“The University of Fort Hare has always been a place of learning, growth, and resilience. Carry that spirit forward and build the Fort Hare of the future.”
These words were Prof Renuka Vithal’s message to the University of Fort Hare (UFH) community as she retired from her role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning last month.
Prof Vithal, who is an internationally recognised National Research Foundation (NRF) B2-rated scholar in Mathematics Education, now holds the title of Emeritus Professor in Mathematics Education in the Faculty of Education.
She joined UFH in 2019 at a pivotal time, bringing with her decades of experience in higher education and a strong commitment to socially responsive leadership.
Reflecting on her tenure during a farewell event earlier this week, she said: “My time here has been enormously fulfilling, not only because of what I was able to contribute, but because of the remarkable people I worked alongside. Adversity always presents a chance to express leadership, creativity, and integrity.”
Transforming UFH’s Academic Landscape
Under her leadership, UFH underwent some of its most ambitious academic initiatives. She spearheaded the Review of the Academic Enterprise Implementation Project, a strategic restructuring of the academic division. This work resulted in new academic organograms, streamlined structures, and the creation of new departments and leadership positions.
Last year, she guided one of the largest academic recruitment drives in UFH’s history. It involved over 80 appointments, including 25 Heads of Department and Deputy Deans. Her efforts ensured the university was equipped with the talent and leadership to face future challenges. The drive also resulted in the appointment of SA’s first black female Associate Professor in Speech-Language Pathology.
Championing Teaching, Learning, and Outreach
Her commitment extended beyond campus walls. Prof Vithal led initiatives to improve mathematics education in the Amathole West District. This included workshops for teachers and providing calculators to hundreds of learners. The outreach was in response to a 2021 NRF-funded study she led in conjunction with Wits University’s Professor Karin Brodie. The syudy revealed significant gaps in the availability and effective use of calculators in classrooms. Through her interventions, the mathematics pass rates significantly increased. This was a demonstration of her belief in empowering teachers and providing the tools to learn as a pathway to success.
Pioneering New Academic Programmes
Under her guidance, UFH became South Africa’s first university to offer a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science and Technology. A programme that will address the Eastern Cape’s dairy industry needs. She also played a key role in developing programmes focused on heritage studies, entrepreneurship, and other regional niche areas. These efforts ensured the university remained relevant to its communities and nation.
A Distinguished Academic Career
Prof Vithal’s own academic journey is as impressive as her leadership. She began as a high school mathematics teacher. She then rose through the ranks at UKZN to full Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Education. Prof Vithal holds a BA with Distinction in Mathematics, BA Honours, a Higher Diploma in Education (with Distinction), and a BEd Honours (cum laude) from UKZN. Additionally, she has an MPhil in Mathematics Education from the University of Cambridge and a Doctoral Degree in Natural Sciences from Aalborg University, Denmark. She was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Aalborg University.
Prof Vithal has published over 90 works on mathematics education, teacher education, and higher education research, and is recognized internationally for her contributions to the social, cultural, and political dimensions of mathematics education. She is also a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).
A Legacy of Leadership and Inspiration
Bidding farewell, UFH colleagues paid tribute to Prof Vithal’s vision, courage, and mentorship. “She is a very capable DVC who never became the VC, and the country is poorer for that,” said Vice-Chancellor Prof Sakhela Buhlungu.
As she left the stage, Prof Vithal urged the UFH community to: “Imagine the university you want to see. Think boldly, act creatively, and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.”
We wish Prof Vithal well, trusting that whatever challenges come her way will always make sense in the end.