Challenge for new UKZN head
THE first challenge Albert van Jaarsveld would face as the new vice-chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) was one of leadership, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor said at the weekend.
Speaking at his installation ceremony at the university on Saturday, the minister said he would need to provide managerial and intellectual leadership.
“You will be able to draw on your immense experience at the executive level from your days at other universities,” she said.
“I would ask you to give special attention to first-generation students, those who don’t have parents to look after them, those who rather have to look after their parents.
“Make them feel at home. Make them feel they belong. Get them to show you how good they can be.”
The minister said UKZN was sixth on the research log of South African universities, with such students being UKZN’s future success.
“They can push UKZN into the top five,” she said.
The second challenge was to provide a clear vision of what UKZN stood for as a university.
“How can you make UKZN graduates proud of their education, proud of their degrees, and proud to say to prospective employers: ’I am a UKZN graduate,’” Pandor said.
“Last, I have to tell you that the university record in retaining leaders is not a good one. One study shows that since 1994 there has been a turnover of 84 vice-chancellors in South Africa, with an average term of 3.7 years.”
She said Van Jaarsveld was the first zoologist and chief executive of the National Research Foundation (NRF) to become a vice-chancellor.
“I don’t expect you to blaze a trail for future NRF CEOs. But I do expect you to use your unique insight into our research landscape for the advantage of UKZN,” Pandor said. “You have changed roles. You were the gamekeeper. Now you are a poacher.”
She said Van Jaarsveld was instrumental in charting the choppy waters in the astronomy sector and steering South Africa and Africa to success in winning the Square Kilometre Array bid.
“Your people skills were challenged, tested and appreciated. Those skills will be sorely needed in this university.
“But it’s not only your understanding of our national facilities but also your insight into the training of a new generation of scientists in South Africa that will benefit UKZN.”