4 October 2016

Dear colleagues and students

It has been a great honour for me to serve as the interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal of DUT over the last five months.

I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the DUT team and I will always cherish the happy memories of my time with you. Whilst the higher education sector in South Africa is facing major challenges, from funding to transformation, our University is playing a vital role in making South Africa a better place. I was excited to participate in the September graduation ceremonies and witness first hand the “Avalanche of Hope” that our new graduates will carry. I have also had positive experiences in working with our SRC, the DUT Council, the labour movement and with our colleagues and students over the last five months.

DUT now welcomes Professor Thandwa Mthembu as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal. I know that you will give Professor Mthembu the support and encouragement to successfully deliver on the DUT strategic plan. I am very confident that DUT will continue to prosper, that we will continue to focus on teaching, research and learning and importantly, that DUT will make significant strides in becoming a truly student-centred South African university.

Once again, thank you for your support. I wish you continued success and good fortune in the years ahead.

Sincerely,

Dr John Volmink

Former DUT interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal