New CUT chancellor appointed

A new chancellor has been appointed at the progressive Central University of Technology (CUT), situated in Bloemfontein and Welkom.

According to CUT spokesperson Maritz Daniel, the University has gradually welcomed new Chancellor Dr Thabane Vincent Maphai last Friday, February 2.

“His nomination was approved by the Central University of Technology Council following the end of term of the previous Chancellor Madam Justice Mahube Molemela in December 2023,” said Daniel in the CUT’s website.

Dr Thabane Vincent Maphai was appointed a director of Sibanye-Stillwater on 1 June 2019, and became a non-executive Chairman of Sibanye-Stillwater, effective on 30 September.

Dr Maphai is a non-executive director of Discovery Limited and chair of the Stadio Board.

Previously, he was the Director of Corporate Affairs and Transformation at The South African Breweries Limited.

He also served as the Southern African Chairperson of BHP Billiton (South African region). He has accumulated over 20 years’ experience In the academic profession, and 17 years as a senior executive in the private sector.

He previously served on the boards of various companies as non-executive chairperson, including the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the Presidential Review Commission into the restructuring of the public sector.

Dr Maphai also held a two-year academic position at Williams College in Massachusetts.

Daniel says the incumbent Chancellor was welcomed with open hands by the University’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Pamela Dube and executive management on his short visit to the University.

“In his new role as the Chancellor, Dr Maphai is the ceremonial head of the University and will preside over ceremonies including graduations. CUT is looking forward to the valuable contribution and leadership that he will bring to the institution,” read an article from CUT news.