[1] Prior to this appointment he held several senior positions at the University of Witwatersrand, including deputy vice-chancellor and vice-principal, where he also founded the Media Studies Department.

He joined Rhodes from the University of Zimbabwe, where he worked in various academic capacities from 1988, including as chairperson of the Department of English, Media and Communication Studies.

[3] Kupe was named a Knight of the French Legion of Honour for his contributions to interdisciplinary research and academic collaboration.

[5] In June 2023 Kupe unexpectedly resigned from his post as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Pretoria, 6 months before the end of his term.

[7] It was subsequently revealed that Kupe had previously been found guilty of sexual harassment at the University of the Witwatersrand where he was given a final written warning.