Minister of Environmental Affairs Dr Bomo Edith Edna Molewa delivered her acceptance speech on Friday 17 March 2017, at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), in Ga-Rankuwa, Pretoria, during her installation as the first chancellor of SMU.
Speaking to a captive audience of cabinet colleagues, academics, students business and neighbouring community, Chancellor Molewa highlighted that the there is a fundamental link between education and economic development. She said what has been achieved at SMU, illustrates very clearly that resources have never been a barrier to excellence, or an excuse for mediocrity.
Chancellor Molewa called upon corporate South Africa to recognise that the skills being offered at SMU are critical to South Africa’s economy and therefore they must forge strategic relationships with the university, deepen relationships that exist, establish chairs of excellence, provide bursaries, internship and job opportunities to students. “There is no reason why SMU cannot leapfrog into a new era of sustainable campuses. However, the reality is that without necessary financial support we will be unable to align our priorities with taking our place as a world classinstitution of higher learning”. Chancellor emphasized. Chancellor Molewa envisions a future for SMU with green spaces, parks and open areas for students study to live and study in.
