Dear Colleague

I refer to my previous correspondence (see below) re the possible candidacy for the Premiership of the Western Cape and would like to inform you that I have notified the COPE leadership that I have decided to decline the offer.

My current position at Stellenbosch University is an exciting challenging one and the Overarching Strategic Plan that has taken so much hard work and planning over the last two years is now taking shape. Moreover, I was given the renewed trust and mandate over the weekend by Council to position this leading institution as a university of the 21st century.

The academics and the entire university community are eager to take the institution from success to significance and I think we have entered the phase where we can truly say that we have now succeeded in crossing the bridge of history at Stellenbosch University. It is on this path that I would like to lead Stellenbosch University in the coming years. At this point of our country's history, I think this is the one terrain where I can make my biggest contribution to a future of hope for our coming generations.

Thank you very much for all your messages of support and advice. It is much appreciated.

Warmest regards

Prof H Russel Botman
Rektor en Visekanselier / Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Statement issued by Stellenbosch University, February 23 2009

Dear Colleague

In response to a media report in the Afrikaans newspaper this morning on my possible candidacy for the Congress of the People (COPE) in the upcoming elections, I would like to personally inform all of you that at this point I have not made a final decision. My relationship with Stellenbosch University is precious to me.
Our joint focus on a pedagogy of hope is both unique and inspiring.

I am, however, flattered and honoured by the approaches of the Congress of the People to consider joining them at this crucial juncture of our country's political development. An encouraging sign of our political growth since 1994 is the emergence of new and alternative voices from within the ranks of our political liberators. Interestingly, these voices are operating from the same moral basis that I have been supporting over many years as a student leader, as minister of the Uniting Reformed Church, as president of the South African Council of Churches and as a member of the National Religious Leader's Forum. From all sides of the political spectrum our country faces the challenges of moral and ethical leadership honed on integrity and accountability, clean government, service delivery and providing a better quality of life for all our people in the spirit of our Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

As a theologian and tertiary education executive these goals are central to my commitment of creating a future of hope for all South Africans - a future characterized by equality, peace, justice and unity across race and colour lines. It is with this conviction in mind that I am currently weighing up the exciting challenges at Stellenbosch University and the crucial role that this institution can play as active role player in shaping the future of our country, and the possibility of pursuing my calling in service to our people in the public domain.

Due to my loyalty to this institution I can assure you that this matter will be given serious consideration. Once I have finalised my way forward, I will share my decision with the campus community.

Regards

Prof H Russel Botman
Rektor en Visekanselier / Rector and Vice-Chancellor

Statement issued by Stellenbosch University, February 20 2009