Adam Habib set to be Wits vice-chancellor

2012-12-08 13:02

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Johannesburg - Professor Adam Habib is set to become the new vice-chancellor of the University of Witwatersrand, the university said on Saturday.

"It is an honour for Wits to offer this position to Professor Adam Habib, whom we believe has the capacity, professionalism, and credentials to lead Wits into the future," Wits Council chairperson Saki Macozoma said in a statement.

The university has formally made the offer to Habib and will now negotiate on his contract and starting date.

Macozoma said the university hopes that Habib will have some time to work alongside Loyiso Nongxa, the current vice-chancellor whose term expires at the end of May 2013, "to ensure an efficient transition".

In his statement of intent to the university, Habib said: "My interest in this position is inspired by the vision of Wits University which through its research, teaching and public engagement develops high calibre graduates and faculty, and cutting edge knowledge to address the challenges that face South Africa, Africa and the world."

Well-known intellectual

Habib is the deputy vice-chancellor of research, innovation, library and faculty co-ordination at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

He first joined UJ in 2007 as a deputy vice-chancellor for research, innovation and advancement.

Habib has worked for the Centre for Civil Society at the University of Natal and the Human Sciences Research Council.

He is a well-known intellectual and voices his opinion through lectures and commentary in the media.

- SAPA