South Africa needs the knowledge and skills to overcome poverty, former president Kgalema Motlanthe said yesterday at the inauguration of University of the Western Cape vice-chancellor Tyrone Pretorius.
Delivering the keynote address, Motlanthe said the university had made a wise choice in appointing Pretorius.
"No one deserves it more than him. His reputation as a capable administrator precedes him."
Pretorius succeeds Professor Brian O'Connell, who served the institution for 14 years, playing a crucial role in establishing it as one of the best research-intensive universities.
Pretorius, who started his job on January 1, said: "UWC has a rich and significant history and a lot to be proud of, but it has the potential to achieve much more.
"The foundation is solid, and the challenge is for UWC to build on this to become one of the top universities in South Africa, recognised on the continent and beyond for its excellence."
O'Connell said student funding was the biggest challenge Pretorius faced.
"Last year 11500 out of our 22000 students had to enter into contracts with the university because they failed to clear their debts," he said.
"We provide access to tertiary education to the very, very poor. We have to come up with creative means to support our students' parents, who simply cannot afford to pay all of the fees.
"It is a very hard struggle.
"The other big challenge is the preparedness of the first-year students. I'm afraid very little happens in schools to prepare them for the challenges of university life.
"As a result, the university spends a huge amount of money to support these students, especially with English."
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