Dr Karabo Bernard Sebake

Dr Karabo Bernard Sebake
Dean of Students, Central University of Technology

Dr Karabo Bernard Sebake commenced his duties as the new Dean of Students in September 2024, reporting directly to the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Pamela Dube.

Dr Sebake is a highly experienced Student Governance and Development Professional, with over 20 years of experience in executive leadership and operations management within the education and development planning sectors. He has served in several key management and leadership roles in student support, governance, and development. His previous positions include Manager for Student Governance and Development at the University of Mpumalanga and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Head of Department for Student Governance and Leadership at UKZN, and Manager for Student Development at Tshwane University of Technology.

Dr Sebake holds a Bachelor of Technology in Public Management from UNISA, as well as a Master of Technology and a Ph.D. in Public Management from Tshwane University of Technology. He is currently pursuing an additional Master's degree in Conflict Resolution at Nelson Mandela University. Prior to joining our institution, Dr Sebake served as the Director for Student Governance and Development at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in the Eastern Cape Province, where he played a key role in developing policies for student governance and crafting an integrated vision for the Division of Student Affairs. His achievements include developing a leading framework for student entrepreneurship and support, as well as establishing the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator to foster an enabling entrepreneurship ecosystem at the university.

Originating from the rural area of Mphahlele in Limpopo Province, Dr Sebake has combined his professional expertise in Student Affairs and Student Services with research in Public Administration, Youth Development, and Contemporary Sociological issues in South Africa. He has significantly contributed to shaping the field of Student Affairs, having served as the President of the National Association of Student Development Professionals from 2021 until early 2024. His efforts have focused on positioning Student Development as an essential component of Youth Development and the creation of sustainable youth agility programs. In addition, Dr Sebake is a political analyst and scholar, contributing to various knowledge bodies, including his role as a Board Member for the Journal of Public Administration and Development Alternatives.

Dr Sebake is anticipated to collaborate closely with the CUT community to reimagine Student Affairs and Services in alignment with Vision 2030. We extend a warm welcome to Dr Sebake and wish him great success in his role at our institution, committing our full support to him and his team. His success is our students’ success, and ultimately, our success as a university.