Wits University appoints first black female Chancellor
BLACK EXCELLENCE: Dr Judy Dlamini. Photo Wits University website BLACK EXCELLENCE: Dr Judy Dlamini. Photo Wits University website
Dr Anele Mngadi on Wednesday congratulated Dr Judy Dlamini on being elected Chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) following a strong contest between the two black academics for the top job.
Dlamini is the first black female Chancellor to be appointed by the university and will take up the position from 1 December 2018. She takes the reins from retired Justice Dikgang Moseneke, who has served for two six-year terms in the position.
"I wish to congratulate Dr Judy Dlamini on being elected Chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand; and wish her the best in shaping the university to achieve its full potential as a knowledge and innovation-based institution," Mgadi said.
"I am confident that under Dr Dlamini's leadership, Wits will build on its strengths and excel in every aspect of this mission."
A medical doctor by training, a leading businesswoman, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, Dlamini went head-to-head with Mngadi, a university professor, non-executive chairman and a community builder, for the Chancellor position after calls for nominations to fill the vacancy were made in April.
Dlamini said: "It is an honour and a pleasure to be elected as the Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, one of the most prestigious universities on the continent. I would like to thank Convocation for its confidence in me. I look forward to working with all sectors of the Wits community."