The Council of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) appointed Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor of UMP. The Vice-Chancellor will provide strategic direction, leadership, and be responsible for overall operational management of the University.
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 2025. 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 at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
“As the Council, we are pleased to welcome Professor Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor of UMP. We believe that this is a new chapter to build on the success that we have had in the past twelve years,” said UMP Chairperson of Council, Mr Sabelo Mahlalela.
Expressing her gratitude, Professor Meyiwa remarked, "I would like to thank the UMP Council for having appointed me as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga. It is a great opportunity to contribute to UMP’s Vision 2030. Working with management team, staff, and students, I look forward to contributing to the academic project of the University. I would like to wish my predecessor, Prof Mayekiso well and appreciate the sterling contribution that she has made during her tenure as the Vice-Chancellor of UMP.”
Professor Thoko Mayekiso said, “I would like to express my appreciation to Council, Management Committee of UMP, staff members, and students for their contribution to the Pioneering Journey “Luhambo Lwemhlahlandlela.” As the Founding Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga, I have witnessed the establishment, growth, and many breakthroughs of the University over the past 11 years. I would like to wish my successor, Prof Meyiwa, well and trust that her leadership will take UMP to even greater heights.”
Professor Meyiwa has succeeded the founding 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