Manifesto : deanship 2020-2024

Abstract

I have already had the opportunity to discuss with most of you, some four years ago, when I was nominated for the first time to serve the Faculty and our Alma Mater as Dean. At the time my plan was to attend to these duties for one ‘term’ and then pass on the baton to the next Dean. Throughout these years I tried to listen attentively keeping my ears to the ground and to lead by example by walking the talk. Yes, there were moments when it was necessary to rupture the status quo and give a much-needed voice to the fractures in our communities and get our message through loud and clear. I hope that I have motivated and persuaded you with my grit and fortitude. I also tried applying myself based on the principles of fairness, forgiveness, empathy, social justice, diversity and inclusion. I must have failed you on so many occasions and yet your confidence and trust in me remain. I am thankful that the talent, passion and quality we have in this Faculty in terms of headship, scholarship and commitment to the cause are second to none. The support of my Deputy Dean, Heads of Department, Faculty Manager, academic colleagues, RSOs, students and administrative co-workers was overwhelming. Thank you for your constant and unwavering collegiality, affability and responsiveness! The fact that as I was starting to prepare for the closure and eventual transition of leadership, countless colleagues and students approached me asking me to reconsider my original decision and serve the Faculty as Dean for another term was overwhelming and I was left pondering. This encouragement demonstrated that I was not alone during my deanship and that the Faculty has certainly reached its aims and objectives in a collective spirit. All of this filled me with a humble resolve to take forward all I have learned these four years and serve another term.