Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor for the Durban University of Technology
27 August 2007
Tomorrow (28 August 2007), the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, MP,
will attend the inauguration of Ela Gandhi and Professor Roy du Pre as
Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, respectively, of the Durban University of
Technology. The event will take place at Fred Crookes Sports Centre at
16h30.
Professor Du Pre was formerly Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Vaal University
of Technology. Ela Gandhi has a background in social work and a history of
involvement in the anti-apartheid struggle.
The Minister will say: "The inauguration of a new Chancellor and Vice
Chancellor, coupled with a new council, affords the university a unique
opportunity for a new beginning."
Addressing Ela Gandhi, the granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, the Minister
will say: "Your inauguration as Chancellor is a reminder of where we come from
as a country. Your inauguration is a signal that we need to infuse new
principles and values into our higher education system, principles and values
which include the need to be focused on our responsibility for public
accountability and nation building."
Addressing Professor Du Pre, the Minister will say: "Professor Roy du Pre
brings to the Durban University of Technology a wide range of experiences and
skills, gained from his time at the University of the Transkei, the Committee
of Technikon Principals (CTP) and Vaal University of Technology. His knowledge
and experience puts him in good stead to lead this institution into the
future.
Universities of technology occupy a special position within the higher
education sector.
The Minister will say: "Durban University's primary goal is to train
graduates with high-level skills, ready to enter the labour market,
particularly in the fields of science, engineering and technology, and business
and management."
"This is the greatest challenge that the Durban University of Technology
faces under your leadership � to make your graduates employable, to provide
them with the skills and training they need to work in fulfilling jobs as soon
as they leave this institution. The employment conjuncture could not be more
favourable than it is now."
Editor's notes
* The Durban Institute of Technology, now re-named the Durban University of
Technology, was established on 1 April 2002 through the voluntary merger of ML
Sultan Technikon and Natal Technikon. It was the first merger in the higher
education system.
* From the outset, the merger has been characterised by numerous problems
and challenges, due mainly to serious leadership and management shortfalls and
tensions between management and council.
* In response to these governance and management challenges, the Minister of
Education appointed Professor Chabani Manganyi as the assessor on 20 May 2006.
Professor Manganyi recommended the appointment of an administrator for a period
of one year.
* Professor Jonathan Jansen was appointed administrator for Durban
University of Technology on 12 August 2006 with the primary task of restoring
proper governance and management. This involved implementing the appropriate
recommendations of the forensic audit of the university initiated by the
previous council of the university, appointing a Vice-Chancellor, as well as
the appointment of a full team of senior executive managers and ensuring that
the university has a legally constituted council.
* The new council is led by Professor Jairam Reddy (former Vice Chancellor
of UDW) and Gugu Moloi (former CEO of Umgeni Water).
* Durban University has a student body of 22 800, of whom the majority are
undergraduates. Eight in ten are busy with diplomas, one in two is science and
technology majors, and one in three is in a business and management
programme.
* An amount of R80 million has been allocated by the Minister of Education
to the Durban University of Technology over three years to enhance its
production of science, engineering and technology graduates and improve general
graduate output.
Contact:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 312 5538
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: ngqengelele.l@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Education
27 August 2007
