Emeritus Justice Sisi Khampepe has been inaugurated as the tenth chancellor of the University of Pretoria (UP) on September 30 and has committed to continue navigating the university along the intentional road it is marking out towards long-term societal impact, change and sustainability.

“While the focus for many years in our country was on the attainment of a democratic society, that is something which we have now achieved. Students played a critical role in confronting the apartheid system in the fight for a just society, but they have a different fight of defending our democracy, Constitution and its commission.

“In particular, they are fighting to improve the quality of life of all citizens in a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” she said at the ceremony held at the Aula on the Hatfield campus and attended by, CEOs of companies, donors and senior members of the legal fraternity, among others.

Additionally. fundraising is a critical issue, which was on the agenda at a meeting of the South African Universities Chancellor’s Forum. It was clear that universities will experience higher levels of sacrifice over the next five years and beyond.

“Fundraising is necessary to make up the shortfall in State funding that all universities currently face,” Khampepe noted.

While funding from the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has increased more than five-fold in six years, the solution has meant budget cuts in funds allocated to universities.

“This severely impacts those students who come from working-class households that do not qualify for funds from NSFAS but cannot afford higher education. The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the situation. More people are now unemployed and unable to pay their fees, where previously they could make a plan or take out a loan to get by,” she said.

Further, Khampepe lauded the University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe for championing the Giving Day Campaign, which was launched at the end of May to raise an additional R100-million for major projects over the next three years.

Funds raised will be used for student support including tuition fees, accommodation, textbooks, food and devices for academically deserving students whose families cannot afford their study costs.

Other projects that will receive funding include the Faculty of Veterinary Science’s Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, TuksSport, and a range of research projects across all faculties that contribute to South Africa’s sustainable development, she added.

“The philosophy of giving extends beyond financial donations and can take on many forms. These include mentoring, participating as guest lecturers or sitting on advisory or industry boards for university Centres, Institutes, faculties and professional programmes.

“As we are supported, guided and inspired by so many people in our own journeys, we are in a position to in turn, to help others,” she said.

“During the height of the Covid-19 crisis, we saw this embedded ethic come to the fore as staff and students rallied to assist those in need. Mobile networks collaborated with universities to provide low-cost internet access; alumni donated laptops; and we learnt that we can do far more together than we can alone.”

Further, Kupe said Khampepe embodies all the values which is espoused at UP and is grateful to have an extraordinary South African icon as its Chancellor.

“She will have much to contribute to our institution, and I look forward to working alongside her as we relentlessly pursue the lofty goals we have set out in our 15-year long-term strategy, which serves as a blueprint for the University’s role as a national asset, and guides its responses to national, regional, continental and global challenges,” he said.

Creating an enabling environment in which individuals can flourish is a principle by which Justice Khampepe has lived by. She has strived to use her position and title to help others with opportunities to grow and learn, UP Council chairperson Kuseni Dlamini said.

“Justice Khampepe reminds us that as we progress towards our goals, we must never make the advancement about ourselves, but instead look out for others who need to climb as well,” he added.