The North-West University (NWU) Council unanimously elected a new chairperson and deputy chairperson at its Council meeting on Thursday, June 1.

René Kenosi, a qualified chartered accountant with more than 30 years’ experience in governance, risk management, audit and counter corruption, is the new chairperson, and Pastor Piet Maleme Tlhabanyane, a seasoned faith leader and community development practitioner, will serve as deputy chairperson.

The newly elected Council members will assume their roles from 28 July 2026.

René succeeds Bert Sorgdrager, who served on the Council from 22 June 2017 to 27 July 2026, a period spanning more than nine years. In addition to serving three consecutive terms from the ranks of the Convocation, Bert also served as the sixth chairperson of Council from 23 June 2022.

His tenure was characterised by steady leadership, principled governance and an unwavering commitment to the vision and mission of the NWU. Under his guidance, the Council fostered accountability, strengthened institutional integrity and championed decisions that placed staff, students and communities at the centre of its work.

New chairperson honoured to serve the NWU in new capacity

René, the incoming chairperson, joined the Council in 2021 and has been deputy chairperson since 2023. She has also served on the executive committee of the Council and various subcommittees.

“I am proud and honoured to continue serving the NWU in my new role as chairperson. With the support of the Council and management, we will continue to govern and steer the university to meet the challenges of the future,” says René.

She holds BCompt Accounting Science and BCompt Accounting Science (honours) degrees, as well as a Certificate in the Theory of Accounting from the University of South Africa.

Her professional background includes her current role as director at Fraudsmiths (Pty) Ltd, and former roles are executive investigator at Bowmans Law Inc, senior manager at SizweNtsalubaGobodo, and senior internal auditor at Nedbank.

René has served on numerous boards and committees across the public and private sectors, including serving as an audit and risk committee member at the CIPC, Department of Home Affairs and National Consumer Commission, and as chairperson of the boards of the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors, Anova Health Institute NPC and Rand Water SOC Ltd.

Pastor Piet looking forward to new leadership position

Pastor Piet, the newly elected deputy chairperson, is currently serving his third term as a Council member, having first been elected in 2020.

“My affiliation with the NWU goes back many years and I look forward to my new role. To be involved with a university of this stature is indeed an honour.”

With a career spanning more than 40 years, he has made significant contributions in education, governance, ministry and social development. He is currently a senior pastor at Bethesda Kingdom Ministries International and is widely recognised for his work in community upliftment, social advocacy, social cohesion and moral regeneration initiatives.

His governance experience includes serving on several boards and councils, including the North West Parks and Tourism Board, the North West Provincial Council on AIDS, the International Third World Leaders Association and the North West Provincial Health Council. He has also served as adviser on matters of reconciliation, healing and renewal.

Pastor Piet holds a BA honours degree in Theology from the NWU, as well as qualifications in public administration from the former University of Bophuthatswana.

The Council expressed full confidence in René and Pastor Piet and congratulated them on their election, wishing them well in the important responsibilities ahead.