Biography
PROFESSOR ROBERT BALFOUR
PROFILE SUMMARY
Qualifications
1. PhD (University of Cambridge, 1999)
2. MA (cum laude) (University of Natal, 1995)
3. BA Honours (English and History) (Rhodes University, 1993)
4. Higher Diploma in Education (HDE) (cum laude) (Rhodes University, 1994)
Awards and Scholarships
1. National Research Foundation (NRF) Rated Researcher (C2)
2. Commonwealth Trust Scholarship – For doctoral studies at Cambridge (1997).
3. Overseas Research Scholarship (ORS) – Awarded by the Council for Vice
Chancellors and Principals (UK).
4. Bartle Frere Exhibition Award – For travel to Africa.
5. Smuts Memorial Fund Award – For overseas research.
6. Wingate Scholarship – Supporting his academic endeavours.
7. Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) Doctoral Scholarship.
8. Council for Science and Development Doctoral Scholarship – From the Human
Sciences Research Council of South Africa.
9. Merit Award (University of Natal, 2003).
10. Kendall Award for English Studies.
11. Dean of Students Special Award for Postgraduate Studies.
12. Cook Award for Academic Achievement.
13. Rhodes Bursary for Academic Merit (1992).
Work Experience
1. Rector and Vice-Chancellor, University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Appointed
January 2025.
2. Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, North-West University (NWU) –
2017 to 2024.
3. Dean, Faculty of Education Sciences, NWU – 2011 to 2017.
4. Registrar, St Augustine College of South Africa – 2008 to 2010.
5. Professor of English Studies and Education – University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN),
before 2008.
Research Focus
Professor Balfour has published extensively in these fields, contributing to scholarly discourse
on multilingualism, equity, and postcolonial studies. His work reflects a commitment to fostering
growth in education and addressing systemic inequities in South Africa and beyond.
1. Language Education and Policy - Examining multilingual access and the development
of inclusive language policies to promote equitable learning.
2. Postcolonial Literature - Analysing postcolonial identities, representations of capital,
and critiques of oppression and exploitation.
3. Rural Education - Addressing the challenges and opportunities in rural education,
focusing on improving access and quality for marginalised communities.
4. Curriculum Development - Advocating for decolonised curricula that integrate
marginalised intellectual traditions, particularly those of Black South African scholars.
PROFILE SUMMARY
Qualifications
1. PhD (University of Cambridge, 1999)
2. MA (cum laude) (University of Natal, 1995)
3. BA Honours (English and History) (Rhodes University, 1993)
4. Higher Diploma in Education (HDE) (cum laude) (Rhodes University, 1994)
Awards and Scholarships
1. National Research Foundation (NRF) Rated Researcher (C2)
2. Commonwealth Trust Scholarship – For doctoral studies at Cambridge (1997).
3. Overseas Research Scholarship (ORS) – Awarded by the Council for Vice
Chancellors and Principals (UK).
4. Bartle Frere Exhibition Award – For travel to Africa.
5. Smuts Memorial Fund Award – For overseas research.
6. Wingate Scholarship – Supporting his academic endeavours.
7. Institute for Catholic Education (ICE) Doctoral Scholarship.
8. Council for Science and Development Doctoral Scholarship – From the Human
Sciences Research Council of South Africa.
9. Merit Award (University of Natal, 2003).
10. Kendall Award for English Studies.
11. Dean of Students Special Award for Postgraduate Studies.
12. Cook Award for Academic Achievement.
13. Rhodes Bursary for Academic Merit (1992).
Work Experience
1. Rector and Vice-Chancellor, University of the Western Cape (UWC) – Appointed
January 2025.
2. Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, North-West University (NWU) –
2017 to 2024.
3. Dean, Faculty of Education Sciences, NWU – 2011 to 2017.
4. Registrar, St Augustine College of South Africa – 2008 to 2010.
5. Professor of English Studies and Education – University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN),
before 2008.
Research Focus
Professor Balfour has published extensively in these fields, contributing to scholarly discourse
on multilingualism, equity, and postcolonial studies. His work reflects a commitment to fostering
growth in education and addressing systemic inequities in South Africa and beyond.
1. Language Education and Policy - Examining multilingual access and the development
of inclusive language policies to promote equitable learning.
2. Postcolonial Literature - Analysing postcolonial identities, representations of capital,
and critiques of oppression and exploitation.
3. Rural Education - Addressing the challenges and opportunities in rural education,
focusing on improving access and quality for marginalised communities.
4. Curriculum Development - Advocating for decolonised curricula that integrate
marginalised intellectual traditions, particularly those of Black South African scholars.
