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The Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, has welcomed its first female vice-chancellor and principal Prof. Pamela Dube at a function today, Wednesday. This marks a new era for the institution that has only had men in this influential position, with the last being Prof. Henk De Jager, who resigned in September 2021.
Prof. Alfred Ngowi acted in the position until Dube’s appointment in October last year. The latter held the position of deputy vice-chancellor: Student Development and Support at the University of Western Cape (UWC).
Dube said her goal is to take the university to even greater heights on the solid foundation laid by her male predecessors.
She said her keen interest to apply for the position include, among other factors, the good reputation of the institution, its dynamics and the commitments in education.
“These inspired me even more to apply for the position. To come play a meaningful role because of the passion I have for education I also saw an opportunity for a woman leader to play a role in the success of this university,” said Dube.
The newly appointed vice-chancellor and principal is academically well-equipped and has vast experience having worked in both public and private sectors, as well as internationally.
According to Dube’s abridged biography, she completed her MA and PhD studies in comparative literature and media at the University of Siegen in Germany, supported by the German exchange programme, DAAD. She was born in KwaMakhutha, a township on the south coast of Durban.
Matthew Rantso, CUT council chairperson, said Dube was the chosen one from appointable candidates, who were shortlisted as finalists.
“Various stakeholders of the university worked together to decide on a suitable candidate. She was in the top four of appointable candidates. I can assure the CUT community and stakeholders that we have the cream of the crop and the best in Prof. Dube,” said Rantso.
Dube’s inauguration ceremony is set to be held on 17 February, coinciding with the institution’s opening for this year’s academic year. Prof. Thandwa Mthembu remains the only one to have served ten years as the vice-chancellor and principal from 2007 till end of September in 2016.
