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Higher Education & Training

'Gwebs' to head up DHET

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 11:34

Gwebinkundla Qonde

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, congratulated the new Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Mr Gwebinkundla (Gwebs) Qonde on his appointment.

‘Mr Qonde brings a wealth of management experience, and a deep passion for serving our people’ said Minister Nzimande as he commended the new head on his preceding reputation as one who did not tolerate inefficiencies in service delivery. ‘He is known for his impatience with officials who do not show empathy for those that we are here to serve.'

Nzimande emphasised the important role of higher education in empowering poverty stricken citizens stating that higher education and training ‘were the only weapons that they could use to extricate themselves from poverty and enjoy a life of indignity.’

The Minister warmly welcomed Mr Qonde in his new role, highlighting the fact that the new Director was on old member of the DHET family.

Nzimande wished him success in fulfilling his new responsibility with a focus on continuing in a healthy and mutually respectful working relationship.

He called on all stakeholders of the department, and the higher education and training sector at large, to offer their full support to the new Director-General (DG), and to work with the department to change the face of the country through the skills revolution that is being led by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Mr Qonde’s appointment was confirmed by the Cabinet in its meeting of Wednesday, 7 September, and is effective immediately.