It is with mixed feelings that the NWU announces the resignation of Prof Dan Kgwadi who has accepted the position of vice-chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology. Although we join him in the celebration of his new endeavor, we are sad to lose him.

Prof Kgwadi has played a crucial role in the transformation journey and the success of the NWU. His contribution to the NWU will always be appreciated. During the NWU Council meeting in November 2019, Council reappointed Prof Kgwadi for a second term which would have come to an end in May 2024.

Prior to his appointment as the principal and vice-chancellor on 1 April 2014 for a six-year term, Prof Kgwadi served as the first rector of the NWU Mahikeng Campus, a position he occupied since 1 January 2005, and made a significant contribution towards the successful merger of the three NWU campuses.

Since his appointment as principal and vice-chancellor, he successfully guided the NWU through very challenging times in the South African higher education sector. The visionary leadership displayed by Prof Kgwadi as vice-chancellor guided the NWU to achieve very important milestones, including the adoption of a new strategy, a restructuring process, and the implementation of a repositioning strategy.

The university also maintained its position as one of the top universities in South Africa and internationally. 
His support and decisive leadership, especially through the Covid-19 pandemic, will always be appreciated by all of us. We are honored to have had such an outstanding leader at the helm of the NWU, and we wish him all the best as he continues to guide another university towards success.

As required by the employment contract, the notice period to be served by Prof Dan Kgwadi will be from today, 8 November 2021, until 31 January 2022, while Council will commence with the process for the appointment of the principal and vice-chancellor.