Date: 14/04/2005
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: Molewa: Launch of North West University
Congratulatory message by North West Premier, Edna Molewa, on the launch of the North West University and the inauguration of Chancellor, Dr Popo Molefe, and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Theuns Eloff, Mafikeng
Our Guests of Honour, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor
Chairperson of the North West University Council, Mr Litha Nyhonyha
Deputy Chairperson, Dr Lydia Sebego
Members of the North West Provincial Government present
Members of the University Council and the University Senior Management
Vice-Chancellors of institutions of higher learning present
Mayors of local municipalities present
Queen Mother of the Royal Bafokeng, Queen Molotlegi
Traditional leadership present
Foundation members, friends and donors of the University
Academics, alumni and members of the Student Representative Council
Members of the business community
Bakgaetsho
It is my singular honour to stand in this podium to congratulate the University of North West on their launch as well as on the infusion of new blood of leadership in the persons of my predecessor, Dr Popo Molefe, being inaugurated tonight as the Chancellor and Dr Theuns Eloff as his Vice-Chancellor.
It was the late world-renowned scholar and Palestinian intellectual Edward W Said who suggested that the role of the intellectual in society is to “speak truth to power”.
While many interpreted Said’s theory to mean that intellectuals should, of necessity, oppose all governments of the day and adopt an essentially anti-establishment posture, we in our nascent democracy hold a different view.
We believe that universities as institutions of higher learning in our country cannot afford to remain ivory towers whose best contributions are to merely postulate and pontificate from afar and from high on, with no relevance whatsoever to the critical work of fighting disease, poverty and underdevelopment, or joining in the efforts to build a country that truly belongs to all.
As producers of leaders and workers in ideas and concepts, in art, science, technology and development, our universities cannot escape the historically imperative task of reconstructing our society, the African continent and the world into a better place.
As President Thabo Mbeki said in his now widely quoted formulation in this year’s State of the Nation address, “our country as a united nation has never in its entire history enjoyed such a confluence of encouraging possibilities”.
It is therefore heartening that the North West University, by joining the former Universities of Potchefstroom and North West respectively in a newly reconfigured higher education dispensation, has asserted its proud role among the country’s premier institutions of higher learning.
The people of North West, and those from outside, will rely on this institution to educate its students and produce some of the best scholars, experts, professionals and leaders who would take the development of our province and country a significant step forward.
I am further heartened by the choice of the two highest office-bearers, namely Drs Molefe and Eloff, to lead the North West University in this new trajectory of innovation, excellence and deeper commitment in the university’s work of teaching, research and community development.
A former activist for human rights and a democratic dispensation, Dr Molefe was the first democratic premier of this province. He is therefore fully responsible for putting in place and overseeing initial programmes designed to better the lives of the people of North West. This, as we know, is the passion he takes with him wherever he goes.
Similarly, a sound manager and visionary administrator, Dr Eloff will be fully responsible for steering this new ship to reach the higher and deeper waters of success and excellence. I therefore wish you both gentlemen the best of luck in your new roles.
Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, the new vigour and thirst for knowledge and excellence are already palpable throughout your Campuses. I therefore implore you to seize on it as you guide the institution in its various interventions in the critical challenges of rebuilding our communities, fighting social ills, combating the spread of HIV and AIDS, growing the economy and building a united, patriotic South Africa that truly belongs to all.
On behalf of the people and the Government of North West, I now take this opportunity to congratulate the University on its launch, as well as on the inauguration of Chancellor, Dr Popo Molefe, and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Theuns Eloff. We wish this institution and its office bearers only success in their academic endeavours.
The Government that I lead and myself stand fully behind you and we are certain that failure is not an option.
Congratulations.
I thank you.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
14 April 2005
Source: North West Provincial Government
Title: Molewa: Launch of North West University
Congratulatory message by North West Premier, Edna Molewa, on the launch of the North West University and the inauguration of Chancellor, Dr Popo Molefe, and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Theuns Eloff, Mafikeng
Our Guests of Honour, Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor
Chairperson of the North West University Council, Mr Litha Nyhonyha
Deputy Chairperson, Dr Lydia Sebego
Members of the North West Provincial Government present
Members of the University Council and the University Senior Management
Vice-Chancellors of institutions of higher learning present
Mayors of local municipalities present
Queen Mother of the Royal Bafokeng, Queen Molotlegi
Traditional leadership present
Foundation members, friends and donors of the University
Academics, alumni and members of the Student Representative Council
Members of the business community
Bakgaetsho
It is my singular honour to stand in this podium to congratulate the University of North West on their launch as well as on the infusion of new blood of leadership in the persons of my predecessor, Dr Popo Molefe, being inaugurated tonight as the Chancellor and Dr Theuns Eloff as his Vice-Chancellor.
It was the late world-renowned scholar and Palestinian intellectual Edward W Said who suggested that the role of the intellectual in society is to “speak truth to power”.
While many interpreted Said’s theory to mean that intellectuals should, of necessity, oppose all governments of the day and adopt an essentially anti-establishment posture, we in our nascent democracy hold a different view.
We believe that universities as institutions of higher learning in our country cannot afford to remain ivory towers whose best contributions are to merely postulate and pontificate from afar and from high on, with no relevance whatsoever to the critical work of fighting disease, poverty and underdevelopment, or joining in the efforts to build a country that truly belongs to all.
As producers of leaders and workers in ideas and concepts, in art, science, technology and development, our universities cannot escape the historically imperative task of reconstructing our society, the African continent and the world into a better place.
As President Thabo Mbeki said in his now widely quoted formulation in this year’s State of the Nation address, “our country as a united nation has never in its entire history enjoyed such a confluence of encouraging possibilities”.
It is therefore heartening that the North West University, by joining the former Universities of Potchefstroom and North West respectively in a newly reconfigured higher education dispensation, has asserted its proud role among the country’s premier institutions of higher learning.
The people of North West, and those from outside, will rely on this institution to educate its students and produce some of the best scholars, experts, professionals and leaders who would take the development of our province and country a significant step forward.
I am further heartened by the choice of the two highest office-bearers, namely Drs Molefe and Eloff, to lead the North West University in this new trajectory of innovation, excellence and deeper commitment in the university’s work of teaching, research and community development.
A former activist for human rights and a democratic dispensation, Dr Molefe was the first democratic premier of this province. He is therefore fully responsible for putting in place and overseeing initial programmes designed to better the lives of the people of North West. This, as we know, is the passion he takes with him wherever he goes.
Similarly, a sound manager and visionary administrator, Dr Eloff will be fully responsible for steering this new ship to reach the higher and deeper waters of success and excellence. I therefore wish you both gentlemen the best of luck in your new roles.
Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, the new vigour and thirst for knowledge and excellence are already palpable throughout your Campuses. I therefore implore you to seize on it as you guide the institution in its various interventions in the critical challenges of rebuilding our communities, fighting social ills, combating the spread of HIV and AIDS, growing the economy and building a united, patriotic South Africa that truly belongs to all.
On behalf of the people and the Government of North West, I now take this opportunity to congratulate the University on its launch, as well as on the inauguration of Chancellor, Dr Popo Molefe, and Vice-Chancellor, Dr Theuns Eloff. We wish this institution and its office bearers only success in their academic endeavours.
The Government that I lead and myself stand fully behind you and we are certain that failure is not an option.
Congratulations.
I thank you.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
14 April 2005
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
