Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has congratulated Minister Sbu Ndebele for his appointment as Chancellor of the University of Zululand, hoping that he would take the institution to the next level.
In a statement, Zuma who occupied the position since 2001, said the university has to make a marked impact in its immediate community and also raise its international profile.
Zuma said higher education in the country faces various challenges, ranging from a lack of resources, high dropout rates, and a lack of employment opportunities on graduation.
"We are aware of the high cost of higher education, which excludes a number of deserving students. Affected parties including student bodies should continue working with government to address these challenges."
He said government was working to address these issues, including the issue of rural underdevelopment and poverty.
The university, he said, has a unique role to play in developing these communities so as to improve their livelihoods.
"We are looking at these rurally based institutions to become nodal points for development, providing relevant cutting edge skills."
As an alumnus of the institution, Zuma said Ndebele's association with the university will bear for the institution and the community at large, saying it's an opportunity to plough back to the university.
In a statement, the Department of Transport said Ndebele was honoured on his appointment.
Ndebele's appointment adds to the long list of politicians who have accepted such positions at universities.
Early in the year, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe accepted a post as chancellor at the University of Venda.
