Picture: The former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Vaal University of Technology, late Pro Dan Kgwadi/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
The heartfelt condolence messages continue to pour in after the death of the former Vice-Chancellor of North West University (NWU), Professor Dan Kgwadi who died on Sunday night after a long illness. At the time of his passing, Kgwadi was the principal and Vice-Chancellor of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT).
The Chairperson of VUT Council, Prof Mandia Radebe said: “It is with sadness to announce the news of the passing of our Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Dan Kgwadi. According to the family, Kgwadi passed away last night due to illness.
“On behalf of the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), I wish to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and colleagues.
“Liaising with the family, we will share further details on the memorial and funeral services when available.”
Meanwhile, the North West Premier, Bushy Maape described Kgwadi as a warrior who spear-headed the NWU through the challenges of transformation.
“Prior to this appointment, he served as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the NWU from April 2014 to 31 January 2022. Kgwadi also served as the first Rector of the NWU (Mafikeng Campus). He started his term as a Campus Rector on 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2014.
“Kgwadi grew up in a very poor community, where there were no resources. But, he was one of the few black academics who defied the odds. He was passionate about physical science and mathematics from an early age. Kgwadi obtained various scholarships to pursue his postgraduate studies in the United States of America (USA),” Maape said.
He further said, Kgwadi led the university through a tumultuous period of transformation at institutions of higher learning in the country. Maape added that Kgwadi contributed to the sterling working relationship with the provincial executive, particularly in assisting the government to respond to various challenges through research in various fields, while he was at the helm of the NWU.
“We have a sound working relationship with the university and this is largely through his efforts. We will continue to work with the university to address the plight of students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The provincial bursary scheme whose name change was recently held at Mahikeng Campus, continues to benefit students at this university. We will continue to work with the university to preserve and honour Kgwadi’s legacy,” he said.
The Guardian 