The Chancellor of the Central University of Technology
The Chancellor serves as the titular head and principal ambassador of the Central University of Technology, Free State. While not involved in the day-to-day operational or strategic management of the university, the Chancellor plays a vital ceremonial and symbolic role.
As the highest-ranking official of the institution, the Chancellor presides over major ceremonial events, most notably graduation ceremonies, and serves as a distinguished figurehead who champions the university's values, reputation, and contributions to society on a national and global stage.
Current Chancellor: Dr Vincent Maphai
Appointed by the CUT Council and inaugurated on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, Dr Vincent Maphai brings a lifetime of distinguished service in academia, business, and the public sector to this prestigious role.
Dr Vincent Maphai
Chancellor: 2024 – 2027
A Life of Distinguished Service
Early Life and Education: Born to working-class parents in Bantule, Pretoria, Dr Maphai was the first in his family to matriculate. His parents instilled in him and his eight siblings the appreciation that education is a right, sadly denied to many, and should never be taken for granted. Unable to afford full-time university studies, he worked as a secretary while studying part-time, seizing every opportunity with great zeal. Today, he holds a BA and BA (Hons) in International Politics from the University of South Africa; a BPhil (cum laude) and MPhil (magna cum laude) from the University of Leuven, Belgium; and a DPhil from the University of Natal.
Academic Excellence: By the age of 38, he was an associate professor at the University of the Western Cape, later becoming a professor at the University of Cape Town and an Extraordinary Professor of Political Science at the University of Pretoria. His academic journey includes visiting professorships at Northeastern University and Williams College in the USA, an Honorary Professorship at the University of Johannesburg, and Visiting Research Fellowships at Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, and Princeton universities.
Corporate and Public Leadership: Dr Maphai has held prominent corporate roles, including Director of Corporate Affairs at South African Breweries and Corporate Affairs and Transformation Director at SABMiller. He has served as Board Chairperson for BHP Billiton South Africa and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), and is currently the Board Chairperson of Sibanye-Stillwater and Stadio Holdings. In the public sector, he chaired the Presidential Review Commission and the SABC, and was appointed by President Zuma to the National Planning Commission.
Personal Life: Despite his extensive achievements as a celebrated academic, business leader, and public servant, Dr Maphai cherishes his time as a game and macadamia nut farmer, and most importantly, the time spent with his family, including his three sons, daughter, and six grandchildren.
Chancellor Installation Ceremony
Legacy of Leadership: Previous Chancellors
Since the institution's transition to a University of Technology, CUT has been honoured to be led by distinguished individuals who have shaped its public image, upheld its ceremonial traditions, and championed its growth.
Madam Justice Mahube Molemela
Chancellor: 2016 – 2023
Dr Boet Troskie (1936 – 2022)
Chancellor: 2010 – 2015
Mr Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota
Chancellor: 1997 – 2009