It was with mixed emotions that Professor Nqabomzi Gawe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support, announced her retirement from the Durban University of Technology after 14 years of service at the University.
Prof Gawe joined DUT in 1999.
Previous posts at the University include Acting Vice-Chancellor (January to July 2007), Special Assistant to the DUT Principal in charge of Change Management as well as Deputy Vice-Principal at the former Technikon Natal (now DUT) in charge of Academic Development, Library, Online Learning and Quality Assurance.
Prior to her service at DUT, Prof Gawe was Vice Dean, Professor and Head of the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the University of Zululand.
Prof Gawe was honoured at a farewell dinner held at the DUT Hotel School, Ritson Campus, where high profile guests included DUT Chancellor, former KZN Judge President Vuka Tshabalala; DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ahmed Bawa; DUT Council Chairman, Dr Jairam Reddy and Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Nomthandazo Gwele. Prof Gawe’s family and friends as well as DUT staff members were also in attendance.
Prof Gawe’s Secretary, Nonkululeko Xuza said she (Prof Gawe) had set a precedent for other bosses, adding that she felt honoured to have worked with her.
Reflecting on Prof Gawe’s leadership approach was Prof Gwele who said the connection between Prof Gawe and DUT will continue for a long time. “We are not saying goodbye, we say farewell,” said Prof Gwele.
Dr Kenneth Netshiombo, DUT Faculty of Arts and Design Executive Dean said one of Prof Gawe’s achievements was managing DUT when the University Council was dissolved, a difficult time according to Dr Netshiombo.
Prof Bawa said Prof Gawe was the face, brain, soul and heart of the University. “It is a sad day for DUT as one of its stalwart leaves the institution. No doubt your connection with the University will continue. Prof Gawe has a different way of looking at things. She is a forthright person. The University will miss her,” said Prof Bawa.
In her farewell speech, Prof Gawe paid tribute to her ancestors, saying “they had always been there for her”. She thanked her staff at the Institutional Support ambit for supporting her all these years. “Managers from Institutional Support taught me a lot. I was humbled by my ignorance of your functions when I became part of you. My abilities were enhanced and I will miss your frank but constructive engagement,” she said.
To her, the best part of her job was the little time she spent at the Midlands campuses where “staff commitment to serving DUT is commendable”. ”If DUT supports the Midlands campuses, the University will go far. It’s our growth point. I won’t forget this institution (DUT). I will keep it in my heart,” she said.
– Thabo Maile
Pictured: Pictured at Prof Gawe’s farewell dinner are (from left): Prof Ahmed Bawa, DUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal; Prof Nomthandazo Gwele, DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic; Prof Nqambozi Gawe, DUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support; DUT Chancellor, former KZN Judge President Vuka Tshabalala and DUT Chair of Council, Dr Jairam Reddy.
