Women’s Month shock: CUT’s first woman VC steps aside as Strain on Varsity Leaders Intensify
South Africa’s higher education sector faces mounting governance turmoil, burnout and leadership instability, with Dube’s departure adding to growing concern over the wellbeing of executives and staff
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), Professor Pamela Dube, has formally notified Council of her intention to take early retirement at the end of the year.
In a letter dated 31 July 2026, addressed to the Council Chairperson, Prof. Rajesh Mahabeer, Prof. Dube indicated that her retirement would take effect on 31 December 2026.
She wrote that ongoing medical issues had “impacted my productivity and ability to perform my duties at full capacity,” prompting her decision to step down earlier than planned.
CUT had been without a permanent vice-chancellor for 18 months before Prof. Dube stepped into the role, which she described in January 2023 as the “beginning of a new dawn, a new journey”.
She thanked the council for trusting her with the role of first woman vice-chancellor and principal.
But her early retirement comes at a time when universities across South Africa are grappling with complex governance, financial and academic pressures, challenges that have increasingly taken a toll on institutional leaders - and staff.
Three staff members died at the University of South Africa (UNISA) between 11 June and 19 June amid claims of burnout over the axing of 5000 markers, putting pressure on academics to spend more time marking assignments than teaching.
The higher education sector is still processing the recent death of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, who passed away in June after intense pressure in the role. Her tenure had been marked by intense institutional strain, governance instability and sustained council pressure, prompting renewed debate about the wellbeing of University executives and staff.
While Prof. Dube’s circumstances differ, her decision adds to growing concern about the cumulative demands placed on vice-chancellors as they navigate volatile, politically charged and resource-constrained environments.
The timing of her departure, announced midway through National Women’s Month, is not lost on many, potentially reducing the number of women in charge of universities in South Africa.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Yusuf Cassim, visited the campus earlier this week to address delays in payments from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to students. He was seemingly unaware of the vice-chancellor’s plans.
Prof. Dube: “A sensitive matter requiring careful handling”
When approached for comment, Prof. Dube said her matter is before the Council, which is scheduled to meet this week, and that no formal communication has yet been issued to the CUT community.
This morning, the Council informed the university community of Prof. Dube's decision to take early retirement, with effect from 31 December 2026.
“Council has accepted the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s decision, and expresses its appreciation to Prof. Dube for her leadership, commitment and contribution to the university during her tenure.”
In its statement, the Council said Prof. Dube’s tenure has been characterised by visionary leadership, resilience and a steadfast pursuit of institutional excellence.
“Under her leadership, CUT has strengthened its academic and research profile, expanded strategic partnerships, fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, advanced student success, and accelerated the implementation of Vision 2030, positioning the university for greater national and global impact.”
Reflecting on her journey, Prof. Dube described it as a privilege to serve and lead CUT. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the university council, executive management team, staff, students, alumni and the broader university community for their trust, collaboration, and support throughout her tenure. She also reaffirmed that although she will be stepping down from her role, she will continue to support CUT's success and the higher education sector.
In accordance with the CUT Statute, Council will consider the governance implications of the Vice-Chancellor’s notice, including acting arrangements, and the process to be followed in respect of the leadership transition to preserve business continuity, sustain strategic momentum and minimise disruption to the university’s operations.
“On behalf of the university, we extend our sincere appreciation to Prof. Pamela Dube for her dedicated service, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment to the advancement of CUT. We thank her for the significant role she has played in shaping the university’s strategic vision and strengthening its position within the higher education sector. We wish her every success in her future endeavours and look forward to maintaining a positive and enduring relationship with her.”
The university community will be kept informed of significant developments as the process unfolds
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