| Ntate Daniel Kgwadi | |
| Office: | Rector of the North-West University Mafikeng Campus |
| Term Start: | 2004 |
| Term End: | 2014 |
| Predecessor: | Office established |
| Successor: | Maselesele, M. |
| Office2: | Vice-Chancellor of the North-West University |
| Term Start2: | 2014 |
| Term End2: | 2021 |
| Predecessor2: | Eloff, T. |
| Birth Place: | Kraaipan, Western Transvaal, South Africa |
| Death Date: | 30 April 2023 (aged 55–56) |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Spouse: | Mable |
| Alma Mater: | Ball State University, Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, University of the North and University of Bophuthatswana |
Ntate Daniel Kgwadi (1967 – 30 April 2023) was a South African academic administrator who served as the vice-chancellor of Vaal University of Technology and as the vice-chancellor and previous rector of the North-West University in South Africa.
Kgwadi was born in Kraaipan, Western Transvaal, South Africa. He matriculated at Kebalepile High School, Mafikeng. He obtained degrees: a BSc from the University of Bophuthatswana, an MSc in Physics from Ball State University, an MPhil from University of the North in South Africa, and a PhD in Physics Education from Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education in South Africa. He married Mable Kgwadi.[1] [2]
Kgwadi taught at Phatsima High School. In 2004, with the start of North-West University, Kgwadi was appointed rector at the Mafikeng campus of the university. He occupied this position until 2014.[3]
In 2014, the then vice-chancellor Theuns Eloff resigned after a video surfaced showing first year students doing a Hitler salute, although an investigation showed no racial intent. Eloff resigned as a sign of goodwill.[4] Kgwadi was appointed Vice-Chancellor of the university with effect on 1 April 2014. Kgwadi was the first black, non-Afrikaans speaking vice-chancellor.[5] He was based at the head office in Potchefstroom.[6] [7]
When Kgwadi assumed the vice-chancellor's office, Afrikaans was the language spoken by more than 50% of the students. Interpreter programmes (in class) were organized by the university.[8] Students had the option to write exams in English or Afrikaans. Kgwadi's plan was to have no dominant language.[9] [10]
On the 7 November 2021, he submitted a letter of resignation to the North-West University stating that he will be leaving the institution to continue his career in the Vaal University of Technology. Prof. Kgwadi still served as the Vice-Chancellor of North-West University until 31 January 2022, as required by the employment contract.[11]
In April 2018, Kgwadi had a heart attack, but survived and continued to serve.[12]
Kgwadi died on 30 April 2023.[13]
A Honoris Causa PhD was awarded to him by the Hanseo University in Seosan, South Korea in 2010.[14]