The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has appointed seasoned feminist scholar Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, as the new vice-chancellor, effective from October 1, 2025.

Meyiwa will succeed Prof Thoko Mayekiso, who has been the institution’s vice -chancellor and principal since its establishment in 2014.

The UMP council chairperson Sabelo Mahlalela said they took Meyiwa’s recognised academic standing and track record of visionary, transformational and ethical leadership in higher eduction into account, when appointing her as their new mandarin.

“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.

“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,” Mahlalela said in a statement.

Prior to this appointment, she served in various academic roles at different institutions of higher learning, having been an institutional registrar at DUT, held a position of research director, education and skills development at Human Science Research Council and amongst others.

UMP SRC Secretary Olive Vilakazi welcomed the appointment of Meyiwa and urged her to address the staff shortages at the university.

“The SRC submitted concerns about staff shortages in critical areas, including administrative offices and financial aid processing units.

“We urge her to prioritise the recruitment of additional staff to prevent delays in handling academic records, NSFAS-related matters, and course registrations,” Vilakazi said.