Flying the flag high

In his acceptance speech as chairperson, Dr Bismark Tyobeka thanked the Council for the opportunity to serve the NWU and its communities and for the trust placed in him.

He intends to build on the excellent work, cohesion and momentum of his predecessors.

"I take over the reins of council chairpersonship at a very critical juncture for the university. The monumental task of the Triple ‘S’ – Strategy, Structure and Statute – has been successfully concluded by Council under the stewardship of Adv Johan Kruger. I commend my colleagues in Council and the management team for a job well done.

"The next phase is the implementation phase. It is my view and intent that this phase will be executed under the close and watchful eye of Council and its subcommittees, to ensure that all stakeholders are taken on board. I also commend management for making sure that the restructuring will have minimal impact on staff as far as job losses are concerned.

"The era of a truly unitary NWU is upon us, and it is my vision to have the NWU claim its place at the top of the academic rankings in the country and internationally as one united university.

 “I look forward to walking the path with the NWU, and together we will be flying this institution’s flag high,” he says.

Outgoing chair salutes NWU

Adv Johan Kruger SC has served as chairperson of the NWU Council since November 2014, leading the university through difficult times.

“The NWU's new strategy and restructuring process has been a complicated and sensitive matter, but my term as chairperson was assuredly also one of the most enriching experiences of my life,” he says.

“The quality of the people with whom I worked and served, fills me with hope for the future of our country and our institution. That goes for all those involved: Council members, management (institutional and campuses), and also the academic and support staff. I had the great privilege of dealing formally and informally with a wide variety of staff members and students. I will always cherish that. “NWU, I salute you, you have made my task an easy one,” he concludes.