Year-end Message from the Campus Rector

As we come to the end of the year it is always good to look back and reflect on our achievements and also to look forward, to see what we still need to accomplish.  In this regard, it is every manager’s responsibility to evaluate his or her department’s progress and make the necessary adjustments for next year. 

As a campus I can truly say that we have made great progress towards achieving the goals and targets we have set for ourselves.  The NWU was, for the fifth consecutive year, named the best-governed university in South Africa.  This is an indication of our stability and that our positioning is a beacon in a rapidly changing higher education environment.  The campus has managed to strengthen its position as one of the top campuses of higher learning through rapid student growth, good academic results and continued financial stability.  All credit to the staff which I want to thank for their continued support throughout the year.  

Congratulations to Prof Tsitso Monaheng (HSS), Mr Fritz Kgotle (Comm), Advocate Koboro Selala (Law) and Dr Ashmore Mawire (FAST) who were the winners in the City Press / Rapport awards for the most influential lecturer.  One can say that the students have spoken.

Currently the Campus has advanced to 11 NRF rated professors and we have in our midst the second most cited researcher in the world.  Eight of our lecturers were promoted to higher positions and eight academics received the Institutional Teachers Excellence awards.  Well done to you all, you have done us proud.   

I want to wish the different sporting codes all the best with the upcoming USSA championships that will be held in December.  A special word of encouragement goes to the Soccer Institute as they will be attempting to defend the USSA title for the third time in succession.    

On behalf of Campus Management I want to wish you a restful and enjoyable festive season. May you come back well rested, fresh and ready for the challenges 2012 has in store for us.