As our core business is teaching-learning and research (with community engagement intertwined in these activities), two of the most important positions to fill were those of the deputy vice-chancellor (DVC) for teaching and learning, and deputy vice-chancellor for research and innovation.

 

After these two positions were advertised, Council approved the appointment of Prof Robert Balfour as DVC for teaching and learning, and Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya as DVC for research and innovation.

 

Before taking up their new positions, Robert (previously the dean of the Faculty of Educational Sciences in Potchefstroom), acted as DVC for teaching and learning, while Nancy was the acting executive director for the HIV/Aids/STI/TB (HAST) research programme at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).

 

Campuses in capable hands

 

Other key appointments that Council made are those of the three DVCs responsible for campus operations. In addition to taking the helm in the daily functions of specific campuses, these three also have certain functions for the university as a whole.

 

Prof Fika Janse van Rensburg, previously the rector of the campus in Potchefstroom, is responsible for campus operations in Potchefstroom and will act in this capacity until 31 December 2018. He was also appointed as NWU vice-principal until the end of 2017. This means that he will perform the duties of the vice-chancellor when the latter is not available.

 

Prof Linda du Plessis is the second of the three campus DVCs. She was the former vice-rector for academic, quality and planning at the campus in Vanderbijlpark, followed by almost two years as acting rector of that campus.

 

The third DVC, who will be responsible for campus operations in Mahikeng, will be appointed as soon as the position has been advertised. This person will replace Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele who was the rector of the campus in Mahikeng, but is no longer in the service of the NWU.

 

Executive directors taking the lead

 

In addition to the five DVCs, there are also a registrar, Prof Marlene Verhoef, and four executive directors.

 

The registrar and three of these executive directors are still filling the positions that they held before the implementation of the new structure. The executive directors are: Elmarie de Beer (finance and facilities), Kedirang Oagile (people and culture) and Clement Manoko (corporate relations and marketing).

 

The fourth executive director, in a new position with student life as portfolio, is Prof Lumkile Lalendle, who was previously the vice-rector for teaching-learning and quality assurance at the campus in Mahikeng.

 

“I would like to congratulate the appointed colleagues,” says Prof Dan Kgwadi, vice-chancellor. “I strongly believe that all of them have the insight to ensure the realisation of the university’s strategy of transforming and positioning the NWU as a unitary institution of superior academic excellence with a commitment to social justice. Together we will be able to take the NWU to greater heights.”