Sol Plaatje University Chancellor, Judge Steven Majiedt, bids farewell to the University\u2019s first Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Yunus Ballim:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Prof Ballim has greatly endeared himself to us. He has truly embraced not only SPU but also Kimberley and the Northern Cape.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
At his recent farewell dinner, the Chairperson of Council, Madam Justice Yvonne Mokgoro and I reached a consensus that Prof Ballim knows more about the Northern Cape than Justice Mokgoro and I together (and both of us were born and bred in the Northern Cape!).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
This amazing feat can be ascribed to Prof Ballim\u2019s outlook on life in general and on his calling in particular.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
He is one of those unique individuals who was born to lead. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the renowned American poet and philosopher, famously said: \u201cDo not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
That epitomises Prof Ballim, a great leader who not only helped conceive the concept of a university for the Northern Cape (as part of the Task Team), but also helped give birth to SPU and brought it up to where it is now, a singular beacon of excellence in our tertiary education landscape.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
This institution\u2019s remarkable academic results speak for themselves. In a sea of prophets of doom, naysayers, unabashed critics and cynical sceptics, we have not only survived the storms and headwinds, but we are firmly on course, in no small part due to the sterling efforts of a terrific helmsman.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The SPU Strategic Plan for 2020-2024, steered in large part by Prof Ballim, maps out our course post the Ballim era.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Its four main objectives are:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2022 to strengthen research activities<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2022 to consolidate and sustain the institution\u2019s focus on good quality teaching and learning<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2022 to develop SPU as a digitally empowered university<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u2022 to ensure that the university is financially sustainable in the future.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
A solid foundation has been laid for us to achieve these goals.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To repeat what I said at the farewell dinner: Prof Ballim is a leading expert in concrete and materials.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
His doctoral thesis was: \u201cCuring and the durability of concrete\u201d. It entailed a comprehensive investigation into the effects of early age curing on the durability of concrete.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As I said then \u2013 Prof Ballim is a concrete example of the quintessential leader who leads by example and who walks he walk far more than he talks the talk.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
With his unwavering commitment, selfless dedication and sterling leadership, we at SPU have been left with a durable legacy of excellence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In his farewell message in last month\u2019s edition, Prof Ballim touchingly quotes from an email which he sent out at the end of the first week of lectures at SPU during February 2014 to SPU staff, the then Interim Council and Department of Higher Education officials in which he said that \u201c\u2026it was individual and collective belief, by all involved, in the idea of a Sol Plaatje University, that made [the initial success] possible\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In vintage Ballim style, he continued as follows in that email:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe waters now are uncertain but the winds are favourable and the billowed sails look like puffed-up cheeks of smiling young students. Our compass is set to the star rising on the horizon\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
\u201cAll we can say to that is \u201caye-aye Captain, all hands are on deck\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If in conclusion, I may adapt a moving speech made by India\u2019s first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to his friend, Mahatma Gandi, whose life had just been taken in a shocking assassination: \u201cIn ages to come\u2026 people will think of this generation when this man\u2026trod [at SPU] and will think of us who, however small, could also follow his path\u2026 Let us be worthy of him\u201d.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Go well our dear leader, friend and inspiration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
You have laid a firm foundation, cast in the most durable concrete for us to continue to construct a solid, proud edifice of learning.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Our most sincere gratitude for your selfless service, far above and beyond the call of duty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Your legacy will be immutable and enduring. We shall do our utmost to be worthy of you.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"