Lesetja Kganyago Appointed Chancellor of Stellenbosch University: A Beacon of Catholic Virtue
By Father Mathibela Sebothoma
On January 24, 2025, Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, was unanimously elected as the 16th Chancellor of Stellenbosch University (SU). For the Catholic faithful, this appointment is not just a milestone in academic leadership but a moment of pride—a testament to how faith, rooted in the teachings of Christ, can flourish in the highest echelons of public service.
A Shepherd’s Blessing from the Church
Auxiliary Bishop Masilo John Selemela of the Archdiocese of Pretoria offered a heartfelt message of congratulations, reflecting the Church’s joy in Kganyago’s achievement:
“I extend my warmest congratulations to you, Governor Kganyago, on your election as Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. This esteemed role is a recognition of your unwavering leadership, deeply anchored in Christian virtue and a commitment to the common good. Your life’s work inspires us, and I am confident that under your guidance, SU will become a nurturing ground for future leaders—men and women of conscience, shaped by selflessness and a vision for justice. As Catholics, we rejoice in seeing one of our own rise to such influence, trusting that your faith will shine as a light for this institution and our nation. Ad multos annos, Mohlaloga!”
Bishop Selemela’s words echo the Church’s hope: that Kganyago’s leadership will reflect the Gospel call to serve others and uphold truth—a mission we are all called to share.
A Faithful Son of the Church
Lesetja Kganyago’s story is one of grace and grit, nurtured by the Catholic faith. Raised in Alexandra Township by his devout mother and grandmother, he grew up under the spiritual care of strong Catholic women. His education at Pax College, a Catholic institution led by the Brothers of Charity, laid a foundation of moral integrity that continues to guide him. Today, as a parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Monavoni, Centurion, Kganyago remains a humble servant of God, bringing the values of our faith into the public square.
His appointment as Chancellor follows a distinguished lineage, succeeding luminaries like Justice Edwin Cameron. Yet, for us as Catholics, it is Kganyago’s quiet faithfulness that stands out—his ability to weave the principles of stewardship, justice, and compassion into his leadership at the South African Reserve Bank and beyond.
A Life of Service and Wisdom
Since taking the helm of the South African Reserve Bank in 2014, Kganyago has been a steady hand, guiding our nation through economic storms with prudence and foresight. Reappointed in 2019 for a second term, he has championed stability, controlled inflation, and strengthened financial systems—tasks that mirror the Church’s call to care for the poor and build a just society. Before this, as Director-General of the National Treasury, he shaped financial reforms that safeguarded our nation’s resources, a legacy of service rooted in accountability.
Kganyago’s academic credentials—holding a Master of Science in Development Economics from the University of London and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of South Africa—pair with honorary doctorates, including one from SU in 2018. His global influence, from chairing international financial committees to representing South Africa at the G20 and IMF, reflects a mind sharpened by study and a heart open to God’s call.
A Catholic Vision for Leadership
As Chancellor, Kganyago steps into a role where he can shape not just minds but souls. Stellenbosch University, with its rich heritage, now looks to him to foster leaders who embody the Beatitudes—those who hunger for righteousness and work for peace. His faith, forged in the pews and classrooms of Catholic life, equips him to inspire a generation that values ethical courage over fleeting gain.
For the Catholic community, this is a moment to give thanks. As Kganyago prepares to preside over his first SU graduation ceremonies in March, we see a man who carries the Cross of Christ into the world—not with fanfare, but with the quiet strength of a disciple. Let us pray for him, that the Holy Spirit may guide his tenure, and that through his witness, the light of our faith may touch countless lives.
