New Wits University leader – A choice widely welcomed

The appointment of nuclear physicist Professor Zeblon Vilakazi as the new vice-chancellor of one of South Africa’s premier institutions, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), has received widespread support from stakeholders and industry representatives.

The current vice-principal and deputy vice-chancellor for research and postgraduate studies at Wits, Vilakazi was named as successor to current incumbent, Professor Adam Habib, on 25 June.

Vilakazi chairs the Department of Science and Innovation’s National Working Committee to develop a framework for quantum computing and quantum technology-driven research and innovation in South Africa.

According to a Wits statement last year, Vilakazi was instrumental in Wits becoming the first African partner on the IBM Q Network, an international group of start-ups, universities, research labs and Fortune 500 companies which work with IBM scientists and engineers to explore the viability of quantum solutions to real-world problems.

According to Isaac Shongwe, the chairperson of the Wits Council, the highest decision-making body of the university, Vilakazi is “the epitome of a world-class researcher who is globally recognised for his scientific work, and for his contribution towards developing higher education in Africa. He is a truly talented individual who is an inspiring exemplar for all Africans”.

The Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) also welcomed the move, saying the appointment not only sends a message about transformation, but reasserts the SRC’s position, which is to support the advancement of capable black leaders to take the university to the next level.

Vilakazi assumes the post on 1 January 2021. The endorsement of his appointment has extended beyond the corridors of Wits to higher education stakeholders and industry representatives.

The Higher Education Transformation Network welcomed Vilakazi’s appointment which it said was in “line with the Employment Equity Act of 1998 and the objectives of the National Development Plan Vision 2030 which states that the higher education sector must ensure that black South Africans and women make up 50% of the teaching and research staff of universities”.

Themba Mosia, the chairperson of the Council on Higher Education, said in a statement the council was confident that Vilakazi’s illustrious academic career, immense knowledge, experience and good character make him a distinguished leader that will take Wits to even greater heights.

“We are certain that you will continue to lead knowledge production and innovation within the higher education sector, and nationally, to address the intractable challenges that confront the nation and the world. We wish you strength, fortitude and wisdom in your new role and look forward to close cooperation where our organisational roles intersect,” Mosia said to Vilakazi.

The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) also welcomed his appointment. “Let me congratulate Professor Vilakazi on behalf of NECSA and the nuclear industry. It is not often that we receive such newspaper headlines announcing a nuclear physicist appointed to head an institution like Wits University, which is amongst the leading institutions in South Africa and globally,” said David Nicholls, the chairperson of the NECSA board of directors, in a statement.

Industry collaboration

According to the NECSA statement, the appointment of Vilakazi follows the 14 June release by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy of a Request for Information for 2,500MW new nuclear power.

“This is good news for the nuclear industry as any future nuclear new build programme also depends on cooperation with institutions of higher learning in research and development,” the statement said.

Danie du Toit, the group chief executive officer of Denel, the state-owned aerospace and military technology supplier, also welcomed Vilakazi’s appointment in a statement, saying it comes at a time when the nation is battling various challenges including a recessive economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and loss of livelihoods for many.

“It is also a period that carries many opportunities in the advancement of science and the incubation of high-end technological skills in the job market. In selecting you for appointment as vice-chancellor of one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning, the university could not have chosen a better person suited for these times,” he said to Vilakazi.

“I have no doubt that your appointment to this position is, in no small part, due to the recognition of your extraordinary efforts and commitment to encouraging and strengthening excellence in higher education,” Du Toit said.

He added that Denel hoped to meet Vilakazi to discuss collaboration on innovative solutions that drive technological advancement for the economy, especially around the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and its many opportunities for both learning and innovation.

Reimagining education

Interviewed soon after his appointment, Vilakazi said he was excited but aware of the challenges that lie ahead in terms of managing an institution as complex as Wits, especially in wake of the COVID-19 crisis, which has completely changed the world of learning.

Referring to the movie Back to the Future, which he watched as a boy, Vilakazi said COVID-19 has fast-forwarded aspects that form part of the 4IR, such as online learning.

“But online learning is not the panacea; it’s not going to solve all our problems; contact learning is important in terms of building networks, ensuring people are able to interact and learn to work with people of different backgrounds, so in a post-COVID-19 world a merger of online and classroom learning will provide an opportunity to reimagine education in the 21st century,” he said.

He said he wants Wits to become a great attractor of tech-savvy innovators. “The idea … is not to educate job seekers but to educate job creators in the space of tech… We want to be the innovative university of the 21st century where we don’t import but export technology because we have the talent,” he said.

Vilakazi, who grew up in Katlehong (which means place of success), a township on the East Rand, paid tribute to Habib, his “boss until the end of the year”, describing Wits as having undergone an “era of incredible growth under his leadership”.

“Obviously, we have different styles. I come from a science perspective; he’s got much better engagement with the media … My aim is to take the university to the next level, building upon the achievements of the past eight years.”

‘Quest for a true humanity’

Growing up in Katlehong township on the East Rand, an area known for bitter political battles between the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party during the height of apartheid, Vilakazi never dreamt of becoming vice-chancellor, let alone getting into Wits, where he received his doctorate.

In his presentation to the university, Vilakazi referenced Katlehong, ‘Bantu Education’ and former prime minister HF Verwoerd.

Outlining his personal transformation, Vilakazi counterposed Verwoerd’s comments on the “absurdity” of teaching mathematics to a black child, against the inspirational words of black consciousness leader Steve Biko who said: “We have set out on a quest for a true humanity, and somewhere on the distant horizon we can see the glittering prize. Let us therefore march forth with courage and determination, drawing strength from our common plight and brotherhood. In time we shall be in a position to bestow upon South Africa the greatest gift possible, a more humane face...”

As a black physicist, Vilakazi has defied the strictures of apartheid and is determined to continue on the journey towards true humanity – at Wits and in society at large.