Dikgang Moseneke to be Wits chancellor

Published Sep 8, 2006

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By Nomusa Cembi

Education is a weapon against the ills in South African society, according to the soon-to-be-installed chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke.

He will succeed Justice Richard Goldstone, who served for two terms. Wits council chairperson Justice Edwin Cameron said the university was privileged to have one public figure of such high distinction succeeded by another.

"In the chancellorship, Justice Moseneke will symbolise the university's commitment to intellectual integrity and academic excellence," Justice Cameron said.

Moseneke said he was looking forward to contributing to the debate on higher education. The position would also enable him to work and support all those involved with Wits and the wider higher education sector.

"Education is the most important weapon to destroy poverty, violence and crime.

Through advancement in science and technology we will address skills shortages and bridge the racial, class and cultural gaps that divide our country," he said.

Moseneke believes that government and business, the largest recipients of graduates in South Africa, have a key role to play in the development of the higher education sector.

The chancellor is the titular head of the institution, and his term of office lasts six years.

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