Dr. Kenny Netshiongolwe as a Vice-Chancellor and in this role is our Chief Executive and Chief Academic Officer. It's our Vice-Chancellor's job to deliver our institution Mission and Strategic Plan by providing a world leading student experience alongside internationally-recognized research and innovation solutions that engage with business and respond to the needs of society.

Dr. Kenny Netshiongolwe shapes the strategic direction of the institution in partnership with the Board of Governors, manages key senior staff including the Board Appointees, Chairs the institution Executive management and leads the development of the key delivery plans which underpin the achievement of the institution Strategy. He is also a full member of the Board of Governors.

Passionate about the transformative power of higher education, Kenny's experience, entrepreneurial outlook and track record of academic achievement provide the leadership necessary for the future success of the University.

Email: vice-chancellor@safiit.university

Executive Assistant: chantal@safiit.university

Tel: +27 (0)65 975 4384

An analytical, proactive and versatile professional with extensive expertise and qualifications in Engineering, Science and Management together with Appointments in Academic Institutions, Educational Consultancy, gained within practical and professional career environments including key skills in a senior teaching and training environment. Analytical, intellectual and logical, a forward planner and strategist who rapidly identify essentials and generates effective procedures, protocols and solutions. Demonstrates high levels of skill in lateral thinking, problem-solving and decision-making based on pragmatism and sound judgment. An accomplished and respected educator, capable of conveying complex concepts in an easily understood way. Commands credibility at all levels through breadth of knowledge and personal integrity.

An experienced highly qualified Educator, Education Consultant, Professional Engineer, Academic and Intellectual.

Over twenty years of teaching, planning, writing and several related academic assessments as well as practical related consultancy

Former member of Rhodes University Council and Cubes(Centre for Urban Built Environment Studies) of Wits University

I have short courses from the then the University of Port Elizabeth (now NMU) and University of Cape Town

I passed Rhodes University Customary Law Degree Course, plus Political Science I and Public Administration I from University of Fort Hare

Qualifications: 

MA, M.Phil, Ph.D in Central Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Awards & Honours: 

1. Visiting Faculty, L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan (May-June 2014)
   2. "Letter of Appreciation" from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan for contribution to the success of Summer School (June 2013).
   3. Visiting Scholar, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (July-August 2011).
   4. Visiting Faculty, School of International Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China (2005-06).
   5. Joint Secretary, Association of ASIA Scholars (an Asia-wide Network of ASF Alumni Fellows) since 2009.
   6. Award of Honour conferred on behalf of Centre for Indian Studies in Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar (2007).
   7. ASIA Fellows Award (2005-06) from Ford Foundation funded Asian Scholarship Foundation, Bangkok (Thailand).

International Collaboration/Consultancy: 

1. Book Review Editor for South Asia, Asian Ethnicity Journal (Routledge, UK) since January 2013.
   2. Member, Editorial Board, Khabarshy (Herald), a Journal of L. N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan since September 2013.