EDWIN NAIDU
THE right-hand man of former University of Johannesburg (UJ) vice-chancellor, Professor Tshilidzi Marwala, has quit for an overseas posting in one of New Zealand’s prestigious institutions.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg Professor Saurab Sinha will join the 150-year-old University of Canterbury on 1 July.
Marwala, his former boss, joined the United Nations University in Tokyo on 1 March.
Respected academic and author Sinha said in a post on social media that it was an immense privilege serving the UJ over the last decade. Sinha, supported by the U.S. Fulbright program is currently undertaking a research sabbatical at Princeton University.
The University of Canterbury is led since 2019 by Professor Cheryl de la Rey, who was the first – and only – woman vice-chancellor of the University of Pretoria in a century between 2009 and 2018.
Sinha contested the vice-chancellor post at UJ against Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, the former Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, UJ, who succeeded Marwala on 1 March.
He becomes the second top executive to leave UJ. Professor Debra Meyer, Executive Dean: Faculty of Science, who also stood against Mpedi, left on 31 March to join the Sol Plaatje University as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning.
“Since joining UJ, she has played a vital role in driving the faculty’s strategy to support the University’s objectives. Prof Meyer, we wish you only the very best in your new role and future endeavours,” said Mpedi in a message to staff.
Sinha said: “With the UJ Community and partners, locally and abroad, UJ has continued to grow from strength to strength; the symbiosis of culture, people and strategy is setup for continued research, innovation and internationalisation excellence.”
Sinha, whose latest book, on 6G technology, has just been published, will remain a Visiting Professor at UJ.
Currently in Princeton on a fellowship, Sinha, said: “I’m looking forward to the next journey of learning, change, and contribution. Reporting to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Canterbury (UC), New Zealand, I’ll provide leadership to UC Engineering (Engineering, Forestry, Mathematics and Statistics, Product Design). I look forward to being part of the senior leadership team, UC and Christchurch/Canterbury Community.”
In 2023, UC celebrates 150 years – a significant milestone – furthering engagement with people for
education, research and impact.
With my departure, there is an exciting opportunity for the next leader – to serve as UJ’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation,” he said.
Candidates can Apply: http://jobs.uj.ac.za
The University of the Western Cape is also looking for a new vice-chancellor following the announcement by incumbent Professor Tyrone Pretorius, who also worked under Prof De la Rey when she was at the University of Pretoria, announced he was leaving.
Professor Pretorius is an alumnus of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) and was appointed as the seventh Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the institution in 2015. Researcher Professor José Frantz is currently acting vice-chancellor.
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