University of Cape Town (UCT)
On 11 and 18 March 2017, UCT’s Information and Communication Technology Services (ICTS) issued over 800 free Lenovo laptops to students on financial aid. According to UCT Daily News, the project is said to be an initiative of UCT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (ICTS) in its Centre for Higher Education Development. The project was started in 2013 through the Vice-Chancellor’s strategic fund. UCT Daily News adds that Kira Chernotsky, UCT’s ICTS director, views “laptops [as] essential to building graduate attributes”.
North-West University (NWU)
On 16 March 2017, Dr Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka was elected as the new chairperson of the North-West University Council. As of April 2017 he is to replace previous chairperson, Adv. Johan Kruger, for a term of three years. According to North-West University News, Dr Tyobeka has a PhD in Nuclear Engineering and is an alumni of the North-West University as well as the Penn State University in the United States of America. North-West University News adds that Dr Tyobeka aims, with the cooperation of all members, to make North-West University succeed.
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
On 22 March 2017, the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Vice- Chancellor, Prof. Derrick Swartz, released a statement regarding the name of the institution. Prof. Swartz mentioned that the significance of the name of the institution is in it taking its name from Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Swartz added, “Various initiatives are already underway in the form of meetings, conversation opportunities and interviews to explore the meaning of our new name in line with Nelson Mandela’s legacy.” In the statement he mentions that an event will be held towards the end of the year to launch the newly-named Nelson Mandela University.
Stellenbosch University (SU)
The 2016 academic year at SU showed a record number of graduates for the university. According to an EWN article, the institution can boast with more than 8 300 degrees being awarded for 2016, an increase from 7 905 degrees in 2015. According to the university’s spokesperson, Martin Viljoen, this is a record number of degrees, including the most doctorate degrees being awarded by the university.
Rhodes University (RU)
Former RU lecturer and composer of African music, Andrew Tracey, was attacked and held hostage in his Grahamstown home, according to Dispatch Live. The retired 80- year old lecturer was at home with his wife when intruders entered their home and held the couple hostage, eventually leaving with money and some of the couple’s personal belongings.
