Reserve Bank governor Lesetja Kganyago elected as Chancellor of Stellenbosch University

Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Lesetja Kganyago has been unanimously elected to the office of Chancellor of Stellenbosch University.

This follows the end of Justice Edwin Cameron’s term in December 2024.

A chancellor is the titular or ceremonial head of a university, while a vice-chancellor is akin to the chief executive officer.

The current vice chancellor of SU is Professor Wim de Villiers.

Chancellors usually preside over major ceremonies and confer degrees and awards in the name of the university.

The term of office of the chancellor is five years, and they may be elected again for one more consecutive term only.

Kganyago was first appointed governor of the South African Reserve Bank with effect from 9 November 2014.

He was reappointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second five-year term effective 9 November 2019, and again for another five-year term effective 9 November 2024.

He had been a Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank since May 2011.

Kganyago received an honorary doctorate (Doctor of Commerce (DCom) honoris causa) from SU in 2018 and is viewed as one of the finest public-policy minds in the country, the university said.

In December 2020, Nelson Mandela University also conferred upon him an honorary Doctorate of Commerce.

He holds a Master of Science degree in development economics from London University (School of Oriental and African Studies) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting and economics from the University of South Africa.

De Villiers said Kganyago’s appointment will inspire a generation of students.

“With his unparalleled expertise in economics, finance and leadership, combined with his steadfast dedication to public service, he embodies the qualities we deeply value as an institution. I have no doubt that hewill inspire our University community.”

Kganyago will assume office on Friday (24 January), which will also mark the start of his five-year term.