Unisa appoints Aristide couple

2004-10-05 10:57

Pretoria - Deposed Haitian leader Jean-Bertrand Aristide and his wife Mildred have been appointed honorary research fellows at the University of SA, Unisa said in Pretoria on Tuesday.

The couple, who are staying in South Africa as guests of the state, fled the Caribbean island in February this year after revolts.

Aristide has assumed the post of research fellow in the College of Human Sciences with immediate effect, the university said said.

Unisa vice-chancellor Barney Pityana said: "He has qualifications in theology, philosophy and psychology obtained at universities in Haiti and Rome.

"He has an abiding interest in academic life and development. His attachment to Unisa will give him an opportunity to undertake research and publish in learned journals." said

Pityana said Aristide's wife, a legal practitioner with academic qualifications from the United States, has been attached to the Centre for African Renaissance Studies (Cars).

"In Haiti she chaired the council on Aids. She has an academic interest in HIV/Aids policy. The multi-disciplinary character of Cars programmes will give her opportunity to advance her varied academic interests in research and teaching," he said.

Pityana said the university was honoured to offer the Aristide couple hospitality as researchers and academics.

"We hope to offer them an environment conducive to pursuing their academic careers. The university is delighted to be associated with their efforts," he said.

- SAPA