SADRA - Key Persons
Dr Volmink was born and raised in Athlone, Cape Town in South Africa. He started his academic career at the University of Western Cape, where he completed the BSc degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Physics and then completed the BSc(Hons) degree in Physics in 1975. He later went to Cornell University, Ithaca NY, where he completed the MSc (1983) and PhD (1988) in mathematics education.
He started his career as a high school teacher and later became the Head of Mathematics at the then Peninsula Technikon. He also held various other teaching positions including the University of Western Cape, University of Cape Town and Cornell University. He returned to Southern Africa in 1990 after almost a decade in the USA.
After a brief stay at the University of Botswana in Gaborone he returned to South Africa in 1991 and immediately got involved in development initiatives as the Director of the Centre for Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education at UKZN in Durban as well as other partnership programmes in KwaZulu-Natal and elsewhere in South Africa.
Dr Volmink later served as Campus Vice-Principal at the then University of Natal, Durban and later became Pro-Vice Chancellor: Partnerships at the University of KwaZulu-Natal until 2004. He was the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Christian College for five years. He very recently served as Interim Vice-Chancellor at Durban University of Technology. He holds the position of Extraordinary Professor at North West University, Mafikeng Campus.
He has also been centrally involved in curriculum reform in post-apartheid South Africa and has been asked by all four Ministers of Education to play a leading role in the transformation of education in the new South Africa. He has also served on several Ministerial Task Teams involving education.
He has served for four years as the Chairperson of Umalusi Council (re-appointed for the period 2014 to 2018), the statutory body that monitors and improves the quality of general and further education and training in South Africa and more recently the CEO of the National Education Evaluation and Development Unit (NEEDU).
Dr Volmink continues to provide leadership on the Boards of several South African non-governmental development organisations and Foundations involved in education, health and community upliftment and has also been involved in a Leadership Development Programme for Members of Parliament.
He has served three university councils, viz, University of Kwazulu Natal, Durban University of Technology and Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
Job Titles:
- Distinguished Academic and Administrator
- Vice - Chancellor of the University of Cape Town
Dr. Max Price is a distinguished academic and administrator who has made significant contributions to higher education and institutional leadership, particularly in the field of medicine and university management.
He earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in the late 1970s. His interest in medicine and healthcare would later intersect with his passion for education and leadership. Following his graduation, Max Price worked as a medical doctor for several years, gaining valuable experience in the healthcare sector. This early experience provided him with a deep understanding of the healthcare system in South Africa, which would prove invaluable in his future roles. Max also earned a BA (Hons) PPE from Oxford University, an M.Sc in Community Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Diploma in Occupational Health from Wits University.
Dr. Price's leadership abilities were recognised early in his career, and he assumed various roles within the academic community. Notably, he served as the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at WITS University from 1996 to 2006, where he played a crucial role in expanding the faculty's research and teaching capabilities. His tenure also saw a focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity within the university.
In 2008, Max Price was appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, one of the leading universities in Africa. Under his leadership, UCT continued to thrive academically and became renowned for its commitment to social justice, sustainability, and excellence in research and teaching.
During his tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Max Price faced various challenges, including student protests and financial pressures, but he remained committed to creating an inclusive and socially responsible institution. His vision for UCT emphasised access to quality education for all, regardless of socio-economic background.
Dr. Max Price's leadership at the University of Cape Town left a lasting legacy. He strengthened UCT's global reputation and positioned it as a leading institution in Africa. His dedication to advancing healthcare, education, and social justice in South Africa has had a significant and positive impact on both the university and the country as a whole.
He also consults in public health, higher education, strategic leadership and advises foundations on research grant making.
Job Titles:
- Admitted Attorney / Compliance Officer - Financial Industry
Job Titles:
- Admitted Attorney of the High Court of South Africa
Job Titles:
- Senior Lecturer - Financial Reporting / University of Cape Town