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Zimbabwean professor Tawana Kupe becomes the first black VC of the 100-year-old University of Pretoria
If you had been told that there was a university in Africa that has existed for 100 years but that has never had a black VC, would you have believed it? Well, until now, there was!
The University of Pretoria, located in the capital of South Africa, is considered one of the largest centers of academic development in Africa.
The prestigious citadel of learning boasts of a rich heritage and its alumni are scattered in different countries of the world.
The university is proud to be one of the oldest universities in Africa with more than 100 years of existence.
The story was made at the South African University recently after the inauguration by Tawana Kupe, renowned and renowned professor of Zimbabwe, of his first vice-chancellor black.
Besides the fact that the University has appointed its first vice-chancellor and principal black, she has also marked history by naming someone who is not South African.
Professor Tawana Kupe will succeed Cheryl de la Rey, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, who has resigned from her position to serve as Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand .
According to a report published by the university, the appointment was made after a long evaluation and Professor Kupe was selected from six shortlisted candidates.
"The appointment was made in accordance with the procedure set out in the Rules and Procedures of the University for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
"The process included, among other steps, presentations of pre-screened candidates to a joint meeting of the Council, Senate and Institutional Forum, the Senate and Institutional Forum vote on the suitability for appointment of shortlisted candidates and candidates. interviews with the six shortlisted candidates. candidates by the Board's Joint Committee. " It said.
Prior to being appointed Vice Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, Professor Tawana Kupe was Vice President of the University of the Witwatersrand, where he directed the daily running of the university. Previously, he was Dean of Rhodes University, to which he joined after working at the University of Zimbabwe.
In his thank you speech, Professor Kupe called for academic freedom, institutional autonomy and the transparency of their practices, while emphasizing the importance of universities for the development of professionals.
"Universities have a responsibility to train educated, knowledgeable people with professional skills, able to respond to local and global challenges and contribute to the creation of prosperous and prosperous societies," he said.
Header Image Credit: IOL
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