Dr van Jaarsveld Becomes UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor Designate

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The Council of the University of KwaZulu-Natal announced the appointment of Dr Albert van Jaarsveld, the current Chief Executive Officer of the National Research Foundation as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University with effect from 1st February 2015. The announcement was made at a press conference held at the University’s Westville campus on 14 August.

Van Jaarsveld takes over from Professor Malegapuru Makgoba whose term of office ends on 31st December 2014. Professor Makgoba has led UKZN with distinction since his appointment as the first Vice-Chancellor of the merged institution in 2004.

Dr van Jaarsveld brings with him a wealth of experience and new ideas on how to keep the University on an upward trajectory, building on its record of excellence through transformation. Van Jaarsveld’s experience in the driving seat of the National Research Foundation not only provided him with the functional knowledge of research systems at a macro level but also with the necessary experience to function at the highest level.

Dr van Jaarsveld who has served as the NRF’s CEO for the last five years said, ‘I have been presented with an invaluable opportunity to return to academia in a capacity that will bring me closer to the coal face of skills development and scientific research in South Africa. I feel that I can make an important contribution to the University of KwaZulu-Natal in its efforts to further grow its teaching stature, improve its research capacity, to contribute to institutional transformation and to enhance the international standing of UKZN as a major research-driven Higher Education institution.’

Professor Makgoba is available for a transitional period of three months on expiry of his current contract.