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Ntate Daniel Kgwadi (1967 – 30 April 2023) was a South African academic administrator who served as the vice-chancellor of Vaal University of Technology and as the vice-chancellor and previous rector of the North-West University in South Africa.

Early life

Kgwadi was born in Kraaipan, Western Transvaal, South Africa. He matriculated at Kebalepile High School, Mafikeng. He obtained degrees: a BSc from the University of Bophuthatswana, an MSc in Physics from Ball State University, an MPhil from University of the North in South Africa, and a PhD in Physics Education from Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in South Africa. He married Mable Kgwadi.[1][2]

Career

Kgwadi taught at Phatsima High School. In 2004, with the start of North-West University, Kgwadi was appointed rector at the Mafikeng campus of the university. He occupied this position until 2014.[3]

Vice–chancellor

In 2014, the then vice-chancellor Theuns Eloff resigned after a video surfaced showing first year students doing a Hitler salute, although an investigation showed no racial intent. Eloff resigned as a sign of goodwill.[4] Kgwadi was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university with effect on 1 April 2014. Kgwadi was the first black, non-Afrikaans speaking vice-chancellor.[5] He was based at the head office in Potchefstroom.[6][7]

When Kgwadi assumed the vice-chancellor's office, Afrikaans was the language spoken by more than 50% of the students. Interpreter programmes (in class) were organized by the university.[8] Students had the option to write exams in English or Afrikaans. Kgwadi's plan was to have no dominant language.[9][10]

On the 7 November 2021, he submitted a letter of resignation to the North-West University stating that he will be leaving the institution to continue his career in the Vaal University of Technology. Prof. Kgwadi still served as the Vice-Chancellor of North-West University until 31 January 2022, as required by the employment contract.[11]

Personal life and death

In April 2018, Kgwadi had a heart attack, but survived and continued to serve.[12]

Kgwadi died on 30 April 2023.[13]

Awards

A Honoris Causa PhD was awarded to him by the Hanseo University in Seosan, South Korea in 2010.[14]

References

  1. ^ van Rensburg, M. (18 April 2017). "Prof Ntate Dan Kgwadi" (PDF). NWU.
  2. ^ "Dan Kgwadi, appointed honourary [sic] professor in the SSMT" (PDF). Sediba News, Newsletter of the Sediba Project 11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 August 2018. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  3. ^ Mcilhone, M. (25 November 2013). "SA: Premier congratulates N West varsity vice chancellor". African Brains. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  4. ^ "NWU Vice-Chancellor Steps Down After Nazi-Salute Scandal". SA Breaking News. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  5. ^ "North-West University's Ntate Dan Kgwadi: new captain of the ship". City Press newspaper. 8 December 2013. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  6. ^ Venter, C. (7 March 2014). "NW varsity gets first black head". The Citizen newspaper. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  7. ^ "North-West University's Ntate Dan Kgwadi: new captain of the ship". NIHSS. Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  8. ^ "Interpreter services expand to school". Retrieved 7 August 2018.
  9. ^ Nkosi, B. (13 August 2015). "No plan to diminish Afrikaans at NWU". Mail& Guardian newspaper. Retrieved 6 August 2015.
  10. ^ Govender, P (1 July 2018). "There is no such thing as separate but equal". Sunday Times.
  11. ^ "Resignation of the principal and vice-chancellor, Prof Dan Kgwadi". NWU. Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  12. ^ Gregan, E. (20 April 2018). "(Afrikaans) Kgwadi in hospitaal na hart aanval. (translated=Kgwadi in hospital after heart attack)". network24. Retrieved 6 August 2018.
  13. ^ Prof Dan Kgwadi, NWU's 'transformation driver', dies
  14. ^ "Mafikeng Campus Rector reached Honoury Doctorate".
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