DUT Chancellor Judge Vuka Tshabalala was inaugurated during a dinner last night where he unveiled his vision for the Durban University of Technology.
The Chancellor was inaugurated at the Ritson Campus Exam Hall where dignitaries including DUT Vice Chancellor Ahmed Bawa, eThekwini Municipality Speaker Logie Naidoo, Mangosuthu University of Technology Vice Chancellor Professor Mashupye Kgaphola and Secretary General the South African Council of Churches Brigalia Bam (former IEC chairwoman) were in attendance.

Chancellor Tshabalala said he was humbled when he was approached to consider his nomination as Chancellor. He said he has always taken a keen interest in DUT since the merger; which presented it with new possibilities to better deliver on its mandate and to transform itself into a true South African university, a challenge Chancellor Tshabalala said the institution embraced gracefully.

“I look forward to this responsibility (as Chancellor),” he said. “I was pleased to read about Professor Bawa’s appointment as DUT Vice Chancellor. A university needs to play a critical role in investing mutual relationships as well as finding practical solutions. I’m very pleased to be associated with DUT,” he said.

Chancellor Tshabalala said he still has to consult with DUT stakeholders as well as study the relevant legislation before forming a solid vision for the University. He said he knows about challenges facing DUT, in particular student unrest, adding that his “broader vision” however is to ensure that the University runs smoothly. “I want to ensure that DUT functions properly, students learn, academics teach and everything runs smoothly,” he said.

Professor Bawa said Chancellor Tshabalala is a man on integrity as well as the highest reaches of ethical behavior, adding that he is someone to look up to.
“I refer to the fact that Judge Vuka Tshabalala has been involved in the YMCA, an iconic structure. He comes into DUT to lead it in its quest of becoming one of the leading universities in South Africa. We look forward to his guidance and ethos he brings into DUT,” said Prof Bawa.
DUT Director of Corporate Affairs Alan Khan said the University applaudes Ela Gandhi, the former DUT Chancellor for a job well done, adding that he is proud to have Judge Tshabalala as Chancellor.

– Sinegugu Ndlovu