Premier Maape mourns the passing of Professor Dan Kgwadi
North West Premier, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has on behalf of the North West Provincial Government expressed sadness at the passing of Professor Dan Kgwadi.
At the time of his passing Professor Kgwadi was the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Vaal University of Technology.
Prior to this appointment he served as the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University (NWU) from April 2014 to 31 January 2022.
Professor Kgwadi also served as the first Rector of the North-West University, Mafikeng Campus. He started his term as Campus Rector on 1 January 2005 to 31 March 2014.
Premier Maape says Professor Kgwadi will be credited for guiding the North West University through the challenges of transformation.
“He 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 and was passionate about physical science and mathematics from an early age. He obtained various scholarships to pursue his postgraduate studies in the United States of America. He led the University through a tumultuous period of transformation at institutions of higher learning in the country” Premier Maape said.
Premier Maape has also recognized Professor Kgwadi for a sterling working relationship with the provincial executive, particularly in assisting government to respond to various challenges through research in various fields while he was at the helm of the North West University.
“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 his legacy.
“I would like to take this opportunity and send my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues” Premier Maape concluded.
Enquiries:
Sello Tatai
Cell: 064 756 2510 or 082 450 7842
E-mail: statai38@gmail.com
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
