Message from the Pro Vice–Chancellor
As the youngest member of the international campuses of Monash University, this is a most exciting time for Monash South Africa as it moves into a new developmental phase. After spending the first eight years laying a solid foundation it is now becoming a fully–fledged member of the well established Higher Education Sector in South Africa.
In addition to an excellent infrastructure, well maintained buildings and state–of–the–art facilities, Monash South Africa offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. There is also the desire to continue to increase the range and scope of our academic offerings.
The South African National Plan on Higher Education states: "Higher education and public higher education especially, has immense potential to contribute to the
consolidation of democracy and social justice, and the growth and development of the economy."
Monash South Africa stands ready to deliver on this and as a "public purpose" institution will continue to reflect on, plan in terms of and act on, its social contract with public and government, as it is reflected in the Monash mission statement.
We will also strive to ensure that our staff, in terms of qualifications, experience, passion and commitment – enable us to deliver on our aim to be a world class institution. Monash South Africa will continue to focus on a quality campus–based undergraduate experience in which our curricula are focused on local and regional issues with sufficient international and global dimensions.
A Monash degree is something special, because Monash is known for its uncompromising academic standards and for its capacity to produce leaders. A Monash degree provides a powerful endorsement to the world of its graduates’ scholarship and capacity.
Our aim is to produce, graduates imbued with Monash values who appreciate the potential of discovery and creativity to improve the world. Our students will graduate
with an understanding and respect for each other and the richness that comes from a true multicultural experience.
Our students receive a well–rounded education and have the opportunity to meet and interact with citizens from all over Africa and the rest of the world – interactions that could form the basis for lasting global friendships and contacts.
This campus continues to strive to contribute to the vision of the broader Monash system to be a research–intensive university, while at the same time focusing on themes and problems relevant to the region in which we are located.
We will also continue to work towards integrating community engagement with our other core activities of teaching and research.
I am passionate about South Africa and believe that through research, teaching and scholarship we can contribute to our project of nation–building. I encourage you to join us on our journey.
Professor Tyrone Pretorius
Monash South Africa |
