Motlanthe inaugurated as varsity’s chancellor
2010-03-09 16:45
A nation’s success largely relies on competent tertiary education
institutions, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe said today.
“Any nation is largely reliant upon how effective its tertiary
education institutions are in producing a skilled, professional, creative and
innovative labour force and society in general,” Motlanthe said at his
inauguration as Chancellor of the University of Venda.
Motlanthe replaces Cyril Ramaphosa who held the post for two
terms.
Referring to the university’s role, Motlanthe said, in a speech
prepared for delivery, the institution would have to reflect on and be driven by
growth and development imperatives.
“As one people with an indivisible future and common destiny, we
have a duty to build institutions, whether state, civic or educational, which
must, necessarily, reflect this intricate reality.”
Motlanthe said universities, such as the University of Venda,
should contribute to the government’s programme of action and must respond to
challenges of producing graduates both responsive and sensitive to the country’s
needs.
“Universities therefore serve as critical catalyst in propelling
nations to levels of irreversible development.”
He said he was encouraged by the growing number of students seeking
education at the University of Venda, which had risen to some 11 000.
- SAPA