UP VC relinquishes position for much-needed sabbatical, upcoming books
“Additionally, I would like to use the next few months to transition into a more academic role, I aim to make a further contribution to the work in which I have been successfully involved within university networks.”
Outgoing University of Pretoria (UP) vice-chancellor and principal has cited a much-needed sabbatical and focus on two upcoming books as factors in his decision to relinquish his duties.
The UP council on Tuesday announced Professor Tawana Kupe had resigned from his position with effect from July 31.
Kupe said: “There are several reasons why I have decided to step down from my role.
“Firstly, I haven’t taken a sabbatical in a while, and secondly, I have two major book publications due in 2024.”
Kupe said he would like to use the next few months to transition into a more academic role.
“I aim to make a further contribution to the work in which I have been successfully involved within university networks.”
UP COUNCIL CHAIR KUSENI DLAMINI SAID UP EXPRESSED GRATITUDE.
“We express our gratitude to Prof Kupe for his contributions throughout his tenure,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini said council would immediately initiate the process of finding a suitable successor to lead the institution.
“We are committed to conducting a comprehensive search to identify a suitably qualified individual who will lead the university into the future.
“Appropriate interim arrangements that will help facilitate the smooth functioning of the institution will be put in place. An interim vice-chancellor and principal will be appointed in due course.”
MORE ON KUPE
Kupe has been vice-chancellor and principal of UP since January 2019 when he replaced Prof Cheryl de la Rey, who resigned for the same position at University of Canterbury in New Zealand.
Professor Kupe was head Wits school of literature and language studies
Founding head of media studies department before his appointment as executive dean in the faculty of humanities at Wits University from January 2007 to December 2012.
Prior he had lectured at Rhodes University between 1999 and 2001 and briefly acted as head of department of journalism and media studies.
He holds BA honours and master’s degrees in English from the University of Zimbabwe, as well as a DPhil in media studies from the University of Oslo in Norway.
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