Christo Viljoen
Christo Viljoen (1937-1954) is an Afrikaans academic and cultural leader.
Biography
Born on 31 August 1937 in Graaff-Reinet, Cape, and studied at the Hoër Volkskool Graaff-Reinet (till 1954), Stellenbosch University (bachelor's, masters and Ph.D. (Ing) degrees in electronic engineering), continuing with studies in England (1960-61).
He began work as an engineer in the Department of Posts and Telegraphs in Pretoria (1962-65), then joined the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch as senior lecturer (1966-69), professor (1970-78), Dean of Engineering (1979-93) and Vice-Rector (Operations) (1993-98).
After retirement he established and was the first Director of the Office for Intellectual Property at Stellenbosch University (1999-2002) and Managing Director of the Unistel Group of Companies. In 2006 he became a member of Stellenbosch University Council. He also pursued his interest in genealogy, becoming a board member of both the Genealogical Institute of South Africa (1998-) and the Huguenot Foundation of South Africa (1998–).
He married to Hana Stehlik and the couple have two daughters, Marenka and Annakie and a son, Francois.
His contribution to South African theatre, film, media and performance
In the media sector he was a member of the SABC Board of Control, as deputy chairman (1987/89); Chairman (1989 - 1993) and member (1993-1994). Thereafter he became a councillor of the Independent Broadcasting Authority (1994 - 1996).
Other appointments include member of Task Group on Film Industry (1987 - 89), Chairman of the Task Group on Broadcasting in South and Southern Africa (1990 - 1991) and author of the Task Group's report, usually referred to as the "Viljoen report on Broadcasting".
