New rector appointed for Mafikeng Campus of North-West University

Institutional Office - The North-West University (NWU) Council, during its meeting on 18 March 2014, accepted the recommendations of the Search Committee of Council and approved the appointment of a new rector for the Mafikeng Campus.

Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, currently the vice-rector for teaching-learning and research at the Mafikeng Campus, will assume this position on 1 April 2014 for a term of six years.

Prior to her appointment as vice-rector in 2012, she was the dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, also at the Mafikeng Campus.

Prof Davhana-Maselesele serves on numerous professional bodies including the South African Nursing Council (SANC). She received the Hall of Fame award for research excellence in nursing from the Forum of University Nursing Deans of South Africa (Fundisa). She is also the editor in chief of Curationis, the official journal of the Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa. During her term as vice-rector and dean at the Mafikeng Campus, she played a vital role in taking research to an all-time high. Under her leadership, the publication output increased from 36.15 in 2009 to 192.82 in 2012. Her career also reveals a deep commitment to academic excellence, community service and partnerships with the public sector and industry.

Her academic record includes among others a BACur (Nursing), Hons (BACur), MA in Nursing Education and a doctorate in Psycho Educational Programme Development. Several of her publications have appeared in various national and international scientific journals and numerous research and project reports came from her pen.

Peet van der Walt, chairperson of the Council of the NWU, congratulated Prof Davhana-Maselesele on her appointment. He indicated that the level of competency of all candidates was extremely high, and Council has full confidence in its choice. He also stressed the fact that the new rector will play a vital role in the university's continuing endeavour to position itself as a leading university.

Prof Dan Kgwadi, incoming vice-chancellor said that with this appointment, the current growth in teaching-learning and research will continue, taking the Mafikeng Campus to even greater heights. "I know that the campus will be in safe and capable hands and that the campus management will support her wholeheartedly."

Issued by Louis Jacobs on behalf of the North-West University Council.

Enquiries: Mr Peet van der Walt: (082) 465 2381Prof Dan Kgwadi: (082) 929 6081Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele: (083) 310 1160