A new broom at Vaal varsity
New VC spells out what he plans to do at VUT
Vaal University of Technology vice-chancellor Professor Gordon Zide believes that when one is chosen as a leader, it should not be for personal gain but for the people they serve.
Speaking to Sowetan ahead of his August 12 inauguration, Zide said he drew strength from the philosophy in the book by prophet Saziso Ndwandwe, titled Akusiko Okwami Kwebantfu.
“It is pregnant with information. What I like most about the book is what King Sobhuza II believed in – that whenever you are put in a position of leadership, it is not about you but (about) the people,” he said.
“It is I who can make a difference.”
Zide will be inaugurated on the same day as the university’s chancellor, Dr Xolani Mkhwanazi.
Zide started work at the university in May and has been called to turn around the troubled institution.
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On calming the storm among staff:
“I’m called to change the thinking and (effect) a paradigm shift.
“One challenge that is facing this institution currently, is a very serious one which I have been given orders to change, is the divisions, conflicts and tensions among staff.
“The institution is bleeding. It really required someone of my stature to put people together,” Zide said.
He added that there have been a number of suspensions and dismissals.
This led to the institution having a high number of vacant posts and people in acting positions.
“The institution seems to be suffering from multiple organ failure.
If it is not attended to, sooner or later, it will find itself in Intensive Care Unit,” Zide said.
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On improving the financial standing of the institution:
“Financially speaking, the institution is not doing well. Fundraising is key.”
He said he would enhance partnerships with government, industry and the community.
“This will include sensitising students about their responsibility and obligation in honouring agreements they have made with the university,” he said.
Zide said the institution was battling with a R500-million student debt.
“This is serious. We have a student reduction strategy. The strategy was agreed to in consultation with the student leadership of the time. It must be implemented.
“We are going to do it and because we are a caring institution, we are going to meet with the student leadership first,” he said.
Zide said the varsity’s salary bill was 70% of the budget and needed to be brought down to acceptable standards of between 63% and 65%.
This could lead to the institution merging departments to address the issue.
Zide said VUT would work on improving its research output to generate income and would introduce a state of the university address and a budget speech.
“There has to be continuous engagement with students and the community. We are going to do it. There is no reason why we cannot do it.”
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On improving throughput and pass rate:
“It is only through that throughput that we can get a substantial increase in our grant from government,” Zide said.
He will also introduce listening sessions for staff and students. “As a leader, you need to listen to the silent voices.”
Financially speaking, the institution is not doing well Professor Gordon Zide VUT VICE-CHANCELLOR