Professor Zeblon Zenzele Vilakazi was on Thursday installed as the 16th Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University at a ceremony held at the Great Hall.
In his address, Vilakazi emphasised on the importance of universities and strong public institutions in society. Vilakazi says universities play a huge role in developing active social citizens, leaders, intellectuals, innovators, and critical thinkers.
“We must focus on developing academically excellent graduates who leave their mark on society; we must continue to conduct world-class research and foster innovation and entrepreneurship; and we must use our location in the economic heartland of Africa to lead from the Global South.”
??#WitsNewVC: “Diamonds are created under conditions of great pressure. This pressure cooker called Wits will allow the flourishing of great ideas that will lead this continent into the era of innovation, a future brighter than a thousand suns,” Professor Zeblon Vilakazi. pic.twitter.com/IVcJfTSWLU
— Wits University (@WitsUniversity) April 30, 2021
??#WitsNewVC: Read Professor Zeblon Zenzele Vilakazi’s full citation via: https://t.co/8lLf7CnsUT #WitsMoonshot pic.twitter.com/bnELfYKTpq
— Wits University (@WitsUniversity) April 29, 2021
The Wits Vice-Chancellor says COVID-19 has changed how things are done.
“The coronavirus pandemic has fundamentally altered our world, but it also provides Wits with a fortuitous moment to hit the reset button and to envision our moonshot that could dramatically change society for good. You do not usher in a vision in a moment of euphoria. You do it because the vision you are articulating is as important as the other challenges which must be overcome,” adds Vilakazi.
Vilakazi grew up in Katlehong, in Ekurhuleni.
An interview with the Wits University Vice-Chancellor and Principal below:
