On 7 August 2026, the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) formally inaugurated Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as its Vice-Chancellor and Principal, marking an important milestone in the development of the young university.
Held at the Mbombela Campus, the inauguration brought together university leadership, government and private sector representatives, higher education leaders, traditional leaders, organised labour, students, alumni, industry representatives, family and friends to witness the formal installation of Professor Meyiwa and celebrate her leadership journey.
Professor Meyiwa, UMP’s second Vice-Chancellor and Principal since the University’s establishment, assumed office on 1 October 2025. In her inaugural address, she reflected on the journey that brought her to UMP and outlined her vision for the University’s continued growth and development.
Drawing on the power of storytelling and lessons instilled by her grandmother, Professor Meyiwa described her leadership journey as part of a much bigger story – one shaped by the aspirations of those who envisioned a post-apartheid university in Mpumalanga.
“As I stand before you today, I am conscious of the expectations that this talk may be a litany of achievements in the past 10 months and of future strategies and aspirations. Yet, as UMP, a young and growing African university, which aims to be future-fit or relevant, we ought to view our teaching and learning, our research strategies, our engagements, and institutional culture as unavoidably entangled with human society, in which we continue to evolve as we serve them,” she said.
Professor Meyiwa identified ethical leadership grounded in good governance and accountability, putting people before culture, student-centred leadership, and building an institutional culture that serves surrounding communities as key priorities for her tenure.
Students, she said, remain at the centre of the University’s work.
“My students are at the centre of everything,” she said, emphasising the importance of producing graduates who demonstrate excellence, integrity, empathy and an appreciation of diversity.
She highlighted digital innovation, environmental sustainability, food security, biodiversity conservation, and research excellence with global impact among the areas requiring continued attention.
“A University must address the social and economic challenges facing South Africa and the continent through knowledge, innovation, partnerships and meaningful engagement. Our goal is to equip graduates not only for today’s jobs, but to drive Africa’s innovation and compete confidently on the global stage,” she said.
Professor Meyiwa also introduced the concept of Asicocisane – Asixoxeni, centred on dialogue, integrity and humane disagreement, as a platform for collaboration and engagement that will inform her leadership and institutional culture over the next four years.
“I believe in dialogues that are built on integrity to disagree humanely, to collaborate, to differ, to be, to become and to ultimately adapt,” she said.
She emphasised that the University’s teaching, learning and research must remain closely connected to the society it serves and responsive to the development needs of Mpumalanga, South Africa and the continent.
A collective commitment to UMP’s future
Congratulatory messages reflected the expectations placed on universities and on Professor Meyiwa as she begins her tenure.
Honourable Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, highlighted the role of universities in South Africa’s development.
“Universities are not merely institutions that award qualifications; they are places where ideas are debated, future leaders are developed, scientific discoveries are made, innovation is nurtured, and the social and economic future of our nation is shaped,” he said.
He described Professor Meyiwa as a distinguished academic and leader with a record of academic excellence, institutional leadership, research innovation and public service.
Mpumalanga Premier, Honourable Mandla Ndlovu, reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to working with UMP to address the social and economic challenges facing the province. He described UMP as a beacon of hope and highlighted its role in entrepreneurship, innovation, lifelong learning and economic development.
On behalf of Senate, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, described Professor Meyiwa’s appointment as an important moment in UMP’s continued development.
“Your appointment marks not only the beginning of a new chapter in your leadership, but an important moment for us that shows continued development and advancement of UMP. You have made us proud as women,” she said.
Representing UMP Management, Deputy Vice Chancellor: Postgraduate Studies, Engagement and Planning, Professor Moses Mbewe, described Professor Meyiwa as “the trusted one” and expressed confidence in her leadership.
“You are the trusted one, Prof. You are the trusted one with exceptional leadership. You are the trusted one with leadership of an exceptional team,” said Professor Mbewe.
Deputy Chairperson of Council, Ms Nqabisa Ravele, reaffirmed Council’s commitment to supporting Professor Meyiwa.
“We are confident that your leadership will continue to shape the University of Mpumalanga into a beacon of innovation, inclusivity and academic excellence,” she said.
NEHAWU Chairperson, Mr Sifiso Soko, and National Teacher Education Union Chairperson, Mr Phetelo Semosa, wished Professor Meyiwa wisdom, strength and resilience, emphasising the importance of collective effort, fairness, transparency, accountability and meaningful engagement.
Deputy President of the Student Representative Council, Mr Nhlanhla Maluleka, described the inauguration as a historic milestone for Professor Meyiwa and the wider UMP community.
“We have seen your leadership, and we are confident that under your leadership, the university will continue to work in excellence, transformation, and student-centred development,” he said.
President of Convocation, Mr Sipho Mogopudi, offered a reflection on the responsibilities of leadership, reminding Professor Meyiwa that the real test begins beyond the inauguration.
“The test doesn’t begin now as we congratulate you, but tomorrow as you start your work. Whenever you are met with temptation, trials and tribulations, remember it is only then that your character gets to be tested,” he said.
Professor Meyiwa’s inauguration affirmed a shared commitment by Council, Senate, management, staff, students, government and the University’s broader stakeholder community to work collectively towards the advancement of UMP.
Her inaugural address set out a leadership vision focused on students, people, ethical governance, meaningful engagement and a University that remains responsive to the needs of society. As UMP continues to grow, these priorities will shape its contribution through knowledge, research, innovation and partnerships, while strengthening its role as a future-fit African university.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.