Thabo Mbeki to seek second term as Unisa chancellor

FORMER president Thabo Mbeki is seeking a second five-year term as chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa). Mbeki was first elected and appointed following nominations by members of the institution’s council, staff, students and its convocation to be its ceremonial and titular head in December 2016. He assumed office the next month, replacing retired Gauteng Judge President Bernard Ngoepe. Unisa registrar, Professor Steward Mothata, has invited the institution’s students to submit nominations for the office of the chancellor.

The new chancellor of the country’s largest open distance-learning institution will be elected on November 25.

”Being eligible for re-election, Dr Thabo Mbeki has made himself available to serve as a chancellor for a second and final term, if nominated and elected. Nominations are, however, open for any eligible nominee as contemplated in the Institutional Statute,” Mothata said.
The chancellor plays a supporting role to the principal and vice-chancellor and council from time to time. S/he should be available and committed to carrying out this role and operate independently,” he said.

Other functions performed by a chancellor or his or her nominee include conferring all university qualifications on the institution’s behalf, opening and dissolving its congregation.

The chancellor also performs such other functions as are assigned to him or her by the council and duties in the interest of the university and does not receive remuneration for performing his or her duties.
Mbeki has previously stated that African universities, including Unisa, have a special responsibility to strive to occupy the front trenches in terms of producing ideas and knowledge, cadres and activists who will drive the continent’s quest to realise its renaissance.

Source: IOL

In other news – Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation rubbishes claims the beloved Arch has died

The beloved Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday is “still with us” and rumours about his death have been labelled as fake news.

The fake news spread like wildfire earlier on Wednesday after a Twitter account under the name of Bishop Stephen Moreo, tweeted he had died. The account, which has since been deactivated and removed from Twitter, had over 15 000 followers. Learn more