The prime roles of a Head of Department are to provide the academic leadership and management to facilitate a collegial, productive and safe working environment in the department, the faculty and the Institute.

The role involves the following general responsibilities:

• The guidance and facilitation of the research, and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and continuing education and outreach activities of the Department;
• The governance of the Department and the establishment and development of its strategic direction
• The guidance and development of staff and the management of personnel-related issues in the Department
• overseeing and guiding the academic development of students
• Ensuring fair and equitable treatment of all staff and students and establishment of mechanisms to ensure that the University's Cultural Diversity policy is implemented.
• The pursuit of excellence and innovation in teaching and learning responsiveness.
• The implementation of quality assurance processes particularly in relation to teaching, research and the supervision of students;
• The allocation of duties to staff to ensure the effective and efficient performance of the Department's teaching, research and service functions