The Central University of Technology reached a historic moment when the first woman Chancellor, Madam Justice Mahube Molemela was inaugurated on 10 June 2016.  The inauguration is another milestone that positions CUT as among a few universities that are driving the advancement of capable women into leadership positions in South Africa. Chancellor Molemela is the first female Chancellor to occupy this position after Dr Boet Troskie and Mr Mosiuoa Lekota. 

“Having realised the value of quality education, firm steps need to be taken in order to eradicate all the impediments that continue to hinder access to education. This means that the key challenges facing the Higher Education like funding, provision of adequate infrastructure, demand for new technology, attraction and retention of the best talent in academic staff will no doubt be probed,” these were the words of Madam Justice Mahube Molemela, the newly inaugurated Chancellor, during her address at the historic event. Although Chancellor Molemela is not a stranger to CUT, she mentioned that she was elated to discharge her new mandates as an ambassador. “I will do my utmost best to carry my task with dignity and embody the values and aspirations of CUT and lead it to be amongst the top ranking universities in the world,” she concluded. Prof. Thandwa Mthembu, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the university, made reference to vision 2020 citing that CUT as an engaged university is in line with its vision. “As far as our vision is concerned, what we are here today signifies that we are really taking this city and province serious because CUT has looked at the daughter of the soil of the Free State. We are delighted that the council of this university in partnership with the Senate and Institutional forum made this possible that we could identify Judge Molemela as the Chancellor and leader to take this vision forward.” In her keynote address, Madam Justice Baaitse Elizabeth "Bess" Nkabinde spoke about a transformative society and its challenges as common factors to everyone. In her congratulatory message to Madam Justice Molemela, She said “This is a defining and aspiring moment for many of us today; especially for our esteemed Chancellor. The inauguration of Madam Justice Molemela as a leader of this acclaimed institution is indeed a milestone worthy of praise. Judge President Molemela is an achiever, a performer who takes her duties seriously and I have no doubt in my mind that she will execute her responsibilities with zeal and integrity and will influence the university outlook to its transformative journey,” she said. In his congratulatory message, Dr Khotso Mokhele, Chancellor of the University of Free State said that he is confident that Chancellor Molemela will steer the university and position it to be the real Central university in more ways than its geographical position. “I am highly confident that Chancellor Molemela has the knowledge and intellect to inspire and guide this institution to its prosperity,” he concluded. The event was graced by CUT partners in business and government, most notably, the Acting Deputy Chief Justice Bess Nkabinde and other senior jurists such as Judge President Diale Kgomo from Northern Cape High Court, Judge Bernard Makgabo Ngoepe, Unisa Chancellor. 

Images 

1: The academic procession leaves the hall after the ceremony lead by newly inaugurated Chancellor, Madam Justice President Molemela.