Stellenbosch University (SU) will welcome a new chancellor in January 2020 as the current chancellor, Dr Johann Rupert, will finish serving his two terms at the end of 2019.
Although a respected position, the chancellor’s role is unknown to many students, according to various student opinions.
According to an official press release by the university, the chancellor is the titular head of the University, presides at graduation ceremonies and confers all degrees and diplomas.
“Although a ceremonial role, the position of chancellor is of crucial importance to our institution. He or she should be able to identify with and promote the University’s Vision 2040, its mission and its values, and take a keen interest in Stellenbosch University as academic institution,” says Dr Ronel Retief, SU Registrar.
“The individual should be a thought leader in his or her own right and be a role model for the University community,” she added.
The process of electing a new chancellor involves an electoral college, which includes members of council, members of the Executive Committee of Senate and the President and Vice-President of the SU Convocation.
INFOGRAPHIC: Wianda Gilliland
Nominations opened on 14 August 2019, and close on 4 September 2019.
All members of the convocation are able to submit a nomination for chancellor, and each nomination must be signed by 20 Convocation members, as well as be accompanied by a signed declaration by the nominee.
According to the press release, a candidate will only be elected chancellor if a majority of the members of the electoral college present vote in his or her favor.
All SU graduates, including current postgraduate students who completed their undergraduate studies at SU, recipients of SU diplomas after 2010, and full-time and retired academic staff of the University are members of the Convocation.
Candidates for chancellor do not have to be members of the SU Convocation.
Since 1918, the University has had 14 chancellors, of whom only one was a woman and none a person of colour.
Below are what some students have to say about the role of the chancellor.
Klara van Rooyen, 22, Monica Vice Primaria
“Only until very recently did I know that our chancellor was Johann Rupert. The chancellor’s presence has not really been felt and I am not sure what his role is supposed to be.
“However, the role is necessary in order to add credibility to our university. I do feel that the role can be adapted, and the students could be made more aware of who this person is and what their purpose is.
“I also feel that we could do with not having an old white man at the head of our university. There exists a lot of stigma and stereotypes, which are often true, about racism in this town, apparently being run by a group of older and wealthy white men.
Rinae Musekane, 23, Huis de Villiers Primarius
“Johann Rupert has left big shoes to fill as he was an exceptional leader. I believe the new chancellor must be someone who has been exposed to top management and operating and leading at a large scale.
“Perhaps someone like Adrian Gore, the founder of Discovery which is one of the leading institutions in South Africa.
“The new chancellor has to be fearless, able to stand their ground but still listen to other’s opinions. Someone with a vision.
Micheal Knoetze, 22, Simonsberg Mentor
“The position of chancellor is still relevant in my opinion, as they are often seen as the faces of universities and could aid the university in certain areas like attracting investments and social capital.
“I am not so sure as to who should replace the old chancellor but think that someone who attended Stellenbosch University, works in the Stellenbosch area and knows the Stellenbosch culture.”
Jenilee Maarman, 21, BComm Honors
“I do not know what his role or contribution to the university really is, therefore I would not be able to say whether his role is still relevant. I know more about his family and their personal history than his purpose as chancellor of our university.
“I feel that we need a chancellor who could be more involved so that students are aware of his or her presence and purpose.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Anke van der Merwe