The newly appointed VC said she has always been passionate about higher education and feels lucky that she has always had the opportunity to work in higher education. 

"I consider myself lucky to have always worked [in an environment] I’m passionate about, I also worked at the national government level at the time when education transformation was happening. That inspired me, even more, to play a meaningful role within the sector," she added. Dube explained that through her experience, she saw an opportunity for women to lead and play a vital role in the sector.

"CUT became important to me because of its track record. It has a great track record of good performance and there’s also room for improvement."

The CUT Council Chairperson, Councillor Matthew Rantso, said they went through a long process of appointing a VC. They had to recall the advertisement at some point because they felt it didn’t draw the candidates they wanted.

"After redoing the process, we had four appointable candidates, it was difficult to choose," he added. 

Out of the four, there was one male and three females. Rantso also acknowledged how hard it was for them to appoint Dube because they were spoilt for choice, however, they believe they have made the right decision by appointing her. It was also announced during the address that she worked in Germany for eleven years.

Dube said she is confident that the CUT Free State is the best place for her to be at the moment. "I am soon to meet with everyone that makes CUT an institution, from the security to the cleaners – everyone. I want them to know they are in safe and capable hands," she concluded.

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