Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) second Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Andrew Crouch, was celebrated and honoured at a ceremony on 26 November 2025, that marked the end of his tenure at the University.
The Chair of Council Professor Randall Carolissen paid tribute to Professor Crouch for serving with purpose and distinction in the higher education sector. “His journey as Vice-Chancellor and Principal is one that begins right here where we stand right here today in the Northern Cape, where the foundation of his humility, his ability, his discipline, and his deep sense of purpose were formed. His childhood has undoubtedly shaped his own profound sense of justice.”
Sharing a message on behalf of the Northern Cape Provincial Government, Mr Justice Bekebeke described Professor Crouch as an exceptional intellectual and leader, committed to fulfilling the mandate of serving the community and young people of the Northern Cape, “Professor Crouch is a born leader whose efforts have made SPU relevant in the Northern Cape. The strategic partnership between the University and government, must continue to grow in advancing research and our responsibility to address the challenges of young people who will benefit from our joint efforts.”
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Designate, Professor Debra Meyer shared a message on behalf of the University’s Senior Management Team, “Professor Crouch’s presence has shaped Sol Plaatje University. He was an anchor in times of change and uncertainty, his leadership-maintained stability, brought comfort and reassurance to staff and student alike during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Professor Meyer highlighted milestones achieved during Professor Crouch’s tenure that include the launch of the Lesedi la Afrika Endowment Fund, the establishment of the Talent Pipeline Programme, aimed at providing access to higher education for learners from the Northern Cape, and working together with Justice Steven Majiedt acquired the iconic Harry Oppenheimer House through a donation from De Beers, “Professor Crouch, you have held onto the vision to make a difference in the region and country. You leave behind a strong University. Thank you for your service, dedication and guidance.”
Former SPU Chancellor and current Constitutional Court Judge, Justice Steven Majiedt delivered a heartfelt message to Professor Crouch and his family for their time at the University. He shared warm memories from their childhood as learners at William Pescod High School and their journey as young students at the University of the Western Cape. “He has had a stellar career, that one can stand back and admire. Professor Crouch understood the dynamics of a university in the Northern Cape, and helped build a truly remarkable place, a place that feels like home, a place where people feel they are growing. We have seen this expansion of the University not only in size but in stature through his leadership.”
“He is not only the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, but my brother and my friend. The legacy that he has left here, and that of another giant who laid the foundation, Professor Yunus Ballim, is one we should continue with. At SPU we salute you, son of the Northern Cape, for what you have done”
Mr Louis de Kock, CEO of Wildeklawer, paid homage to Professor Crouch as a special leader with a great care for young people in the Northern Cape and said that he understood that the success of the University is tied to the success of Kimberley. He announced that he and his wife Cora have committed to donating one million rand towards the Talent Pipeline Programme.
He went on to say “tonight we bid farewell to a leader who has made a remarkable impact, a strategic and consistent leader. Today, SPU has a beautiful landscape with world class architecture and sport facilities and with the launch of the High-Performance Centre, it promotes not only educational excellence but also healthy living for society. He not only changed the landscape but changed the culture to instill discipline, care, hard work, and high standards. He has led with humility, a grounded and focused leader who has created a strong university”.
A mentee and former colleague of Professor Crouch, Dr Nomusa Shabalala acknowledged his contributions and guidance in her personal and professional life. She thanked him for his leadership and wisdom with an Irish blessing. In a symbolic gesture, Dr Shabalala gifted Professor Crouch a beaded Zulu stick, used as a sign of prestige and respect.
The guest of honour, Professor Crouch, reflected on his journey at SPU. “We gather today with mixed emotions but also with gratitude and pride. As I prepare to close this chapter as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University, I am filled with hope for the future of this institution. As I reflect on my over forty years in education, I realise how privileged I have been to have walked this journey and experienced so many socioeconomic and political changes in South Africa since the 1990’s. It has been an exciting journey.”
Professor Crouch returned to Kimberley, his birthplace during the Covid-19 pandemic, to a university that was still finding its identity; young, ambitious, and full of potential. During this period, he drew on his extensive knowledge and expertise to ensure that the University successfully moved to online learning and completed the 2020 academic year. A remarkable feat that only ten universities achieved in that period.
“I stand today before a university that is confident, growing and unmistakenly rooted in its purpose to expand access, transform lives and uplift the Northern Cape through knowledge, innovation, and unity. The presence of the University in Kimberley is there for everyone to see and experience. As promised at my inauguration, I see growth not only in student numbers but growth in staff, infrastructure and its presence and acceptance as a university by the community.
“Some of the achievements mentioned today are because of collective efforts. Thank you to the academic staff for your unwavering commitment to challenging our students to think critically and pushing the boundaries of knowledge and to the senior management, former and current Council members, administrative and support teams, thank you for your support, diligence, hard work and resilience,” Professor Crouch said.
He further thanked partners, sponsors and community leaders, for believing in the University and supporting its programmes.
Professor Crouch concluded with a special message to the students, “Thank you for inspiring us daily; your ambition, courage and spirit remind us why the University exists, as a place to learn, experience and grow. This is a university with a unique soul that reflects the diversity and resilience of the Northern Cape. Our commitment to transformation and social justice must be unwavering. I leave not with sadness but with gratitude and the privilege of serving you. Go forth, change lives and enable brighter futures.”
