Nominations for new UCT chancellor

Dear colleagues and students

Nominations of candidates for the election of the Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) are now open. All members of Convocation, all staff and all students are invited to nominate candidates for election to this office. No person who is a member of staff or a student of the university is eligible for appointment.

The current chancellor is Graça Machel, who was first elected in 1999. Her second term will end in 2019. The chancellor is elected for a 10-year term.

The chancellor is the titular head of the university and presides at all graduation ceremonies and confers all degrees and awards all diplomas and certificates in the name of the university. The role of chancellor requires an individual of stature with exceptional personal qualities and integrity. He or she will be an established thought leader, will represent the values of the university and will have the capacity to garner support locally and internationally to advance the mission of UCT. He or she will be available to attend high-level university engagements, including engagements with the donor community. The chancellor’s role is a crucial ambassadorial role in support of UCT.

Nominations in writing must be signed by at least 20 but not more than 30 people, each of whom must be either a member of the Convocation or a member of staff or a student at the university. Nominations must be accompanied by a written acceptance of nomination by the candidate and the candidate’s statement, not exceeding 200 words, summarising his/her curriculum vitae and candidature. Nominators are to record their name, contact details and status (member of Convocation, staff member or student) alongside their signature.

The closing date for nominations is noon on Friday, 7 June 2019. The election process is set out in detail on UCT’s website. Nominations are to be sent to: The Registrar, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7701 or electronically to registrar@uct.ac.za.

A person is not eligible for nomination for election as chancellor, or to hold or continue to hold office as chancellor, or for nomination for election to, or to be or continue to be a member of the electoral college if he or she:

1. is, or becomes, insolvent
2. is declared to be of unsound mind by a court of the Republic
3. is, subsequent to his or her election, convicted of an offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment without the option of a fine by a court of the Republic.

Sincerely

Royston Pillay
Registrar

Read full details of the election process:

• Election Process
• Inkqubo Yonyulo
• Verkiesingsproses

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements