CAPE TOWN — Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has welcomed Prof Brian Figaji as its new Chancellor, with the academic leader pledging to break traditional patterns of distant leadership and champion ethical education in South Africa’s challenging socio-political climate.
Figaji, who served as the Vice-Chancellor of the defunct Peninsula Technikon (Pentech) for several years until 2004, returns as the third Chancellor of CPUT. He served as Pentech’s Vice-Chancellor for a decade, guiding the institution before its merger with Cape Technikon (Cape Tech) into CPUT in 2005 and is a qualified engineer. He studied at the University of the Western Cape, University of Cape Town, Unisa, and Harvard.
On Wednesday 10 December, during a media briefing before his robing ceremony, Figaji outlined a distinctly hands-on approach to the ceremonial role, emphasizing his commitment to being actively present in the university community.
His first priority? Ensuring students receive the recognition they deserve at graduation ceremonies.
“I suppose the most important role is going to be that I will be present at graduation, because I think we owe it to our students that the Chancellor is present at graduation,” Figaji stated. “There are too many Chancellors that you see once and never again.”
Figaji’s vision extends far beyond ceremonial duties.
He plans to position CPUT as a crucial battleground in South Africa’s fight against corruption and unethical leadership.
“As an institution, we are the grounds, we’re the preparatory grounds for the future leaders of this country. We’ve got to do something intentional about that. We cannot hope that something will happen,” he emphasized during the interview.
Figaji acknowledges some challenges facing South African higher education institutions in moulding leaders who will uphold ethical standards in a climate where corruption has become endemic. He stressed the need for deliberate action rather than passive hope.
“Given the climate that we have in South Africa, if you are going to prepare the future leaders, we’ve got to be intentional now,” he declared.
Commitment to institutional excellence
While acknowledging that he is still familiarising himself with all ongoing initiatives at CPUT, Figaji expressed his dedication to contributing to the university’s growth and improvement. His approach emphasizes supporting the institution’s existing strengths while identifying areas for enhancement.
“I’m very appreciative of this honour. And I can only undertake to do my best,” Figaji stated, reflecting the humility and commitment that characterize his leadership style.
A central theme in his vision is the integration of ethical leadership and values as core pillars of the student experience at CPUT.
He argues that universities must move beyond traditional academic instruction to actively cultivate character and ethical reasoning in their graduates.
The Chancellor’s emphasis on intentional value-based education comes at a critical time when questions about the role of higher education in addressing societal challenges are more pressing than ever. His approach suggests that CPUT will take a more deliberate role in shaping not just skilled professionals, but ethical leaders capable of driving positive change.
As he settles into his new role, the university community can expect to see a Chancellor who is not only present but actively engaged in the institution’s mission. His commitment to breaking the mold of absent leadership and his focus on ethical development signal a new chapter for CPUT.
CPUT chair of Council Dr Laurine Platsky described Figaji’s appointment as purposeful. “We wanted an ethically sound Chancellor so we chose very carefully when considering the candidates. Figaji is exactly what South Africa needs, a principled leader who has never been afraid of speaking truth to power,” she said.
CPUT Vice-Chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo added that Figaji’s institutional memory means he understands the culture and people of the university.
“On behalf of our past and present students and the legacy institutions I extend a heartfelt thanks to Figaji for his lifelong commitment to advancing education for the South African youth,” he said.
