institutions of higher learning.
With the country facing a major skills shortage, the current government has put higher education on top of the agenda. We have created a dedicated higher education ministry under the leadership of Dr Blade Nzimande. This reaffirms our commitment to produce graduates in all professional categories in sufficient numbers and with the relevant skills to ensure faster and more widespread socio-economic development in our country.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
18 May 2009
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http: kwazulunatal.gov.za)
