The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, council has elected Dr Charity Mbileni-Morema as the new council chairperson to serve until end of March 2024. She was the interim chairperson since July this year, following the abrupt resignation of Matthew Rantsho.
Mbileni-Morema was elected during a council meeting held on 15 September, replacing Rantsho who decided to resign following his suspension due to internal conflicts.
The institution was sharply criticised for having the former chairperson assume the powerful position without being in possession of a tertiary qualification.
Rantsho became the chairperson in 2022, replacing Nonie Mokose, who took over from Boysie Phehlukwayo who resigned with his deputy, Garth Van Gensen, during a special council in November 2020. Mbileni-Morema becomes the second woman elected as the chairperson with the first being Mokose.
“In alignment with the approved CUT Statute, Council nominated and elected a chairperson to serve until the end of the predecessors’ term, namely until 31 March 2024,” Seithati Semenokane explained. The CUT maintains Mbileni-Morema’s appointment is another successful chapter of transformation in the university’s history and the continued commitment to the principle of excellence and equity.
The institute stated that she brings impeccable credentials into her portfolio as chairperson of the council. Mbileni-Morema holds a PhD in Chemistry from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and an MBA from the Herriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom (UK). The varsity alluded to her vast experience gained from working in both the public and private sector, solid business background, and a competent understanding of governance and the responsibilities of a non-executive director, including fiduciary duties.
Currently Mbileni-Morema holds the position of managing director of NM Envirotech Solutions, a company she established focusing on advisory services and technology development in Science, Technology, Innovation, and Green Economy.
The varsity stated Mbileni-Morema’s vision entails bringing stability, cohesion, and collegiality to the council and will strengthen accountability by implementing effective and efficient leadership and rebuilding trust amongst CUT stakeholders and the Department of Higher Learning and Training (DHET).
