CAMPUSES & CENTRES

FACULTY OF SCIENCEProfessor M.D. Dlamini - DeanVISIONLeadership through Excellence in Science, Technology andEngineering Education.MISSIONThe mission of the Faculty of Science is to be a strong andoutstanding centre for the teaching, development andpromotion of science and technology to support sustainableeconomic development of society, striving at all times forrelevance in teaching and research, and excellence among staffand students. The Faculty pursues broad interests, bringingtogether a range of expertise with focus on technology andhuman resource development, research in the natural andphysical sciences, information technology and engineering,as well as focus on the conservation of natural resources andthe integration of environmental issues.OBJECTIVESThe objectives of the Faculty of Science are to:Promote and optimise the role of science andtechnology in national growth and development;Produce skilled and competent manpower capable ofindependent thinking and creativity;Achieve the highest academic standards among staffand students;Promote the development of post-graduate studies inall areas of focus in the Faculty;Promote research-based teaching and learning;Promote the exchange of information with society;Promote/enhance interdisciplinary co-operation inteaching and research;Promote partnership/collaboration between theFaculty, national and international institutions,agencies and individuals interested in theadvancement of science education, the utilisationof technology and the conservation and sustainableutilisation of natural resources;Expand and improve the infrastructure and facilities inthe Faculty, for effective teaching and research;Improve gender balance in the Faculty; andEnsure that the environment is safe and healthy forteaching and learning.EXECUTIVE SUMMARYMost of the objectives pertaining to teaching, research andcommunity service have not been met due to financialconstraints. These constraints are not in tune with thevision and mission of the University, namely “to provide acongenial learning environment” that facilitates “excellencein teaching and learning, research, community service”.The budget allocated to each department of the Facultyduring the financial year 2011/2012 was far below theneeds of the departments. As a result, it was not possible topurchase vital laboratory equipment and consumables orto repair faulty equipment, in some cases, yet lectures andpractical sessions need to complement each other. Some ofthe equipment is non-functional and obsolete and hencenot worth considering for repairs.In addition to teaching, members of staff are expected todo research and attend conferences in order to be abreastof the latest developments in science and technology. Thebudget allocation was also not enough for external travel toattend conferences and present research papers.REPORT OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR 50