Professor Lourens van Staden, D Ed (Cur Sci) RAU, MEd (Cur Sci) RAU, B Ed
(Cur Sci) UP, H Dip (Technika) UP.
Professor Lourens van Staden was appointed Administrator for Walter Sisulu University
(WSU) on 31 October, 2011 by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr BE
Nzimande MP.
The Administrator has been appointed to “...take over the authority of Council for an initial
period not exceeding 24 months.” Council has therefore disbanded as already indicated by their
intention to resign on the appointment of the Administrator.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Marcus Malusi Balintulo’s contract expired on 31 December, 2011.
Professor Van Staden has 27 years’ experience in higher education at the micro-, meso- and
macro levels and at the time of his appointment as Administrator for WSU held the position of
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching, Learning and Technology at the Tshwane University of
Technology. He has had substantial exposure to various aspects of the higher education
environment and was previously employed by the National Department of Education as a Higher
Education Specialist, responsible for technology education at higher education level.
Professor Van Staden holds a doctorate in Curriculum Science and has acquired extensive
national and international experience in the following areas:
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Strategic Planning
Quality Assurance
Restructuring
Curriculum Design
Teaching and Learning
Research and Innovation
He continues to play a pivotal role on national and international committees as a recognized
leader, project supervisor and consultant to many international projects that have budgets
exceeding R100m. He plays a key role in technological innovation projects, established the Sol
Plaatijie Institute of Technology and raised over R30m during the past six years at his university
and former technikon. The ultimate aim of these innovation projects was to execute the
transformation agendas of Government and the university to stimulate socio-economic growth
via strategic and vibrant partnerships.
His experience in education dates back to 1980 when he taught mathematics and technical
subjects before studying further and moving on to become a lecturer in technology at
Technikon Mabopane East. He is also no stranger to leadership positions at higher education
institutions including vice-chancellor, principal and deputy vice-chancellor academic at
Technikon Northern Gauteng during the late 90s. In his recent position at Tshwane University
of Technology, he had the responsibility for more than 56,000 students and 3,500 staff
members and an annual academic budget of more than R800 million. The university has about
400 academic programmes from certificates to doctoral level.
Professor Van Staden has received recognition including the prestigious Ernest Oppenheimer
research award and during his career has delivered over 20 academic papers at regional,
national and international levels.
He was a board member and research consultant for the African Institute of Education and
Management and a founder member of Lifelong Learning Academy and Tshedimoso Adult Basic
Education Programme. He also has international experience with consultation work in Africa at
various departments of education and universities in Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia,
Kenya and Malawi.
Walter Sisulu University welcomes the appointment of Professor Van Staden as part of the
intervention process requested of DHET by the WSU Council and Management.