Malema, Zille could become UCT’s new chancellor

Graça Machel, who has been chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) since 1999, is nearing the end of her term, and among those mentioned as possible nominees to replace her have been Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema and outgoing Western Cape Premier Helen Zille.

Caleb Kay, chairperson of the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) students organisation told IOL the party’s representatives on campus would be nominating Zille.

Students representative council (SRC) treasurer-general Kamvelihle Tabata, meanwhile, told the publication he favoured Malema for the largely ceremonial position – the responsibility of the actual running of the university falls on its vice-chancellor, currently Mamokgethi Phakeng, who replaced Max Price in July last year.

“The role of chancellor requires an individual of stature, with exceptional personal qualities and integrity,” said the university’s registrar, Royston Pillay.

According to Tabata, that person is Malema “based on many reasons, including the fact that he wants to transform our societies”.

“If UCT wants to transform, there is no reason not to appoint Malema as a chancellor, especially considering the political dynamics of South Africa,” Tabata continued, adding that the EFF commander-in-chief “is also leading the biggest, fastest-growing movement in the country”.

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Kay said the DA would nominate Zille as she “has played a really important role in the development of this country, specifically in the Western Cape, where UCT is situated”.

Nominations must be submitted in writing, signed by at least 20 but no more than 30 students, members of staff or members of the convocation. Entries must be submitted before June 7 and can be emailed to the registrar at registrar@uct.ac.za.

Machel, the university’s fifth chancellor, has been a vocal campaigner for educational causes through her work as state secretary of education for Mozambique’s interim government as well as minister of education and culture in the country’s government post-independence.

She has also been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, chairperson of the National Organisation of Children of Mozambique, and president of the country’s UNESCO commission.

She was married to former Mozambican president Samora Machel, who died in a plane-crash in 1986.

Twelve years after his death, she famously married Nelson Mandela, who was president of South Africa at the time, making her the only woman in history to have been a First Lady of two countries.

(Compiled by Daniel Friedman)

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