The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) Founding Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, has been awarded the BBQ Editor’s Outstanding Service Award during the 21
st Annual Premier Black Business Quarterly Awards (BBQ Awards) held at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Friday, 05 September 2025.
The award was awarded to Prof Mayekiso for her exceptional leadership in leading the University of Mpumalanga as one of the new universities established in the democratic era.
In handing over the award, Prof JJ Tabane, Editor of BBQ Magazine, said, “As a new University in our country, the University of Mpumalanga needed a leader who could take it to the highest level. Prof Mayekiso has managed to be a shining light in higher education and is worthy of this outstanding service award.”
BBQ Awards, South Africa's most prestigious and longest-running Black Business Awards Ceremony, has for the past 21 years celebrated and recognised champions of excellence in transformation. The BBQ celebrates good corporate governance, leadership, and excellence.
