Stellenbosch University’s (SU) new chancellor views his role as part of the university’s transformative journey.
This is according to Lesetja Kganyago, SU’s 16th chancellor and the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, who was formally inaugurated at SU’s Endler Hall on 20 June. He has been serving in the position since January. SMF News was in attendance.
Chancellor Lesetja Kganyago was formally inaugurated as the new chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU) in the Endler Hall at the SU Conservatorium on 20 June. PHOTO: Buhle Bam
Kganyago told SMF News that he aims to share his expertise, although the role has executive limitations regarding the measure of influence he would be able to exercise.
“I could be a sounding board for the vice-chancellor, if the vice-chancellor so desired,” said Kganyago.
“As a chancellor, yes, it is a ceremonial role,” he said, referring to the representative role of the position in SU formal proceedings.
The role of chancellor also holds symbolic value, as it embodies what one would like to see in an institution such as SU, according to professor Deresh Ramjugernath, SU’s rector and vice-chancellor.
Members of the Stellenbosch University (SU) Council gathered for pictures before the inauguration of Lesetja Kganyago, SU’s 16th chancellor, on 20 June. From left to right: rector and vice-chancellor professor Deresh Ramjugernath, chancellor Lesetja Kganyago, and Dr Nicky Newton-King, the SU Council chair. PHOTO: Buhle Bam
“He is very much a servant leader,” said Ramjugernath. “I’m a believer in servant leadership.”
Both Ramjugernath and Kganyago told SMF News that they believed in the importance of translating the knowledge produced at SU into societal good.
“Universities should embed themselves in the societies they serve,” said Kganyago.
“It’s about the ripple effect our universities can have where the universities produce people, those people go into society, [and] they pass on those values […] to more people in society,” said Ramjugernath.
Excitement from SU community
Jeremy Fasser, the executive mayor of Stellenbosch, also attended the chancellor’s inauguration. He told SMF News that he is in support of a vision to cultivate societal change through partnering with SU.
“[I am] looking forward to our continued working relationship with the university and making sure that, together, we create a better Stellenbosch for everybody,” said Fasser.
The academic procession in attendance at the inauguration of chancellor Lesetja Kganyago walked to Stellenbosch University’s Admin B building to signify the end of the proceedings on 20 June. From left to right: chancellor Lesetja Kganyago, deputy vice-chancellor professor Nico Koopman, rector and vice-chancellor professor Deresh Ramjugernath, and deputy vice-chancellor Dr Sibusiso Moyo. PHOTO: Buhle Bam
Dr Katlego Letlonkane, labour lawyer and manager in human resource management and transformation at the SU Centre for the Advancement of Social Impact and Transformation, said that it was an exciting event.
“I look forward to the next five years,” said Lentlonkane. “I look forward to seeing what that’s all going to be about.”
“I think he’s on the right path, especially when he spoke about transformation and he spoke about how the right to learn is challenged by structures [that perpetuate inequalities],” said Nelisa Nzuza, a second-year BA (Humanities) student at SU who also attended the event.