By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Reserve Bank (SARB) governor, Lesetja Kganyago, has been elected as the new chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU).
Kganyago is succeeding retired Judge Edwin Cameron as the ceremonial head of an institution that was once a bastion for the country’s White Afrikaner establishment during apartheid rule.
A chancellor is the titular or ceremonial head of a university, while a vice-chancellor is akin to the chief executive officer.
The current vice chancellor of SU is Professor Wim de Villiers.
Chancellors usually preside over major ceremonies and confer degrees and awards in the name of the university.
The term of office of the chancellor is five years, and they may be elected again for one more consecutive term only.
In a statement SU said Governor Kganyago received an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Commerce (DCom) honoris causa) from SU in 2018 and is viewed as one of the finest public-policy minds in the country. In December 2020, Nelson Mandela University also conferred upon him an honorary Doctorate of Commerce.
Prof de Villiers said: “I am thrilled to welcome Governor Kganyago as the new Chancellor of our University. With his unparalleled expertise in economics, finance, and leadership, combined with his steadfast dedication to public service, he embodies the qualities we deeply value as an institution. I have no doubt that Governor Kganyago will inspire our University community.”
Commenting on his appointment Governor Kganyago said, “Tertiary institutions have always played a pivotal role in shaping future leaders and driving social, economic, and cultural transformation in our country. As Chancellor of this dynamic institution, I am looking forward to inspiring the next generation to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our country and continent.”
Kganyago, who holds a masters degree in economics from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, has served as governor of the central bank since November 2014. He was previously director-general of the National Treasury, where he worked for 15 years.