Sne Masuku

Sne Masuku

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Zweli Mkhize has welcomed his appointment as chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and pledged his support for academic freedom.

Mkhize was announced university's chancellor on Monday.

"I accept this honour on behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal, especially the needy students who aspire to further their education but cannot because of their financial status," Mkhize said.

"As a former student of this university I understand the critical role it played in shaping my life."

Mkhize said the honour of presiding over an institution that shapes young minds is an enormous responsibility but one that he looked forward to.

"I believe that building our institutions of higher education into world-class centres of excellence is the key to the future development of our country.

"Critically, I want to reiterate the government's resolve to ensure academic freedom. Democracy can only be sustainable if the culture of debate and dialogue is entrenched."