Farewell message from vice-chancellor interim

Dear colleagues and students

Today is my last day as Vice-Chancellor interim. I took office under circumstances in the university that were less than auspicious, and this after a brief period of retirement.

I was certainly under no illusion as to the demanding nature of the position, generally, made more so by the unprecedented circumstances and challenges that it faced: developments that had an impact on our reputation, and which deeply affected the well-being of the institution and its people.

I have referred at various times to notions of resilience and fragility when reflecting on our path over the last year and a half. Apparently contradictory, yet both apt notions: the resilience shown by our staff and students, allowing us to emerge stronger from a troubled period; and at the same time an acknowledgement of the fragility of academic institutions, and how easy it would be to damage the core elements of what makes a university, and what makes the University of Cape Town (UCT) the outstanding institution that it is.

However demanding the responsibilities have been, I have never regretted my decision to take on the position. I have been part of the UCT community as a student and academic for well over four decades, and feel a great sense of attachment and loyalty to UCT. Thus I have regarded the opportunity to serve UCT in this way as a huge privilege.

Now, 16 months after I took office, we stand on the threshold of new leadership and the great promise that that brings.

I have taken much pride in the achievements of our colleagues and students: the honours and awards in recognition of outstanding scholarship; the valued contributions of our colleagues in partnerships that straddle the country, the continent, and beyond; the many examples of cutting-edge creative work and its impact that justify our high standing; the many and varied ways in which we serve communities beyond UCT; and our graduates who will go on to make their mark, and of whom we can all be proud.

The strength of UCT lies in the first instance with its people: every member of our university.

I am delighted about the appointment of Professor Mosa Moshabela as our
vice-chancellor. I wish him every success and have no doubt that UCT will grow and thrive under his leadership.

I am grateful to the previous and current Councils for the unwavering support and encouragement I have had during my brief term.

It has been a privilege to work alongside, and to be supported by, so many individuals of integrity. It has been an even greater privilege to serve you during my brief interim tenure as vice-chancellor. I thank each of you for what you contribute towards the continuing success of UCT, for your support to the leadership team and to me personally.

Sincerely

Emer Prof Daya Reddy
Vice-Chancellor interim

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• From the UCT Executive
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