Staff Reporter
Although behind on its plan to install a new vice-chancellor before the start of the 2024 academic year, the University of Pretoria has announced a shortlist of four candidates for the role.
Among the shortlisted candidates for the role of Vice-Chancellor at Tuks are Prof HC Klopper, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Strategy, Global and Corporate Affairs at Stellenbosch University, known for his strategic leadership; Doctor of Philosophy Prof KK Matengu, a renowned researcher and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Namibia; engineer Prof Francis Petersen, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal at the University of the Free State, also serving as the Chairperson of Universities South Africa, a testament to his leadership skills; and Gender specialist Prof V Reddy, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation at the University of the Free State, recognized for her contributions to gender studies.
Former Vice-Chancellor Professor Tawana Kupe, appointed in 2019, left UP at the end of July 2023. Prof Themba Mosia was appointed Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal on 1 August 2023. He will serve in this role until the recruitment and appointment process for a new Vice-Chancellor can be concluded.
Prof Mosia has served the academic enterprise in numerous capacities over more than four decades, including teaching/lecturing and international relations, as head of the department, Registrar at various universities, Dean and Vice-Principal/Deputy Vice-Chancellor. His academic work is in quality assurance and governance in higher education.
Prof Mosia’s academic journey has taken him across continents. He holds a PhD in Policy Studies, particularly Governance, and has received specialist training in quality assurance in higher education. His academic qualifications were earned in both South Africa and the United States of America, reflecting his global perspective and diverse educational background.
Prof Mosia has been Vice-Principal of Student Life at the University of Pretoria since 2013. He served as the Chairperson of the Council on Higher Education from 2013 to 2022 and was a Board member of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and its interim Chairperson in 2015.
Following the call for applications in August 2023, UP expects to have a new incumbent in place by January 2024. However, the process has taken longer than expected.
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