AN OUTSPOKEN critic of apartheid - racial segregation - is leaving South Africa to become vice-chancellor of Salford University.

Prof Martin Hall, previously the deputy vice-chancellor of Cape Town University, will take up his new role when Prof Michael Harloe retires next summer. Prof Hall forged a reputation as a fierce critic of apartheid over 25 years and during his time at Cape Town put black students - many from the poorest communities - into the majority.

He said he was committed to strengthening Salford's reputation as an inclusive institution.

He said: "Access to universities is a priority for me and it is important that we seek out talent from across the world and celebrate the richness of diversity. Salford offers unique opportunities in higher education.

"I believe it can become a new sort of university, combining the richness of its past with exciting new developments such as links with MediaCity:UK." Prof Hall was born in Surrey and holds dual British and South African citizenship.

Graduated

He graduated from Cambridge and moved to South Africa, where he was appointed lecturer and head of department in archaeology, director of the centre for African studies, dean of higher education development and finally deputy vice-chancellor at Cape Town.

Dr Alan Mawson, of Salford University, said: "I am delighted that we have secured the appointment of Martin Hall.

"Appointing someone as principled, committed and capable as Martin is a real coup for the university and we have confidence in his experience and abilities to lead Salford at this exciting time."

Prof Hall stepped down as deputy vice-chancellor at Cape Town in August and became professor at the graduate school of business.

APARTHEID was a system of racial segregation in then white-dominated South Africa between 1948 and 1990.