The University of the Western Cape’s recently installed Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Balfour’s first address to the campus community at the Jakes Gerwel Hall on Thursday, 20 February 2025, received wide acclaim from students and staff in attendance.

Prof Balfour was inaugurated as the 8th UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor a few days earlier (15 February 2025). His address to staff and students outlined his vision for the student, academic and support programmes.

While setting out his vision and action plan at the start of his tenure, the audience was also given insight into the core UWC values Prof Balfour wants to build on for future success.

Alistor Mitchell is a Library Information Sciences Master’s student who listened eagerly to Prof Balfour’s address: “The vision that he has for UWC … I understand he only has five years … but as soon as we all start, we can get it working.”

He added: “I was very inspired, especially when he spoke about inclusion and that he wants UWC to expand beyond ‘I am UWC’, not only when you are at UWC. You should be able to use that slogan everywhere you go.”

Third-Year Bachelor of Community Development student, Lisekho Mtamzeli, admitted to being skeptical when Prof Balfour started speaking.

“My concern was mainly accommodation because it is a huge crisis across all institutions. I was skeptical because you can say words, but let’s see…because one of his values is inclusivity and transparency. Those are my kind of values,” he said.

Students and staff sat side-by-side in the hall, and while some took pictures and videos to capture the occasion, others showed their approval with spontaneous bouts of applause as Prof Balfour addressed them.

Leslie Richards, a staff member from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, said: “Two important things that stood out for me were the issues of quality and of belonging. Forming UWC as a space for belonging for people, as well as his focus on developing and promoting support staff within the University. I think that is an important aspect to address.”

Prof Balfour committed to further engagements and conversations with both staff and students, especially as the University releases its strategic 5-year objectives in its Institutional Operating Plan.