The UCT 2008/9 executive transition plan - developed over months last year - is already paying dividends and I am confident of a smooth process as we enter my last months in office and welcome Dr Price into the first six months of his tenure.

As you will know my last day in office will be on 30 June 2008. Dr Max Price will begin his time as Vice-Chancellor of UCT on 1 July 2008. We are working closely with the purpose of ensuring an efficient operational changeover. We are constantly sharing information and challenges and beginning to set a cooperative pattern. As part of this, Dr Price and I - in an introductory meeting - met the Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, on 19 February 2008.

Part of our plan is also to deal with the impact of the other upcoming executive changes in my office - namely the retirement of Prof Martin West, Prof. Martin Hall's move to the Graduate School of Business, and the resignation of Prof Cheryl de la Rey. There is consequently an urgent need to make interim appointments as well as to fill the vacancies substantively.

Following consultation, a proposal will be made to Council on 5th March on interim appointments for the rest of this year. I feel confident that our proposal is solid and that we have tapped into the best possible expertise. We will communicate the details after Council approval.

Professor Njabulo S Ndebele
Vice-Chancellor and Principal