Dear members of the UMP Community,
The Council of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has appointed Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor of UMP. Council took the decision during its normal Council Meeting, which was held on Thursday, 27 March 2025. The commencement date for the new Vice-Chancellor is 01 October 2025.
The Vice-Chancellor provides strategic direction, leadership and is responsible for overall operational management of the University. In approving the appointment of the new Vice-Chancellor, the UMP Council took into consideration key attributes required to occupy the position of Vice-Chancellor at UMP, which amongst others include:
- Recognised academic standing and track record of visionary, transformational and ethical leadership in higher education.
- At least 10 years of executive management leadership experience in higher education.
- A sound understanding of the governance and management including the operations of a university.
- A commitment to harnessing technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in enhancing the attainment of graduate attributes as a value proposition of UMP.
- A clear understanding of the University’s role and its commitment to the teaching and learning, research and engagement project.
Professor Meyiwa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of South Africa from 2018 to present. Prior to this position, Professor Meyiwa served as Institutional Registrar at the Durban University of Technology from 2014 to 2018. She held the position of Research Director: Education and Skills Development at Human Science Research Council from 2012 to 2014. Professor Meyiwa has served in various academic roles, including that of Research Professor at Walter Sisulu University from 2010 to 2011 and was HOD, Director and Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Gender Studies for a decade.
“As the Council, we are pleased to welcome Professor Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor of UMP. Guided by our institutional statute and policies, the appointment of Professor Meyiwa is as a result of a vigorous selection process that we undertook over a period to find a suitable candidate. Professor Meyiwa has the academic and leadership attributes to fill the position of Vice-Chancellor at our University. We believe that this is a new chapter to build on the success that we have had in the last decade. Council congratulates Professor Meyiwa on her appointment, and we commit to fully support her and the management of the university in our pursuance to actualize our Vision 2030.” said UMP Chairperson of Council, Mr Sabelo Mahlalela.
Expressing her gratitude, Professor Meyiwa remarked, "I am honoured to join the University of Mpumalanga and to contribute to the realisation of its vision. I look forward to collaborating with the entire university community to advance our goals and make a meaningful, positive impact on society.”
Professor Meyiwa will succeed the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, who has served the university with distinction since 2014. We extend our gratitude to Professor Thoko Mayekiso for her dedication and leadership. Please join us in welcoming Professor Meyiwa to our university community.
Issued by:
UMP, Chairperson of Council
Mr Sabelo Mahlalela