Cape Town - Newly appointed rector and vice-chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU), Professor Daresh Ramjugermath, will be the second person of colour to take up the position and will be closely watched by both progressives and conservatives within the university community.
The 106-year old university is trying very hard to move away from its apartheid shadow and various incidents of racism and archaic initiation practices, and position itself as a world-class institution of research and academic excellence.
Ramjugernath was previously the deputy vice-chancellor. He will be under the wing and guidance of current rector, Professor Wim de Villiers, who is set to retire at the end of March next year.
Ramjugernath's appointment has been met with mixed emotions by some students and the public.
They took to social media saying his appointment was “beyond you as an individual given the history of South Africa”, while others asked whether he was fluent in Afrikaans.
On Thursday, Weekend Argus approached Ramjugernath for his vision for the university, but he reserved comment.
Martin Viljoen, head of communications at the university, said: “I checked in with him personally now and while he is appreciative about being approached, he feels he will only really be in a position to comment closer to the time he takes up the position.”
In his official public response, Ramjugernath said he was looking forward to learning from and working closely with De Villiers as he prepared to fill his shoes.
“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the opportunity to serve and lead one of the top universities on the African continent,” he said.
“I am immensely thankful to the Stellenbosch University Council for having the confidence in my vision to take the institution to the next tier, in being a world-class research-intensive university that is in service to society.
“Stellenbosch is locally and globally respected and admired for its academic excellence, and I look forward to the period of close collaboration with Professor de Villiers before officially taking office in April next year and building on his tremendous tenure and achievements over the past decade.”
Phiwokuhle Qabaka, from the Student Representative Council, said his appointment was celebrated and they would support him in his role.
“Professor Ramjugernath has been an excellent DVC (deputy vice-chancellor) of teaching and learning at Stellenbosch University over the past few years,” said Qabaka.
“He has always been committed to driving change in our institution and uplifting our students.
“We are extremely proud of him and we stand by the decision taken by council. We will support him in his journey and we hope that the rest of our community will do the same. Forward together, ‘sonke siyaphambili, saam vorentoe’.”
According to the university, he is best suited for the position as he is a seasoned and highly experienced higher education leader with extensive senior executive experience in the sector in South Africa.
They said prior to his appointment at the University in 2021, he was the deputy vice-chancellor: research and pro vice-chancellor: innovation, commercialisation and entrepreneurship at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Ramjugernath resides in Stellenbosch with his wife, three daughters and two dogs.
Viljoen explained Ramjugernath’s appointment came after a thorough local and international recruitment process, including presentations by and interviews of short-listed candidates at meetings of the Senior Appointments Committee, Senate and the Institutional Forum and Council.
Nicky Newton-King, chair of council, said they were thrilled at his appointment. “We are delighted with Professor Ramjugernath’s appointment and look forward to having him lead our special institution on the next stage of its journey. He is an excellent academic and seasoned administrator and the council has no doubt that he will be a worthy successor to Professor De Villiers.”
“SU’s achievements attracted top candidates locally and internationally to apply.
“Kudos for this goes to Professor De Villiers, his rectorate team and the nearly 3 500 Stellenbosch academics and professional and administrative support staff who ensure that SU continues to attract top staff and students and deliver top research and student results.”
Weekend Argus also approached Stellenbosch University’s Convocation Alumni for comment on the new appointment news but did not get a response as yet.