Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (Wiphold) founder and Wipcapital CEO Dr Gloria Serobe has been appointed chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
Serobe is a trailblazer in business and broad-based economic empowerment for women. Wiphold became the first women’s group established post-1994 to list on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
TUT vice-chancellor and principal Professor Tinyiko Maluleke said he was elated about Serobe’s appointment.
“It is for me an immense privilege that a leader of the stature and gravitas of Dr Serobe has agreed to be associated with the Tshwane University of Technology as its chancellor,” he told Sunday World on Friday.
Serobe was appointed on October 30 and will serve for an initial term of four years.
In addition to her leadership role at Wiphold, Serobe serves on a number of boards, including at Sasfin, Hans Merensky and Denel.
In March 2020, she was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to head the Solidarity Fund to drive the economic recovery, revival and revitalisation in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
She served as chairperson of the board of the Independent Ports Regulator. She is an honorary member of the Actuarial Society of South Africa and serves on the advisory council of the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants.
The BCom graduate from the University of Transkei and MBA graduate from Rutgers University in the US has won a number of awards in recognition of her contribution in business and to black economic empowerment and women empowerment.
Another chance to serve
Speaking of her appointment, Serobe said: “I see this role as another chance for me to serve my country, and to advance the empowerment agenda which has been close to my heart for the longest time.
“Mine is not an operational role, but a titular role in terms of which I will confer all the qualifications of the university. I am honoured to serve.”
She has been honoured among others with the Impumelelo Top 300 Award for her contribution to transformation, job creation, the economy and as a BEE role model; and the African Woman Chartered Accountants Woman of Substance Award.
