University of KwaZulu-Natal vice-chancellor Malegapuru Makgoba refuses to repeat the mistake of former Manchester United coach Alex Ferguson by being involved in the appointment of his successor.
The university's council was expected to announce the appointment of the new head by June, but Makgoba will stay on until December.
The council announced in August last year that Makgoba's two-term stint would expire at the end of this year. The search for Makgoba's successor intensified earlier this year when an external advisory working group, appointed by the council, advertised the post nationally and internationally. The university said that the new vice-chancellor would be selected by June.
"I don't have any idea who my successor is going to be, which is what I like, actually. You are appointed by council and the next person must be appointed by council."
Makgoba, who has headed the university for 12 years, said he did not want to make the same mistake as Ferguson had - he had appointed successor David Moyes, with dismal results for the team.
"It's a transparent process. But you know what happened with the new coach Moyes? Who appointed him ... Alex Ferguson. That's a great lesson to learn. Once you appoint your successor ...."
Makgoba said the appointment of the new vice-chancellor would be done "clean and properly".
"Like everybody in the university, I will receive the news when council is ready. I am waiting for June.
"I still have to focus on my job, rather than look behind me and worry about who is succeeding me."
Makgoba, 62, was tight-lipped about his future.
"Everybody seems to know what I am going to doing after this.
"People know better than I do.
"I am just a South African who enjoys life and wants to make a contribution," he said.
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