Unisa bids farewell to former Council Chairperson, James Maboa

On 27 February 2024, Unisa bid farewell to a towering figure in its history, James Maboa, who served as Chairperson of the university's Council for eight years. Maboa was described as a hero, a captain, a guiding light and a champion of progress, who navigated Unisa through a period of significant growth and achievement. A special function was held to honour his remarkable contributions and dedication to the university at Irene Country Lodge, Tshwane.

The man of the evening, outgoing Unisa Council Chair James Maboa

Leadership set by example

In her welcome and special message of thanks, Unisa Principal and Vice-Chancellor (VC), Professor Puleng LenkaBula, stated that Unisa is bidding farewell to a beloved son of the university of the land, committed to shaping futures in the service of humanity. “But most importantly,” said the VC, “this farewell is to reflect on the enormous contributions Maboa has made as a member of the Unisa council, first at the Finance, Investment and Estates Committee  of Council (FIECoC), then, three years later, as Chair of Council.”

From left: Prof Puleng LenkaBula, Unisa Principal and VC, Dr Dan Mosia, Unisa Council Chairperson, and Thabang Charlotte Mampane, Unisa Council Member

The VC stated that during Maboa’s tenure, they often found themselves in boardrooms discussing the primary objectives of the university, which are, among others, its academic agenda, its place in the continent and the global arena, and its impact on the local environment.

Towards Maboa, the VC stated: “As you walk the corridors of the future environments that you will be serving, you must hold your head high, for in your leadership there may have been multiple contradictions, but you were able to steer the university towards great accomplishments.”

The VC stressed that Maboa was with them in the trenches on many occasions, burning the midnight oil, searching for solutions to problems encountered at Unisa. In addition, she asserted:  “You will forever be remembered as a captain, who on some occasions, had to sail stormy seas, because of externalities that made it difficult to navigate, including the Independent Assessor’s report – you remained resilient.”

Concluding her remarks, the VC cited Nigerian-British writer, scholar and academic, Professor Amina Mama, who posited that leadership was set by example, not by authority. She explained: “Those of us who had the privilege of working with you and the honour to be led by you in the quest to propel the university to greater heights, can attest that you embody Professor Mama’s maxim, that example is leadership.”

Unquestionable loyalty

“It is my singular honour to pay homage and bid farewell to the distinguished son of the university, one who selflessly served for eight years in various capacities in the Council,” said Council Chairperson, Dr Dan Mosia.

Mosia affirmed that Maboa’s journey within council can be characterised by two epochs, the first being a period where he served diligently as an ordinary member of council, and chairperson of one of its sub-committees (FIECoC), the latter being when he served as Chairperson of Council from 2021.

Mosia continued: “I have no doubt that those who worked closely with Maboa, agree that in him  we have a leader who has extraordinarily displayed unquestionable loyalty, dedication and commitment to the university.”

Mosia maintained that Maboa worked hard to ensure the success of the university, and that its mandate of ensuring and securing universal access to higher education for people from all walks of life, and that they succeed in their studies, remains on track.

“As the history of the university is told over generations to come, the records will show that Maboa’s contributions were second to none. His name will be mentioned alongside those men and women who will be credited for the growth of the academic giant that the university is, in its 150 years of existence,” asserted Mosia.

In conclusion, Mosia said it has been a great privilege to work alongside Maboa. “You did not just float through tasks given but made waves and left indelible impressions. Through your leadership, we shall propel the university to much greater heights for the next 150 years.”

A humble servant

Member of the Unisa Council, Thabang Charlotte Mampane, described Maboa as a humble tough leader with high moral standards. She continued: “We have learned a lot from your professional ways of steering governance matters. You provided nurture to all of us whenever a need arose. I have personally witnessed how you always put the interests of the university and students first, in addition to encouraging us to do the same when making crucial decisions in council meetings.”

In concluding her remarks, Mampane said she admires the way Maboa dealt with conflicting views during meetings, and how, when everybody was fuming, he would calmly steer them to rededicate and focus on the task at hand.

A noble cause

The man of the evening, James Maboa, reflected on his address at this year’s official academic opening of the university, in which, he said, he expressed his sincerest feelings towards departing from this august university. “It has been a noble cause serving its distinguished community,” he said.

Maboa explained that during his tenure he was privileged to meet and work alongside a diverse group of communities, who, he said, have impacted and shaped him in many different ways. He continued: “While some have left the service of Council and the university, others are still with us. Together, we formed a solid and dependable team that has traversed many trials and tribulations, while sharing many moments of great success in seeing the university rise above its detractors.”

In concluding his remarks, Maboa stated: “I believe I am leaving the university at a better and more enriched point than the one at which I found it eight years ago.”

James Maboa with the painting presented to him by Unisa

Maboa concluded his eight-year term this week. In recognition of his distinguished service, the VC, together with Mosia, presented him with gifts, among them, a large painting, during the special ceremony.

Maboa's tenure was marked by significant contributions to the university. He played many pivotal roles in addition to guiding the university through strategic expansion while championing inclusivity and fostering a culture of research excellence. His dedication and leadership were undoubtedly instrumental in propelling Unisa forward.

*By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement

**Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre