UMP inaugurates Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa as vice chancellor

Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa formally assumed office as vice chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) during a ceremony held on Friday, August 14.

The inauguration brought together university leaders, members of the council and senate, government representatives, organised labour, students, family members and other stakeholders to witness the formal assumption of office by Meyiwa.

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Council commits to Vision 2030

Welcoming guests to the occasion, council chairperson Sabelo Mahlalela reaffirmed the support of the council and the broader UMP community as the institution continues to pursue Vision 2030.

“Today marks more than the inauguration of a vice chancellor; it marks a renewed commitment to the future of the UMP. Together, we will continue building an institution that transforms lives through excellence in teaching, research, innovation and meaningful partnerships,” said Mahlalela.

Meyiwa outlines vision for African university

A defining moment of the ceremony came when UMP chancellor Justice Mandisa Maya officially inaugurated and invested Meyiwa as vice chancellor and principal. The ceremonial investiture formally marked Meyiwa’s assumption of the executive leadership position at the university.

In her inaugural address, Meyiwa reflected on the expectations associated with her new role and the responsibility of leading a young and growing African university.

“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,” she said.

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Meyiwa identified dialogue, courage and collaboration as important principles that will shape the next four years of her tenure.

“With the recent launch of the Asicoceni-Asixoxeni campaign, I believe in dialogues that are built on integrity to disagree humanely, to collaborate, to differ, to be, to become and, ultimately, to adapt,” said Meyiwa.

Stakeholders share messages of support

Messages of support across the university community reflected confidence in Meyiwa and highlighted the collective responsibility for advancing UMP’s academic and institutional mandate.

On behalf of the senate, deputy vice chancellor for teaching and learning Prof Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele congratulated Meyiwa on her appointment.

“Your appointment marks not only the beginning of a new chapter in your leadership, but it is an important moment for us that shows the continued development and advancement of UMP. You have made us proud as women,” she said.

She further assured Meyiwa of the senate’s commitment to working collectively with her and the university leadership to advance excellence in education, research and innovation, community engagement and institutional transformation.

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On behalf of the Meyiwa family, Khwezi Magwaza congratulated Meyiwa, paying tribute to her leadership, humility and unwavering devotion to her family.

“To the university community, you are gaining an extraordinary leader. To us, she remains our anchor. We are so proud of you and feel endlessly blessed to witness you live out this next incredible chapter at the UMP,” she said.

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu congratulated Meyiwa on her inauguration as vice chancellor and principal of the UMP.

“Congratulations, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, on your inauguration as vice chancellor and principal. We are confident that your leadership will strengthen the university and its contribution to the people of Mpumalanga,” said Ndlovu.