“WE are a world, a continent and a nation in transition”.
This was said by Nelson Mandela University’s newly inaugurated vice-chancellor, Dr Sibongile Muthwa, as the university took a step into a historical era under the wings of an all- female trio.
Last week the university held an inauguration ceremony welcoming Dr Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi as the university’s chancellor and Muthwa as vice-chancellor.
Muthwa will be serving as the first African woman vice-chancellor in the history of the university.
“My journey has inspired my commitment to contribute to changing the trajectory of every young person whose life I have the privilege to touch,” said Muthwa.
Her speech highlighted her gratitude to her late grandfather, Mfezi Muthwa, who she says (he) believed, and told her many times, that she could be anything and she could do anything.
The vice-chancellor holds a PhD from the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London and an MSc in Development Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics.
She will be taking over from Professor Derrick Swartz, who has served the institution with distinction for two successive terms, since 2007.
“I am indebted to Prof Swartz for his sterling and visionary work in laying these foundations and for his inspirational leadership over the past decade.
“We will continue to strive, with great pride and humility, to live up to our responsibility of leading the only university in the world that carries Nelson Mandela’s name,” said Muthwa.
The third woman to complete the historical all-female trio to lead the Nelson Mandela University is council chairwoman Nozipho January-Bardill.
