Celebrating a lifetime of service
- Wits University
Professor Ruksana Osman, the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic honoured for her contribution to education for over 40 years.
Female Academic Leaders Fellowship NPC (FALF) presented the first FALF Champion Award to Professor Ruksana Osman for her support to transformation, her lifelong service to Wits University and her outstanding contribution to education. A scholar, leader and mentor, Osman has shaped Wits’ academic trajectory for over four decades, championing diversity, excellence and inclusion in all facets of university life.
The award was made by Dr Judy Dlamini, Wits University’s Chancellor and founder of the Female Academic Leadership Fellowship initiative at a celebratory dinner, on Friday, 31 October 2025.
“Professor Osman is one of those rare individuals – a quiet architect of transformation whose influence reaches far beyond what the eye can see. I always say that you remember a person by how they make you feel, and anyone who knows Ruksana, will remember that her leadership is exemplified by her grace – quiet, yet deeply impactful in empowering others. She listens with empathy, leads with conviction and always acts with integrity. Through her scholarship and mentorship, she has uplifted countless lives, especially women and young academics, showing that true strength lies in gentleness and unwavering purpose,” says Dlamini.
Her words were echoed by many of Osman’s colleagues, friends and students.
A legacy of mentorship and humanity
Osman has guided hundreds of students, academics and professional staff, nurturing them to realise their full potential.
“Tea in her office wasn’t just tea - it was the beginning of a mentorship that gave me courage, clarity and a sense of belonging,” says Professor Nicole De Wet-Billings, Senior Director: Academic Affairs.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People Development and Culture, Professor Garth Stevens, describes her as “a visionary strategist whose ethical leadership and intellectual acuity have shaped Wits’ trajectory.”
Operations Manager in the Legal Office, Nkosinathi Mavimbela, says: “She was a pillar on whom I could lean on for professional support. She was able to carefully balance challenges against the institution’s mandate but in a way that acknowledged the humanitarian principles by which she lives - she has always reflected care and support for others, even in the midst of a crisis.
Dr Eunice Nyamupangedengu praises her for seeing potential and building communities of practice. Similarly, Dr Douglas Andrews, a lecturer in education and policy leadership described Professor Osman as “a friend and mentor whose support has shaped my life for nearly 30 years”.
Professor Sumaya Laher, Head of the School of Human and Community Development, says: “She has inspired a generation of academics to pursue excellence with integrity and compassion.” Dr Ayesha Omar recalls her door being always open, while Prof. Rodney Genga notes her humility and warmth as an enduring inspiration.
Read the testimonials
Osman says: “I am deeply moved by this recognition from FALF and feel truly empowered by those with whom I work and from whom I learn so much each day. None of this would be possible without them.”
Her mentees have similar inspiring stories to tell.
Mandela Rhodes Scholar and education graduate, Kabelo P Mbuyisa-Seonyane says: “Professor Osman’s mentorship demonstrates her exceptional commitment to nurturing the next generation of African thinkers and doers,” a sentiment shared by Master’s student Melusi Ncana who adds: “Professor Osman is heartbreakingly kind and compassionate in a world that is often cold and intolerant. She is generous, wise and profoundly intellectual. Above all, I cherish her sincerity and honesty, especially in moments when she has guided me after I have erred.”
A lifelong commitment to Wits
Osman’s association with Wits spans more than forty years, encompassing leadership at every level of the University. She studied at Wits and is a proud alumnus of the University. She worked her way up the scholar ladder until she assumed leadership positions within the University. From Head of the School of Education and Dean of the Faculty of Humanities to serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Advancement, Human Resources and Transformation and now as Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, her stewardship has been integral to the University’s transformation and growth. In her current role, she coordinates the academic project across all five faculties, deputises for the Vice-Chancellor and leads the strategic implementation of Wits’ Learning and Teaching Strategy - ensuring that lifelong learning, institutional capacity and student success remain at the heart of Wits’ mission.
A visionary scholar and global leader
Osman is recognised internationally for her work in higher education policy, pedagogy and social justice. As holder of the UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education for Diversity and Development, she has built an international research network dedicated to advancing inclusive education systems. Her numerous publications including Transforming Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (2017) and Pedagogical Responsiveness in Complex Contexts (2022) reflect her commitment to transforming education through equity, collaboration and innovation.
Championing inclusion and institutional transformation
Among her most enduring contributions are the Inclusive Professoriate Programme and the Diversifying the Academy Programme, both of which have reshaped Wits’ academic landscape. These multimillion-rand initiatives, aimed at cultivating diverse academic leadership, have expanded to five South African universities and attracted funding exceeding R100 million - the largest Mellon Foundation grant ever awarded to a single university in Africa. As Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Advancement, Human Resources and Transformation, Osman also established the University’s first staff wellness programme and created the Social Justice Cluster, integrating efforts around race, gender, ability and wellbeing.
Global reach and enduring impact
Beyond South Africa, Osman has built partnerships that strengthen African higher education and global collaboration. Her leadership in the Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures Doctoral Programme, the Afretec Network and the Centre for Future Materials exemplifies her vision for transnational knowledge exchange. In October 2024, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Education by Bath Spa University in recognition of her contribution to academia and global higher education.