ADMINISTRATOR

Professor Lourens van Staden was appointed Administrator for Walter Sisulu University (WSU) on 31 October, 2011 by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr BE Nzimande MP.

The Administrator has been appointed to “…take over the authority of Council for an initial period not exceeding 24 months.” Council has therefore disbanded as already indicated by their intention to resign on the appointment of the Administrator.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Marcus Malusi Balintulo’s contract expired on 31 December, 2011.

Professor Van Staden has 27 years’ experience in higher education at the micro-, meso- and macro levels and at the time of his appointment as Administrator for WSU held the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology at the Tshwane University of Technology. He has had substantial exposure to various aspects of the higher education environment and was previously employed by the National Department of Education as a Higher Education Specialist, responsible for technology education at higher education level.

Professor Van Staden holds a doctorate in Curriculum Science and has acquired extensive national and international experience in the following areas:

• Strategic Planning
• Quality Assurance
• Restructuring
• Curriculum Design
• Teaching and Learning
• Research and Innovation

He continues to play a pivotal role on national and international committees as a recognized leader, project supervisor and consultant to many international projects that have budgets exceeding R100m. He plays a key role in technological innovation projects, established the Sol Plaatijie Institute of Technology and raised over R30m during the past six years at his university and former technikon. The ultimate aim of these innovation projects was to execute the transformation agendas of Government and the university to stimulate socio-economic growth via strategic and vibrant partnerships.

His experience in education dates back to 1980 when he taught mathematics and technical subjects before studying further and moving on to become a lecturer in technology at Technikon Mabopane East. He is also no stranger to leadership positions at higher education institutions including vice-chancellor, principal and deputy vice-chancellor academic at Technikon Northern Gauteng during the late 90s. In his recent position at Tshwane University of Technology, he had the responsibility for more than 56,000 students and 3,500 staff members and an annual academic budget of more than R800 million. The university has about 400 academic programmes from certificates to doctoral level.

Professor Van Staden has received recognition including the prestigious Ernest Oppenheimer research award and during his career has delivered over 20 academic papers at regional, national and international levels.

He was a board member and research consultant for the African Institute of Education and Management and a founder member of Lifelong Learning Academy and Tshedimoso Adult Basic Education Programme. He also has international experience with consultation work in Africa at various departments of education and universities in Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and Malawi.
Walter Sisulu University welcomes the appointment of Professor Van Staden as part of the intervention process requested of DHET by the WSU Council and Management.