Dr Kelebogile Choice Makhetha
Dr Makhetha was appointed to this role effective from 01 November 2024, serving a term until 31 October 2029. She brings over 21 years of experience within the public higher education sector in South Africa, with 17 of those years served at senior and executive leadership levels.
She is thrilled to return to the Central University of Technology, having previously served the institution as Transformation Advisor from January 2018 to July 2019.
Professional Journey and Governance
Executive Leadership
Most recently, Dr Makhetha served for over five years as the Senior Director: Student Affairs at Stellenbosch University (August 2019 to October 2024).
Prior to that, she held the position of Vice-Rector: Student Affairs and External Relations at the University of the Free State (UFS). In this comprehensive role, she was responsible for Student Affairs, Internationalisation (including diplomatic relations), community engagement, government relations at local, provincial, and national levels, and broader external relations. This portfolio also included oversight of the UFS Qwaqwa and South Campuses.
Academic Credentials and Governance
Dr Makhetha obtained her PhD in Political Science in 2003 from the University of the Free State. Her research, funded by the Mellon Foundation, focused on elections and electoral systems, titled: "Electoral Systems as a mechanism of democratic governance – A South African perspective".
Demonstrating her commitment to national quality assurance, she has served as a member of the Institutional Audits Committee (IAC) of the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) since February 2020, reporting to the Council on Higher Education (CHE).
Leadership Philosophy
"I believe in leading and serving from anywhere and at any level, always empowering others to do the same, and doing so with humility."
Sections in the Office
The Office of the Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The following key divisions and units report directly to this office to ensure the seamless execution of the university's strategic mandate:
Institutional Planning and Quality Enhancement (IPQE)
Driving strategic planning, institutional performance monitoring, and quality assurance initiatives across the university.
Student Affairs
Providing comprehensive support services to enhance the holistic well-being, development, and success of the CUT student community.
Risk Management and Strategic Projects
Safeguarding the institution through proactive risk oversight and driving the execution of high-impact, university-wide strategic initiatives.
Institutional Advancement
Enhancing the university’s public profile, fostering alumni relations, and securing resources and partnerships for long-term sustainability.
Institutional Renewal and Transformation
Championing the university’s transformation agenda, fostering an inclusive institutional culture, and driving meaningful change across all facets of campus life.
