Mbombela (Nelspruit) – Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa has been inaugurated as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).
The inauguration ceremony was held at the university’s main campus in Mbombela earlier today, Friday 7 August 2026.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, in her capacity as the UMP Chancellor, presided over the inauguration of Professor Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the higher education institution.
Notably, Professor Meyiwa is the second female to occupy the position of Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UMP since its inception in 2014.
A vice-chancellor is the chief executive officer of a university, responsible for daily operations, academic leadership, and strategic management.
The founding Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the university was Professor Thokozile Mayekiso, who served until October last year.
Professor Meyiwa took over in an acting capacity until she was confirmed in the position today.
Chief Justice Maya said: “Since you have accepted this appointment, I have pleasure in announcing that the powers, rights and privileges of the office of Vice-Chancellor of the University are now conferred upon you.
“To signify your inauguration and acceptance of office, I now invest you with the Vice-Chancellor’s official robe.”
Chairperson of the Council of the University of Mpumalanga, Sabelo Mahlalela, said: “Today marks more than the inauguration of a Vice-Chancellor.
“It marks a renewed commitment to the future of the University of Mpumalanga.
“Together, we will continue building an institution that transforms lives through excellence in teaching, research, innovation and meaningful partnerships.”
UMP has come a long way since it opened its first doors of learning in 2014.
The main campus is in Mbombela with a satellite campus in Siyabuswa under the Dr JS Moroka Local Municipality.
UMP and Sol Plaatjie University in the Northern Cape are the only universities that were established post-apartheid.
Professor Meyiwa said: “As I stand before you today, I am conscious of the expectations that accompany this office.
“Yet, as a young and growing African university, we must view our teaching and learning, our research, our engagement and our institutional culture as inseparable from the society we serve.”
Parliament Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Honourable Tebogo Letsie, said: “Today not only marks the formal assumption of office by a distinguished academic and leader, but also the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of one of South Africa’s youngest universities”.
