At the end of Women’s month, it is fitting that the University of Cape
Town announced that Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe has been duly elected as the next
chancellor of the university, a position that she will take up from 1 January
2020.
Dr Moloi-Motsepe takes the reins from Mrs Graça Machel, who was originally
elected in 1999. Mrs Machel’s second term will come to an end at the beginning
of 2020. The chancellor is elected for a 10-year term. Dr Precious
Moloi-Motsepe was elected by an Electoral College consisting of holders of UCT academic,
PASS (professional, administrative support and service) and qualifications staff,
and students on Friday, 30 August.
Mr Sipho Pityana, UCT’s chair of council, after making the announcement commented:
“The University is privileged to have Dr Moloi-Motsepe aid as the chancellor of
one of the leading institutions in the country and on the African continent. On
behalf of UCT, he would like to thank the outgoing chancellor, Mrs Graça Machel
for serving the university with remarkable distinction and great commitment for
two 10-year terms, which spanned complex moments and incredible milestones.”
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe is a businesswoman and philanthropist who began
her career in medicine at the Wits University. She worked in numerous public
hospitals in South Africa as well as at the Medical College of Virginia in the
United States. Together with her husband, Dr Patrice Motsepe, she started the
Motsepe Foundation in 1999, and in 2013 they are known for being the first
couple from Africa to join The Giving Pledge.
The
chancellor is the titular head of the university and presides at graduation
ceremonies, confers degrees, and awards diplomas and certificates in the name
of the university. The role of chancellor requires an individual of stature
with exceptional personal qualities and integrity. Dr
Moloi-Motsepe holds an MBBCh and a diploma in child health from Wits, as well
as a diploma in women’s health from Stellenbosch University. Dr Moloi-Motsepe
authored a resource guide for women throughout South Africa, The Precious
Little Black Book, and has produced the Gender Responsive Budgeting Initiative
South Africa.
By:
Ellouise Muller
