Inauguration ceremony of new rector for Mafikeng Campus

Marketing and Communications Office - The North-West University Mafikeng Campus is set to host an inauguration ceremony for its new rector, Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele. The ceremony will commence on 2 May 2014, with a graceful procession of dignitaries and intellectuals in Mafikeng Campus Great Hall, from 9:30am.

On 1 April 2014, Professor Davhana-Maselesele assumed her duties and has been appointed for a six-year term. Prior to her appointment as a rector, she was a vice-rector, teaching and learning in 2012. Also, she was once the dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, 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.

The institutional vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi, said he has confidence in Professor Davhana-Maselesele and he knows the campus will not only be safe, but also be in capable hands.