Mbeki inaugurated as #UnisaChancellor

Former President Thabo Mbeki was inaugurated as the Chancellor of the University of South Africa.

Former President Thabo Mbeki was inaugurated as the Chancellor of the University of South Africa.

Published Feb 27, 2017

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Pretoria – In a glittering ceremony, Former President Thabo Mbeki was inaugurated as the Chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa).

Mbeki started off by thanking Unisa for choosing him for the honour.

Mbeki spoke of as far as 2005, discussing the challenges facing the higher education sector.

He spoke at length of the issues facing the higher education system and of the issue of free higher education but indicated not wanting to share his recommendations or thoughts before the Fees Commission had concluded its work.

"I hope that the Commission will provide practical answers to the urgent matter of sustainable funding of higher education," Mbeki said.

Following a Xhosa praise singer who wowed the crowd Mbeki's presentation as the Chancellor began.

"In Thabo Mbeki, Unisa could not have asked for a more qualified, more committed and dedicated and more suitable and, iconic potent symbol in driving the African agenda," said Sakhi Simelane, Chairperson of the Unisa Council.

"The inauguration of His Excellency Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki as Chancellor of Unisa represents a turning point in history, marked by the convergence of great minds, statures, track records, intellectual prowess and mutual commitment to the rebirth of Africa of two undisputed Africa powerhouses – the African Union and New Partnership for Africa's Development."

Simelane said Mbeki is recognised throughout Africa and in the world as an influential intellectual,a policy maker and leading mediator.

Among those attendance was Mbeki's wife, Zanele, his brother Moeletsi, Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, Matthews Phosa and Trevor Manuel.

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