Central SA
CUT celebrates 20th anniversary with inauguration of new chancellor─── ZENANDE MPAME 09:53 Sat, 13 Apr 2024
“The role of a chancellor is to be a steward, an ambassador, and a ceremonial head of the university.”
The Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein marked a significant milestone on Friday (12/4) as it welcomed its fourth chancellor with festivities commemorating its 20 anniversary.
Dr Thabane Vincent Maphai, who has two decades of experience in academia and is also serving as the chairman of the Sibanye Stillwater Board, assumed the role.
In his inaugural address, Dr Maphai emphasized the multifaceted role of universities in society.
“The primary function of a university is teaching and research. The second function is to play an important role in society, and the third function, that we sometimes forget, is that society expects a university to produce leadership. That task is not always taken seriously,” Dr Maphai said. “We should not, however, succeed in everything else except in teaching and research because if we do that, we are not a university, regardless of our pretences.”
Dr Maphai at the chancellors inauguration. Picture: Facebook/ Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)
Dr Maphai went on to say that students and academic staff are the core and soul of any university. “Academic staff and students are the custodians of the institution’s quality of outcomes,” he remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, CUT vice-chancellor, Professor Pamela Dube, highlighted the chancellor’s pivotal role as a steward, ambassador and ceremonial figurehead of the university, emphasizing Dr Maphai’s wealth of experience and wisdom.
The inauguration coincided with CUT’s recent graduation ceremonies, where 4,043 graduates were conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The university also conferred five PhD degrees at the Welkom autumn graduation ceremony on Thursday (4/4).
CUT Autumn graduation ceremony in Bloemfontein. Facebook/ Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT)
“From 2004 to 2023, CUT has confidently conferred 66,616 degrees, showcasing its commitment to academic excellence. To our graduates, you are part of a distinguished group to whom the university has awarded their qualifications,” said CUT deputy-vice chancellor of teaching and learning, Professsor David Ngidi.
