Prominent academic and respected mathematician Dr Sizwe Mabizela has been appointed as the principal and vice-chancellor of Rhodes University.
This follows the resignation of Dr Saleem Badat who worked at Rhodes University for eight years, the Grahamstown university said yesterday. His appointment is effective from November 1. Badat resigned three months ago to take up a post in New York with the prestigious Andrew W Mellon Foundation. The university described Mabizela as a leading scholar with "impressive and extensive publications" covering his research and teaching interests.
This includes applied functional analysis, approximation theory and topology. He has previously held the post of professor and head of Rhodes University's department of mathematics. He was also an associate professor and deputy head of the University of Cape Town's department of mathematics and visiting professor of the University of Zimbabwe's department of mathematics.
Prior to his new appointment, Mabizela held the position of deputy vice-chancellor: academic and student affairs. Rhodes University's council chairman Vuyo Kahla said Mabizela was unanimously recommended for the post. "Mabizela enjoys a solid standing as a mathematician among his peers and his professional global contribution to the discipline of mathematics is considerable."
Mabizela is also the outgoing chairman of the Council of Umalusi, the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training. "He enjoys the support and confidence of [the] council to lead the university," Khala said.
Caption: NEW ERA: Sizwe Mabizela
Article Source: The HERALD (Morning Final)