Rhodes University appoints maths boffin as new principal

Rhodes University has announced the appointment of mathematician Dr Sizwe Mabizela as the institution's new principal and vice-chancellor.

Announcing the appointment yesterday, chairman of the Rhodes council Vuyo Khahla said the council unanimously approved Mabizela's appointment as the sixth principal and vice-chancellor of the institution with effect from next month.

."This appointment is for a period of seven years and may be extended for a further term determined by the council of the university at its discretion," Khahla said. Mabizela will make history by being the first black African to head the institution, replacing former Rhodes principal and vice-chancellor Dr Saleem Badat. Badat resigned three months ago to take up a post in New York with the prestigious Andrew W Mellon Foundation.

"Dr Mabizela is eminently worthy of his appointment as the principal and vice-chancellor of this prestigious university. "He enjoys a solid standing as a mathematician among his peers and his professional global contribution to the discipline of mathematics is considerable," Khahla said. Mabizela was a leading scholar with impressive and extensive publications covering his research and teaching interests of applied functional analysis, Khahla added.

Mabizela's kudos include a stint as associate professor and deputy head of the University of Cape Town's department of mathematics and applied mathematics. He has also been visiting professor of the University of Zimbabwe's department of mathematics and professor and head of Rhodes University's department of mathematics. He has been Rhodes's deputy vice-chancellor of academic and student affairs since 2008.

He is also the outgoing chair of the council of Umalusi, which is the council for quality assurance in general and further education and training. "He enjoys the support and confidence of council to lead the university ... and drive the finalisation of the institutional development plan intended to address the grand challenges faced by the university," Khahla said.

By Siphe Macanda

Caption: NEW PRINCIPAL: The Rhodes University Council has approved the appointment of Dr Sizwe Mabizela as its new principal Picture: SUPPLIED

Article Source: Daily Dispatch