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This critical review provocatively re-examines Professor Adam Habib's journey from his activist origins in 1980s Natal to his controversial leadership roles at Wits and SOAS. It challenges conventional narratives, delving into his handling of student dissent, including the militarization during the Fees Must Fall movement and the "n-word" controversy. The analysis dissects how institutional stability seemingly eclipsed democratic integrity, questioning the true cost of his administrative style and presenting a compelling, unflinching portrait of a complex academic figure. Comparable works include The Power Broker