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By Edwin Naidu
Newly installed University of Cape Town vice-chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela was once denied the chance to study at the university he now leads.
As a young man from Limpopo eager to pursue a degree in medicine, his application was declined. But this rejection did not deter the 44-year-old father of three, and he chased his dreams at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where he completed his medical studies.
On Monday, almost 30 years later, Moshabela was installed as the 11th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town.
Confident and cool – if that word applies to a vice-chancellor – the youthful but internationally recognised Moshabela said he wanted to position the university as a catalyst for change in Africa.
“I look forward to the future as we journey together, consolidate the three missions of UCT, and explore the fourth mission of UCT: positioning UCT as a catalyst for change in Africa.
“All this whilst we embrace our African values of ubuntu – ‘I am because you are’, lift others as we rise and leave no one behind. And we do this with compassion. Remember, UCT is not just the bricks and mortar; it is also all of us – past, present and future generations.”
In his installation speech at the iconic Sarah Baartman Hall, Moshabela said he canvassed many individuals, including renowned UCT historian Howard Phillips, whom he asked for a summary of the university’s journey over the last 100 years since 1918.
Thus, Moshabela’s message was about building on the foundation of many who walked before him, but defining his tenure by positioning UCT as a catalyst for change in Africa, while embracing African values of ubuntu.
“We have inherited a wonderful institution, a legacy of decisions made 30 years ago, from which we benefit today. The question is, what legacy will our generation of leaders leave for the generation that will be standing here 30 years from now?”
He said the decisions made today were intended to ensure that future generations inherited a great institution that would serve their needs then.
Referring to the UCT Vision 2030, announced four years ago, which aims to unleash human potential to create a fair and just society, Moshabela said he was honoured to be installed as UCT’s 11th vice-chancellor.
“When I say I am grateful, it comes from the bottom of my heart. I feel gratitude for so much that I cannot even begin to recount right this moment, except to say that I thank God for my life, my entire life and this moment in particular,” he said.
UCT Chair of Council Adv. Norman Arendse said the installation of Moshabela was a momentous occasion in the history of UCT.
“It is not just another day at our great institution; it is a milestone that signals the beginning of a new chapter that holds the promise of growth, transformation and innovation,” he said.
“This is a moment of great pride for UCT and we are confident that his leadership will elevate this institution. The road ahead is one of great promise and we do not doubt that, under his guidance, UCT will continue to shine as a beacon of excellence, innovation and positive change.”
Accepting the baton to take UCT forward, Moshabela, who has been in the job for 112 days, said the honeymoon was over.
Watched by his mother Esther, wife, sister, daughters and relatives, the VC said he was humbled and proud.
It has been hard work from the start, as he had 97 engagements in his first 100 days.
“As for me, I have no grey hair as yet. I plucked out one or two strands that suddenly appeared in my beard the past few months. Honoured guests, I am sure you’ll support me as I dedicate every future strand of grey hair to my new home, UCT,” said the youthful academic.
Moshabela said he looked forward to the future “as we journey together”, to consolidate the missions of UCT, and begin to explore the fourth mission of UCT.
The Chancellor of UCT, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, thanked Arendse for leading the selection of the “impressive” new vice-chancellor.
She thanked interim vice-chancellor Prof. Daya Reddy, saying she was impressed with him.
“[He is] very humble, quiet, very steady. I believed that he was the right person to hold the fort and welcome our new vice-chancellor into this position.
“I do not wish to leave out vice-chancellors who’ve been here before, as the Chair of Council has said, because they laid the ground for what we are about to witness as the university’s future.”
Moloi-Motsepe said UCT has always been a beacon of excellence, resilience and transformation.
“For over a century, we have stood firm in our commitment to academic distinction, breaking boundaries, and pushing the frontiers of knowledge.”
“Today, we reaffirm this commitment by welcoming a leader who exemplifies these values. Professor Moshabela is a scholar, a leader and an individual whose personal and professional journey speaks to the essence of resilience and purpose. His appointment as vice-chancellor is not only a personal milestone for him but a moment of profound significance for our university,” she added.
On Monday, the UCT welcoming family heard about Moshabela’s professional journey, which has been nothing short of remarkable.
From his transformative work as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to his internationally recognised contributions to public health research, he has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges.
As the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at UKZN, he provided visionary and intellectual leadership across various domains. He has previously held academic roles at one international university and two local institutions.
An esteemed academic and clinician scientist, Moshabela is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa and has a distinguished career marked by numerous accolades.
In 2022, he received the PHILA Annual Award from the Public Health Association of South Africa in recognition of his contributions to public health in the country.
He was also honoured with a Ministerial Special Covid-19 Award for his work in science communication and public engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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