Professor Prince Jaca Joins UNIZULU as the new DVC: Institutional Support

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) welcomes Professor Prince Jaca, the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Institutional Support.

Prof Jaca assumed his new position on 1 September 2023.

The Mzimkulu-born professor brings with him significant leadership skills, knowledge and experience which spans over twenty-seven years in the higher education sector. More than 20 years of his experience was gained in the university management space.

He has worked in a former technikon, traditional university and in a comprehensive university. He began his career as a junior lecturer after which he occupied Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Head of Department, Director of School, Dean of Faculty, Rector (Head of Campus), and Deputy Vice-Chancellor positions. Prior to joining UNIZULU, the DVC was Campus Rector of Buffalo City Campus and he was also Acting Campus Rector of Mthatha Campus at Walter Sisulu University.

Attesting to his leadership in the sector, Prof Jaca sits on the USAf Transformation Managers Forum and Higher Education Leadership and Management Strategy Group.

Professor Jaca’s primary research interests are in mathematics and mathematics education. As a result of this, he has once served as Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson for the Association for Mathematics Education of South Africa (AMESA) as well as been appointed the national deputy president for AMESA.

Prof Jaca is currently serving as Commissioner in the Presidential National Fourth Industrial Revolution Commission. The mandate of the commission is to develop an integrated national strategy and plan to respond to the 4IR. This includes detailed interventions to be carried out in achieving competitiveness of the key economic sectors, including agriculture finance; mining; ICT and electronics; and business with science, technology, and innovation as a cross-cutting enabler.

He has served on various panels and committees, which includes amongst others working with most quality assurance bodies: CHE(HEQC); Engineering Council of South Africa; Health Profession Council of South Africa (HPCSA); and the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, at different levels (national reviews and programme accreditation). Serving in these roles has given him the chance to develop the capability for affording dynamic and transformational leadership, building synergy, and developing strong relations with both internal and external stakeholders.

Prof Jaca is excited to be part of the UNIZULU family and is looking forward to turning our Vision 2027 strategy into reality. “I would like to contribute to continuously improving access and success of students, especially those [coming from] disadvantaged communities. This will be done through supporting the University as it mobilises and deploys relevant resources in critical teaching and learning spaces. This University has adopted a ‘UNIZULU Vision 2027’ with six strategic goals. Some of these goals suggests that UNIZULU wants to ensure that its curricula reflect African issues and perspectives, and to be a smart University. I see these as contributing immensely in supporting UNIZULU students towards success. I am happy to join the UNIZULU team and support its vision. The expansion agenda of UNIZULU (expanding offerings in Richards Bay and opening a new campus in Ulundi) will contribute to the improvement of access. I see my contribution in these projects to deliver on the improvement of access. I see my contribution in these projects to deliver on the University’s noble vision and goal,” said Prof Jaca.

• Precious Shamase