RHODES University is counting the days until Friday's historic inauguration of its first black African vice-chancellor in its 110 years.

Dr Sizwe Mabizela, who is expected to outline his vision for the university during his inauguration at the 1820 Settler's National Monument in Grahamstown, said he did not want the institution to get "hung up" on the fact he was the first black African vice-chancellor.

"For me it is whether the university has identified a suitable and competent person to serve as its vice-chancellor and provide leadership for the institution at this time."

Mabizela, who has been at Rhodes for 10 years and was previous vice-chancellor Dr Saleem Badat's deputy for academic and student affairs since 2008, was always a frontrunner for the hot seat out of the 17 applicants after he was appointed acting vicechancellor when his predecessor took up a post in New York with the Andrew W Mellon Foundation in July last year.

Mabizela said in a statement that his aim was to lead the university by example in producing graduates who were not consumed with material gain.

"I have never had dreams of vast financial wealth, owning a multi-storey home, or driving a fancy car.

"What is important is to gain knowledge that can help us understand our natural environment, human interactions and our place in the universe."

According to Mabizela, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of how we can live in this world in a sustainable manner, and in a way that enhances the humanity of others, was important.
"And if, along this path, our graduates acquire significant material wealth, then my hope is that they will use it to make a change in the lives of those who are less fortunate in material and educational terms."

Mabizela's late father, Christopher, was a teacher who instilled the importance of education in his children from a young age.

His mother, Sibongile Mabizela, was a nurse and "had a big influence on my interest in mathematics as she was very good at it", Mabizela said.

Article source: Sowetan

Article by: David MacGregor

Picture by: David MacGregor

LEADING LEADERS: Dr Sizwe Mabizela will be inaugurated on Friday as Rhodes University vice-chancellor. He is expected to outline his vision for the university during the ceremony