UCT has kick-started the process of appointing a fourth deputy vice-chancellor, following on the appointment of Professors Jo Beall and Danie Visser at the end of 2008.

At the time, UCT had offered the vacant fourth DVC position to Professor Jonathan Jansen, who declined the offer. Jansen has been much in the news since he stepped in as vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Free State.

UCT noted at that stage that the selection committee would reconvene to decide on the way forward with the vacancy.

In a break with last year's process, in which portfolios were not specified, the advertised position comes with very specific duties, namely to oversee UCT's transformation strategy, as well as student affairs at the university. Professor Crain Soudien currently holds these portfolios as acting deputy vice-chancellor.

Soudien's contract has been extended until the end of June 2010, by which time, it is planned, the permanent appointment will have been made.

The selection process also allows for nominations from within the UCT community.

The closing date for nominations is 11 December 2009. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2010.

For more information and details on the selection and appointment process, see the online ad under 'notices' on the UCT website.