Rhodes University’s Vice-Chancellor receives Inyathelo Award for Exceptional Philanthropy
Dr Badat Receives Inyathelo Award
Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Dr Saleem Badat, is the recipient of The Inyathelo Award for Exceptional Philanthropy, in recognition of an individual philanthropist for his/her exceptional commitment to the advancement of philanthropy and their dedication to social giving to bring about beneficial change in South Africa. Inyathelo – The South African Institute for Advancement – presented awards to eight remarkable South African philanthropists who are helping to build our democracy and ensure sustainable social development at a gala awards event addressed by Niall Mellon of the Niall Mellon Township Trust and Cheryl Carolus, CEO of Peotona Group.
Dr Badat was inaugurated as Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University in September 2006 at which event Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor, said, “using the wealth of capacities and resources that this University has, (you) can embrace the challenge of identifying talented students, especially from the Eastern Cape, who have the potential to benefit from university studies and to provide them with the quality 21st century higher education experience needed to succeed” .
The stark reality of the 21st century higher education experience in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, is one of vast economic and educational inequality. From the start Dr Badat demonstrated that he is serious about addressing issues of equity and transformation at Rhodes and in Grahamstown. As an individual, an academic, and a higher education leader he has an ability to translate his ideas and aspirations into actions that illustrate his “dedication to social giving to bring about beneficial change in South Africa” .
On accepting his appointment as Vice-Chancellor, Dr Badat requested from the Council that he be remunerated at a lower level than what was offered, and also that he relinquish certain benefits, and that these savings be the University’s contribution to a scholarship fund. He named the fund the Jakes Gerwel Rhodes University Scholarship Fund. At his inauguration, Dr Badat explained to Rhodes Chancellor, Jakes Gerwel: “In a province deeply challenged to improve educational provision so as to realize the potential of students, your example of success under adverse conditions is a source of inspiration. You serve as a role model to young people who struggle under the weight of inadequate educational resources and opportunities... I am committed to working energetically to increase the Scholarship Fund so that a larger number of students can receive full scholarships, and on a sustainable basis. I trust that individuals, organizations and businesses will readily recognize your outstanding contribution to our society and democracy and will contribute generously to the Scholarship Fund. This will be an investment in future leaders of your character and calibre, at a University that is determined to be an institution ‘Where leaders learn’.” Targeting local Eastern Cape matriculants from previously disadvantaged schools, the Jakes Gerwel Scholarship provides five full scholarships on an annual basis.
In a sector characterised by a poor rate of matriculation exemptions, finding and nurturing deserving recipients for the award of these scholarships has required commitment to addressing the challenges facing these schools. Dr Badat actively works with local previously disadvantaged schools, establishing links with principals, and is a key figure in the Makana Schools project which aims to address the many challenges facing the local secondary school population of the greater Grahamstown region. Using his Vice-Chancellor’s discretionary fund, he has provided R250 000 start-up funding for the project, which hopes to see more inspired teachers, more matriculation exemptions, and more engagement between the previously privileged and disadvantaged education sectors in the town. While this is not a personal financial contribution, it demonstrates Dr Badat’s commitment to lasting social change which inspires alliances, support and cooperation in the educational sector.
A rigorous and respected scholar, Dr Badat has been the recipient of numerous national and international academic awards and prizes, including the Hubert Humphrey Fellowship, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and British Council Scholarships. In 2004 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Free State for ‘outstanding achievements in the shaping of policies and practices of the higher education environment’. In July this year, he received an honorary doctorate from UK’s University of York, for working “to further progressive education in South Africa for much of his career” While at Rhodes, Dr Badat has inspired two additional awards to the University community: the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Community Engagement, and the Vice-Chancellor’s Soccer Challenge – a soccer tournament which occurs on Heritage Day and raises funds for a local community project. As Vice-Chancellor, he is also the leader of Rhodes Advancement, and his credibility, wisdom and strong networks are key in his ability to mobilise philanthropy from individuals and organisations towards development and research projects at Rhodes University.
Despite his success and accolades, his publications and his many leadership positions in the South African tertiary sector, Dr Badat is a humble and generous soul. He mentors individual students and staff, he treats all races and classes with equal respect, and he serves as an exemplary leader of transformation. He embodies the spirit of this Inyathelo award, and is tireless in his quest to bring about social change through his example and actions.
In his own words, Dr Badat is “driven by the deep conviction that we can never be truly free until and unless we create a society in which all South Africans, but especially those who are working class and rural poor, impoverished and unemployed, possess not just political rights, but also the social and economic rights that are fundamental to living full, decent, productive, rich and rewarding lives.”
For further information on the Inyathelo Awards and the seven other awardees, please visit www.inyathelo.co.za
Story By: Kerry Peter, Rhodes University Communications and Development Division
