The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dan Kgwadi was saluted for his role in the transformation of higher education at the memorial service to honour him held at the North West University’s (NWU) Mahikeng campus, where he was previously the VC from 2014 until he left for the VUT in February 2022.
Kgwadi’s successor at the NWU Professor Bismarck Tyobeka remembered him for having laid a solid foundation of teaching, learning, research, and innovation at the institution.
Tyobeka said Kgwadi did exceptionally in uniting three campuses of the North West University as well as in transforming the institution.
“When Dan took over the percentage of white students was very low, probably below 15%. But now we are almost 50/50 percent split between black and white. So this tells you that the transformation that he preached, he actually practiced. And there is a very indelible footprint that he has left behind,” Tyobeka said.
A member of the NWU council, Professor Tiego Kgomo shared Tyobeka’s sentiments and commended Kgwadi in his role of uniting the university’s three campuses.
“Dan’s task as a VC was not an easy one. At that time the university’s agenda was not a normal agenda. Our main focus and task was to deal with issues of transformation. You will remember that back then we had the University of the North West, we had the University of Potchefstroom and we also had the University of the Vaal. Now all these several institutions had to become one, and that being the North West University.
“You can imagine the task ahead of the council, to make sure that whatever that we decide Dan had to implement. It was not an easy thing for any VC to do at that point and time. I remember there were times during our meetings in council we had to adjourn because of the disagreements between people who felt that we were taking what belonged to them. While we felt that all students and the institution should benefit. So all difficult decisions had to be implemented by him.
“One thing I liked about him is that he was fearless. He knew that there were people who didn’t like him because of implementing the council’s decisions. Yet he went ahead and implemented them. There were times when we even feared for his life. But that did not stop him,” said Tiego.
The North West Premier Bushy Maape applauded Kgwadi for his sterling working relationship with the provincial executive, particularly in assisting the government to respond to various challenges through research in various fields while he was at the helm of the North West University.
“He grew up in a very poor community where there were no resources. But he was one of the few black academics who defied the odds and was passionate about physical science and mathematics from an early age. He obtained various scholarships to pursue his postgraduate studies in the United States of America. He led the University through a tumultuous period of transformation at institutions of higher learning in the country.
“We have a sound working relationship with the University and this is largely through his efforts. We will continue to work with the university to address the plight of students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds. The provincial bursary scheme whose name change was recently held at Mahikeng Campus continues to benefit students at this University. We will continue to work with the University to preserve and honor his legacy,” Maape said.
The Umalusi Council has also added its voice to those who continue to convey condolences to Kgwadi’s family.
“Kgwadi was a former member of the Umalusi Council. He was appointed by the Minister of Basic Education to serve two terms on the Umalusi Council, with his first term having started in 2010 and ending in 2014. His second term was from 2014 to 2018.
During his tenure, Kgwadi was assigned various roles, including being Deputy Chairperson of the Council, Member of the Executive Committee of Council (EXCO), and Chairperson of the Assessment Standards Committee (ASC) of the Council,” the Council said in a statement.
The Minister of Higher Education Dr Blade Nzimande in a statement conveyed his condolences to Kgwadi’s family.
“Kgwadi had a deep commitment to academic excellence, community services, and partnerships with the public and industry. He had a profound passion to serve and empower underprivileged youth, particularly from rural and township backgrounds. He demonstrated his commitment to serve others by nurturing emerging academics and leaders,” said Nzimande.
Kgwadi who was born on the 28th of July at Kraaipan village in the North West succumbed to an undisclosed illness on Sunday at the age of 56. While his burial is expected to take place on Sunday at Mofufutso Village.
