VANDERBIJLPARK.- After careful consideration and an extensive nationwide search, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Council has announced the appointment of Professor Stephen Khehla Ndlovu as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
This decision was made at a special Council meeting on 24 October 2023 and ratified at a Council meeting on 24 November 2023.
The university said that over the next five years, Prof. Ndlovu will provide strategic leadership and management, aligning VUT’s functions with its vision, mission, and strategic plans while ensuring harmony with national and regional government policy initiatives. Prof. Ndlovu is currently serving as the Vice Principal of Strategy, Risk, and Advisory Services at the University of South Africa (UNISA), and will officially assume his role at VUT from 1 February 2024.
A statement issued by VUT said that he brings with him a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of transformative leadership in various South African universities. This includes his leadership roles at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: of People and Operations, and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), where he was Deputy Vice-Chancellor of resources and Planning.
Prof. Ndlovu has also held various senior leadership roles at numerous institutions of higher learning, both within South Africa and internationally. Notable among these are positions at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the University of Limpopo (UL), the University of Zululand (UniZulu), and the University of Massachusetts in the United States.
“His influence extends beyond academia, as evidenced by his impactful contributions to the Department of Higher Education, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the American Institute for Research (AIR). His multifaceted expertise and global engagement underscore his commitment to advancing education and research on a broad scale,” VUT said.
Chairperson of Council, Prof. Mandla Radebe extended his heartfelt gratitude to Dr Simphiwe Nelana, who admirably held the fort as the interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal from October 2023.
“We appreciate his dedication and service during this transitional period.”
Prof. Radebe also welcomed Prof. Ndlovu to VUT and stated that his wealth of experience and transformative leadership will undoubtedly propel VUT to new heights.
“We look forward to a future of collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence under Prof Ndlovu’s guidance,” said Prof Radebe.
In his own words, Prof. Ndlovu expressed his eagerness to collaborate with all key stakeholders to ensure the continuous growth and success of our institution. He said his primary focus is to secure everyone’s commitment to the institutional vision and strategy, a task he plans to undertake through a comprehensive integrated stakeholder engagement roadshow.
VUT welcomes Prof. Ndlovu and looks forward to a bright and successful future under his guidance.
