New Executive Dean sets sights on faculty growth and excellence

A commitment to collaborative leadership, academic excellence and student success will be at the heart of Prof Molefe Maleka’s vision as he takes the helm of the Faculty of Management Sciences as its newly appointed Executive Dean.

Prof Molefe Maleka, Executive Dean at the Faculty of Management Sciences. Reflecting on his appointment, Prof Maleka expressed gratitude for the opportunity and attributed the milestone to his faith and the support he has received from colleagues throughout his leadership journey. “The appointment would not have happened if it was not for my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It is through His mercy and favour that I have been given this opportunity,” he said.

He also acknowledged the staff members who supported him during his tenure as Campus Rector, his fellow Campus Rectors and the Executive Management Committee (EMC) for entrusting him with the new responsibility.

Prof Maleka said his immediate priorities will centre on strengthening the academic environment and creating conditions in which both students and staff can thrive. A key focus will be closer collaboration with Operations to ensure that teaching and learning spaces are conducive to academic success. This includes improving facilities through LED lighting, smart learning infrastructure, and heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems. Equally important, he said, will be strengthening relationships within the faculty.

His leadership approach will be guided by four pillars: listening without judgement, joy and perspective, continuous dialogue, and active gratitude. He adds that this philosophy places collaboration ahead of internal competition, with emphasis on providing clear direction, ensuring that appropriate resources are available, coordinating implementation and using performance dashboards to strengthen accountability across academic programmes.

Prof Maleka also intends to identify and address factors affecting key academic performance indicators, including student attendance and the achievement of institutional targets. “Expanding Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) and strengthening relationships with employers to increase Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) placement opportunities will form part of this drive,” he said.

He adds that research and postgraduate development will also receive particular attention under his leadership. Plans include workshops aimed at helping academics convert master’s dissertations and doctoral theses into publishable research outputs. Prof Maleka also intends to engage relevant research committees to explore ways of improving and optimising turnaround times for ethical approvals.

“Over the medium and longer term, the focus will shift towards monitoring agreed targets and ensuring that the faculty’s priorities remain aligned with the University’s annual performance plans. Achieving these objectives, will require the collective support and commitment of colleagues across the University”, says Prof Maleka.

His ultimate aim is to improve academic performance while maintaining a strong commitment to student-centred education and student satisfaction. His leadership will also be firmly anchored in TUT’s values of accountability, stewardship, resilience, excellence and diversity.

Beyond organisational targets and performance indicators, Prof Maleka says he draws much of his motivation from helping others realise their potential. “Job satisfaction comes from within rather than from external factors. I enjoy seeing others succeed through mentorship, and I am passionate about academic writing,” he said.

While the Executive Dean position brings significant responsibilities, Prof Maleka believes that a strong family support structure and academic mentorship have helped him maintain perspective and balance his professional and family responsibilities.

Coming from a family with a history of teachers and principals, education and leadership have long been part of his personal journey. He meets with his academic mentor quarterly for guidance on maintaining an active scholarly profile through conference participation, journal articles, books and book chapters, postgraduate supervision, peer reviewing and service on editorial boards.

One lesson from his mentor has remained particularly significant: a good academic leader should lead by publishing and inspire others through example.

Away from the demands of academic leadership, Prof Maleka values spending time at home and enjoys football. An avid Mamelodi Sundowns supporter, he attends matches when the team plays in Johannesburg, Atteridgeville or at Loftus Versfeld.

As he begins this new chapter, Prof Maleka’s vision brings together academic leadership, improved teaching and learning environments, research productivity, accountability and collaboration, with student success firmly at the centre.

His appointment ushers in a new leadership chapter for the Faculty of Management Sciences and an opportunity to strengthen a culture of collective responsibility in which staff and students are empowered to excel.