Meet our members: Dr Sally Dzingwa

What is your higher education history?

Before joining CUT as the Institutional Registrar, I held several key positions at the Vaal University of Technology, namely Deputy Registrar: Enrolment Services (2012 to 2018) and Senior Deputy Registrar: Strategic Enrolment Management (SEM) (2018 to 2021), respectively. 

I also worked at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Working at these different types of universities has enriched my professional journey by offering varied experiences and unique benefits, which have shaped a well-rounded and versatile career in academia, in particular higher education administration. In my leadership journey, I actively engage with professionals across different areas, forging great networks, both nationally and internationally.  These networks have enhanced my effectiveness and success in my role.

I believe in contributing to the sector in one way or another. Hence, I was one of the contributing authors of A Handbook for Registrars, published in 2022. This comprehensive reference document provides important information and guidelines that support current and aspiring registrars. It is a joint endeavour, with inputs from other stakeholders in the sector, including Universities South Africa (USAf), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), nine university registrars, and colleagues in the public university sector. See Registrars’ handbook 7-11-22 (helm.ac.za) for access.

I have also undertaken several developmental programmes. These have enhanced my skills and competencies, enabling me to succeed in the various roles within the higher education governance system. I worked at three different types of universities, and understand the complex nature of the sector. I also have experience in student affairs matters, and understand the complexities facing the sector. An overview of my professional growth shows upward navigation from a lower administrative role to currently being in the Executive Management team of CUT.

What does your current role and remit encompass?

My role as Registrar is to strengthen good governance and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, fostering transparency and accountability at CUT. As the Secretary of the CUT Council, I ensure the university’s compliance with relevant legal frameworks, and facilitate governance by advising and supporting the CUT Council. Additionally, I provide integral support to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and in the university’s leadership and management. I am also responsible for the overall legal matters. Furthermore, it is my responsibility to lead initiatives to streamline administrative processes, resulting in significant improved service delivery. As the head of the university’s Academic Administration and Student Services sections, I have overall responsibility for the entire student life cycle, from recruitment, admissions and registrations, to examinations, assessment and graduations. I am responsible for secretariat services to governance structures and language services.  As the custodian of university records, it is my responsibility to maintain comprehensive records, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and policies. Furthermore, I advance collaboration across university academic faculties and support service departments to align operational functions.

What does a typical day look like for you in your role?

A typical day entails managing business operations, supporting the team to meet the strategic intent of the Registrar’s Office.

What do you find most enjoyable and/or challenging in your role?

My biggest joy is when we have graduation ceremonies. As students walk towards me as the Registrar, I get to validate the value of my contribution to the lives of the students we serve; to witness the culmination of a student’s academic journey and rite of passage into the next phase of their personal and professional lives. And, most importantly, knowing that I had something to do with that, is absolutely gratifying.

CUT Institutional Registrar, Dr Sally Dzingwa, draping a PhD graduate at the CUT Spring Graduation 2024.

What are the current challenges for your institution?

CUT’s vision statement is that, by 2030, the university will be a leading African university of technology, shaping the future through innovation. Our focus is therefore on ensuring that we meet the strategic priorities expressed in our Vision 2030 strategy. We are resolute in achieving this, despite the social and economic challenges that the continent faces.

What do you think are the biggest changes ahead for higher education?

The biggest change that we will see is how the higher education sector responds to social justice, equity and diversity. We need to ensure that legislation and policies support student access for success. However, our policies have a regional perspective. They need to be globally informed. The evolution of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, and aggressive cyberattacks, require robust information and data security protocols. The political landscape also influences and affects financial sustainability; hence, institutions must be intentional in safeguarding future sustainability, while ensuring that integrity is not compromised.

Who has inspired you and why?

In my personal and professional growth, I have been inspired by a few trusted, ethical leaders.  Through sharing their invaluable wisdom, offering guidance, and providing support, they have played a crucial role in helping me to unlock my potential to navigate this complex role of Institutional Registrar. In my journey as a leader, I have to make a concerted effort to be engaged in trends that affect higher education, so that I can anticipate changes; respond to challenges proactively and with agility; and position our institution and myself as a trusted expert in the field.

Furthermore, regarding the increasingly unpredictable and challenging environment that institutions face, the Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity (VUCA) world highlights the need for robustness. I must therefore remain adaptable and agile.

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