On 09 September 2016, CUT Council Members bid farewell to Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu and thanked him for his strong leadership skills and contributions.  “Saying goodbye is not always easy; every farewell has its somber moments. Attrition or turnover is a normal part of life. The time has come for us to part ways with the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Thandwa Mthembu. Our sad loss is Durban University of Technology’s gain,” those were the words from the Chancellor, Madam Justice Mahube Molemela during her farewell speech. Madam Justice Molemela commended Prof. Mthembu for his excellent service at CUT. “The man we are celebrating today led this institution with intelligence, diligence and courage. He showed courage, as he guided CUT through stormy seasons. Under his leadership this institution flourished. I am afraid the incoming Vice-Chancellor has big shoes to fill”, she said. She also expressed her gratitude for being granted the opportunity to give tribute to Prof. Mthembu in his living years while he was able to hear. 

Dr Sylvan Seane pays a tribute to Prof. Mthembu “We are here to celebrate a man that is well celebrated. When Prof. Mthembu joined CUT in 2007, he pledged to undo, do, and redo. He stuck to his mission because he understood that the quality of people’s lives is in direct proportion of their commitment to excellence regardless of their chosen field of endeavor. Not only did he undo, but he did the do-and-the-not-to dos,” said Dr Sylvan Seane, CUT Council Member.

 

Dr Sylvan said that Prof. Mthembu helped them to see the powers of victory within the institution. “When we entered the stormy seas you stabilized the boat; we were able to face those who created problems for our institution [by] dealing factually with issues.”  He praised him for being a visionary for the CUT’s Vision 2020, which he successfully led and implemented. He also applauded him for his leadership in developing the stars in academia and research, which brought hope to young, black, female academics.  

The SoAR programme was an in-house ’grow-your-own-timber’ strategy under Prof. Mthembu’s leadership that led to a stream of highly qualified talent into CUT’s academic and research corps.  He ensured that CUT has a sufficient supply of excellent academics engaged in teaching and research for the sustainability and innovativeness of CUT. With regards to infrastructure development projects, about 600 million was spent on new buildings and upgrading of old ones on both campuses. Prof. Thandwa Mthembu described the soiree as a difficult evening for him; especially knowing that he will be facing the stormy seas of KZN. He thanked the council and executives for believing in him and giving him the undying support to steer the institution to a positive direction but most of all he is happy that the relations and bonds established will remain forever. “I feel that a portion of my heart will remain here, and I hope that there would be opportunities where I will be invited to CUT. This institution will always be my home, as it holds wonderful memories in my life. He specifically thanked Mr Teboho Loate, former Chair Person of Council, for convincing him join CUT, “if I had remained at WITS, I don’t think I would have been exposed to hard work as much as I was here at CUT. This university has really given me the room to do so many things that I never would have done had I stayed at WITS. The cherry on top is an opportunity to become a Vice-Chancellor,” he said proudly.  He dedicated his triumph and success to many and acknowledged the guidance and support he received that made his leadership worthy and his stay comfortable. 

Images 

1: Madam Justice Mahube Molemela commended Prof. Thandwa Mthembu for his excellent service at CUT. 

2: CUT leadership celebrating the last moments with Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu at his farewell function. From left: Chairperson of Council, Mr Mike Mohohlo, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, Dr Sylvan Seane, council member and Mr Teboho Loate, former Chairperson of Council.