Dlamini breaks glass ceiling at Wits University
Academic praises female pioneers
Dr Nobuhle Judy Dlamini has been inaugurated as Wits University’s first black female chancellor.
Dlamini, who is a medical doctor, also holds a doctorate in business leadership from University of South Africa and an innovation and entrepreneurship certificate from Stanford University. She took over the position as the ninth chancellor on Saturday from former deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke, who served for two terms.
“It is a true honour to be installed as the ninth chancellor of Wits. It marks a milestone in the 96-year history of my alma mater.
“This milestone reminds me of our history, the history of our forebears who made it possible for me to stand in front of you ready to serve,” said Dlamini.
The chancellor of the university is the ceremonial head of the institution and often
acts as an adviser to the vicechancellor and the principal of the university. Dlamini’s family was in attendance including her mother and mother-in-law whose
ages range from 82 to 96. “I stand on the shoulders of my ancestors, my mother who gave up everything to get education, who taught me never to give up, my mother-in-law who
believed that women must be seen and heard,” she said. Dlamini criticised the lack of transformation in gender equality since the dawn of democracy in 1994. “The independence attained in 1994 was driven by both men and women but focused on racial democracy. In spite of the ruling party’s efforts to legislate on women empowerment, we are not there yet. “Gender democracy, gender consciousness by both men and women, is what we need.” Dlamini went on to take the opportunity to remember historical female leaders in Africa, like Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Lillian Ngoyi and Wangari Maathai. “Women have always led. African women have always led no matter where they found themselves in the world. They just have not received the recognition for their selfless service.”
Other notable women in attendance were University of Cape Town’s vice-chancellor professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, Mpumalanga University vice-chancellor professor Thoko Mayekiso and science and technology minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, who are all Wits graduates. Moseneke said he was proud to pass on the baton to Dlamini, whom she regarded as a sister.