Wits Offers Habib Top Post
7 December 2012
Professor Adam Habib has been offered the position of Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. This follows a decision taken by the University's Council today, Friday, 7 December 2012.
"It is an honour for Wits to offer this position to Professor Adam Habib, whom we believe has the capacity, professionalism, and credentials to lead Wits into the future. The University was fortunate to have had three worthy candidates from whom to choose," says Mr Sakumzi (Saki) Macozoma, the Chairperson of Council of Wits University, who also chaired the Selection Committee. However, following the interview process and extensive consultation with the University's constituencies, the Senior Appointments Selection Committee voted strongly in favour of offering Professor Habib the top post."
The University has made an offer to Professor Habib and will work on contractual details. His starting date will be negotiated.
"We are hopeful that Professor Habib will have an opportunity to work alongside the current Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Loyiso Nongxa, whose term of office expires on 31 May 2013, to ensure an efficient transition of the vice-chancellorship," adds Macozoma.
In his statement of intent to Wits University, Professor Habib says: "My interest in this position is inspired by the vision of Wits University which through its research, teaching and public engagement develops high calibre graduates and faculty, and cutting edge knowledge to address the challenges that face South Africa, Africa and the World."
Short Biography
Habib is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation, Library and Faculty Coordination at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). He joined UJ in 2007 as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Advancement. He worked at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) as an Executive Director from 2004 - 2007 and as Professor of the School of Development Studies at the University of Natal from 2001 - 2003. From 1989 - 2001, he served in various capacities at the University of Durban-Westville.
Habib has also worked as a Research Director for the Centre for Civil Society at the University of Natal and as a Research Director on Governance and Democracy at the HSRC. A professor of Political Science, Habib is a renowned public and media commentator. He serves on numerous external boards, both in South Africa and internationally and is widely published.
Habib obtained his Masters and Doctorate degrees in political studies from the City University of New York. He holds a Masters degree from the University of Natal, an Honours degree from Wits and a BA undergraduate degree from the University of Natal.
Statement issued by the University of the Witwatersrand, December 9 2012
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