Zondo on mission to restore Unizulu’s dignity
DEPUTY Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has vowed to restore the dignity of the University of Zululand (Unizulu).
This undertaking was given at Zondo’s inauguration as the university’s new Chancellor last week.
He said he was ready to play a pivotal ambassadorial role to raise Unizulu’s profile and advance its interests nationally and internationally.
‘I feel honoured that the council of this university has seen it fit for me to serve as its Chancellor for the next five years.
‘I consulted widely with people I hold in high regard before accepting the appointment.
‘I did this primarily after seeing the negative publicity that this university has been receiving.
‘Everybody gave me the go ahead and after considering everything, I accepted because I have a deep passion for education.
‘I studied here and would like to make myself available on how best to take this institution to greater heights, while assisting black students from poor backgrounds.
‘I also thought that if we who studied here do not accept responsibilities to shape this institution, who will?
‘I accepted in the belief that through advice we would be able to turn this institution around. ‘There will be challenges, but they can be dealt with when all of us commit to work together,’ Zondo said.
Accompanied by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, Zondo also commended those who have raised the flag for Unizulu.
‘It was refreshing to read about the many positive stories of this university in the media recently.
‘When LLB programmes were under threat at many universities, Unizulu ensured that their LLB programme remained accredited.
‘I extend an invitation to specialists in the field of law to offer support to the law faculty, but this will also extend to other faculties.’
Zondo said he was thrilled that many Justices of the Constitutional Court had connections with Unizulu, including current Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.
In his message of support, the head of Mkhwanazi Traditional Authority, iNkosi Mandla Mkhwanazi requested the new Chancellor to look into the issue of student accommodation, which he said was a worrying factor.
‘We are concerned about the safety of our students,’ he said.
The Ixobho-born Zondo holds B Juris (Unizulu), LLB (UKZN), LLM (Unisa) degrees in labour, commercial and in patent law.
He was appointed to the second highest judicial post in the Republic of South Africa after the Chief Justice in 2017, succeeding Judge Dikgang Moseneke who retired in 2016.
Zondo has received many accolades for his contribution to human rights. In January this year he was appointed by former President Jacob Zuma as the Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of State Capture.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo inaugurated as new Chancellor