In the wake of retired Constitutional Court Judge Edwin Cameron’s term as Stellenbosch University’s Chancellor coming to an end, our new Chancellor, Lesetja Kganyago, has been announced by the Stellenbosch Executive Board. Boasting an impressive portfolio, Kganyago is, among others, serving his second term as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank as well as chairing the Committee of Central Bank Governors of the Southern African Development Community and co-chairing the Financial Stability Board’s Regional Consultative Group for Sub-Saharan Africa.
Die Matie interviewed Mr Kganyago to gain a better understanding of our new leader:
Q: What drew you to the role of Chancellor and motivated you to take up this position?
A: Tertiary institutions have always played a pivotal role in shaping future leaders, and driving social, economic, and cultural transformation in our country. This is a dynamic institution, and I hope to inspire the next generation to realise their full potential and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our country and continent.
Q: What was your experience of university?
A: I had different experiences at university because I studied at different times in my career. I first started university in the 80s, a time where people like me were discouraged from studying further. I understood why I had to work hard but I also had a social responsibility to challenge the system of Apartheid. I joined the Azanian Students Organisation (AZASO), the precursor to SASCO [South African Students Congress]. This involvement sharpened my organisational skills, which I still find useful today. While studying I developed an interest in law and sociology. A fellow student activist implored me to continue with accounting and economics. He argued that when we would run the country one day, we were going to need those skills. In the 90s, I was part of a group of scholars who went to the UK to further our studies in economics and policy making. This was a different time, we were optimistic, focused and driven by a vision to come back to South Africa to be part of our country’s democratic project.
Q: How has your education played a role in your life, career and identity?
A: For people of our generation, education was something that we had to take advantage of. It wasn’t something that defined us. I was born in a poor township called Alex, and I grew up in a poor village called Moletji. While my education was important, it isn’t what defined me.
Q: What change would you like to see take place at Stellenbosch University during your term as Chancellor?
A: Stellenbosch now has a new VC and he must be allowed to define a vision for the institution together with staff and the council. As the Chancellor my role is mainly ceremonial. However, given the history of our country it is important that this institution pursues with vigour the transformation journey that you embarked on a number of years ago, to build on its successes and learn from its shortcomings. We can’t just drive this transformation, metaphorically speaking, looking in our rear view mirror. We need to clearly spell out the kind of institution we would like to see in the future. An institution that would be diverse not just in terms of demographics but one that promotes diversity of thought, growing critical thinkers. An institution that would stay relevant to the society we are a part of. Transforming an institution starts with an intent – what is the intent of the leadership of the institution? Once there is a shared intent, then the transformation becomes more clear.
Q: What values and initiatives do you hope to contribute to this role?
A: There are values that are universal that many institutions subscribe to. But there are values that are unique to SA that are encapsulated in the constitution. It is the covenant that binds us, and it is the values enshrined in the Constitution that I draw on.
Q: What role do you believe tertiary education (specifically Stellenbosch University) should be playing in South Africa?
A: Universities are part of society and must be embedded in the societies that they serve. It is important for the university community, particularly its students and academic staff to “pursue the truth in a manner that is consistent with professional standards of enquiry” – commonly referred to as academic freedom. Today we might be taking academic freedom for granted because the Constitution guarantees it. But academic freedom in this country is a result of important battles waged by men and women who were keen to see the transformation of our country. We should not take academic freedom for granted. We must not just embrace it. We must vigorously defend it, should it come under threat from whatever quarter.
Q: What advice would you have for Stellenbosch students for the academic year ahead and for their futures in South Africa?
A: Study, be engaging, become critical thinking scholars and excel in academia so that you can play a role in society that is impactful and meaningful.
Q: What would you like to share about yourself with the students of Stellenbosch?
A: I walk 10 000 steps every day, I eat healthy foods, I love to take long hikes over the December holiday period to reflect on the year, clear my head, and to plan for the year ahead. I’m happiest when I’m with my family and friends, love speaking Sepedi, and enjoy listening to the jazz classics, especially South African jazz.
Die Matie is excited to welcome Mr. Kganyago to SU’s leadership and eagerly anticipates his contributions as Chancellor.
By Leah Falcon
