Top Tshwane researcher, academic to lead TUT in 2022

Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) has appointed its next vice-chancellor and principal, who is set to begin his position on February 1, 2022.

Professor Tinyiko Maluleke will be leaving his senior research fellow and deputy director position at the centre for the advancement of scholarship at the University of Pretoria.

Tinyiko is known for specialising in religion and politics, as well as black and African theologies.

“Respected in academic, political and social circles, I believe Prof Maluleke will take TUT to new heights at a time when universities are facing multiple challenges and need to reposition for greater societal impact.”

TUT spokesperson Phaphama Tshisikhawe said Maluleke was an extremely experienced senior leader with two decades of executive management experience within the higher education sector.

“Maluleke holds a doctoral degree from the University of South Africa and is a full professor. He is an influential voice for research and higher education at a national and international level.

“Professor Maluleke appears regularly in the national media and has strong networks in government and major research and funding organisations.”

Chairperson of TUT council, Tilson Manyoni said: “I am delighted to congratulate Professor Maluleke on his appointment. This was a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, and the standard was exceptionally high.”

Manyoni said Maluleke had an impressive track record of leadership in higher education.

“He brings a combination of clear strategic vision, a collegiate leadership style, intellectual credibility, a depth and breadth of academic understanding, and genuine global influence to TUT. These are qualities that the selection committee viewed as invaluable to lead the university in its aspiration to become one of the top global universities,” he said.

“Under Prof Lourens van Staden’s leadership, the research, education, civic mission, and influence of the university have been transformed, and we are now firmly established as an innovative and pioneering institution of higher learning both in South Africa and globally.

“In Professor Maluleke we believe we have found the right person to lead the whole university community in achieving these ambitions,” said Manyoni.

Vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Pretoria, Professor Tawana Kupe said: “I would like to convey my heartfelt congratulations to Professor Tinyiko Maluleke on his appointment as vice-chancellor and principal to our neighbouring university, TUT.”

Kupe said Maluleke was highly seasoned in the workings of the higher education sector and was an internationally acclaimed researcher, who had contributed to the academic body of knowledge.

Maluleke has been awarded a B1 rating as a researcher by the South African National Research Foundation as an internationally acclaimed researcher in his field and has further been elected member of the Academy of Science for South Africa.

Over the years, Maluleke has served with distinction at a range of institutions of higher learning. Before his position as a senior research fellow and deputy director at the centre for advanced scholarship, he was the advisor to the vice-chancellor at the University of Pretoria. He has also held deputy vice-chancellor post at the University of Johannesburg.

Maluleke is also a board member of Get Me to Graduation, a student funding NGO, and a member of the board of the National Research Foundation of South Africa, as well as the MTN Foundation.

His most recent research and teaching fellowships include:

– Senior research fellowship at the University of Johannes Gutenberg, Mainz, Germany (2015)

– The Everding Distinguished Lectureship at the Iliff School of Theology, Denver, USA ( 2017)

– Writing Fellowship at Calvin College, Grand Rapids, USA (2018).

– Erasmus+ International Teaching Mobility, University of Vienna, Austria (2018)

Maluleke said: “I am thrilled to be taking on this exciting role at a crucial time for the university. Although the backdrop for universities is challenging, the Tshwane University of Technology is very well positioned to take up the role of one of the top universities in the world.

“It has been led exceptionally well and has real academic strength, outstanding facilities and opportunities for students, state-of-the-art research facilities, and strong partnerships. My ambition is for TUT to be known as the most innovative, vibrant and exciting place to work or study in South Africa.”

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