Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria Professor Tawana Kupe has become the first African member of Kairós, an international non-profit organisation that focuses on the innovative transformation of education to face the challenges of the 21^st century and with a view to strengthening societies economically, socially and environmentally.

Kairós members include some of the finest minds in education from around the world, and the organisation prides itself on not having any ideological or political ties; this, they say, enables them to freely discuss issues around the sustainable development of education.

Prof Kupe was invited to join Kairós because his track record as a leader and academic shows that he is concerned with issues related to the transformation of education as a means for the economic, social and environmental development of countries.

“This is a task for which people with great leadership are needed,” Kairós said in their invitation to Prof Kupe. “This reason has led us to think of you as a person with great prestige, leadership, ability, undisputed talent, commitment and global projection – values that represent a great asset to enable a new education for a new society.”

Professor Kupe says joining Kairós will give him the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals on how to move education into the 21^st century using technological advances, especially in Africa.

“As the world moves towards embracing a new way of doing things, it is organisations like Kairós that will bring fresh, creative and innovative insights because they bring together some of the world’s finest minds to solve some of education’s most complex problems,” Prof Kupe said. “I look forward to building new relationships, learning from peers and sharing knowledge and skills with Kairós members.”

The organisation added that in a time of uncertainty, with the destabilising effect of COVID-19, it is important that leaders such as Prof Kupe join forces with other leaders and look towards a future with technological advancements and smart solutions that can confront even large pandemics.

“We are making a great commitment at this time of uncertainty to illuminate new consensuses and social agreements,” Kairós added.

To learn more about Kairós, visit this page.