The appointment by Nelson Mandela University (NMU) of Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi as Chancellor and Professor Sibongile Muthwa as Vice-Chancellor bodes well for taking this university to even greater heights. In a message delivered to NUM in support of these appointments, Professor Ahmed Bawa, Chief Executive Officer of Universities South Africa said this of the two new appointees:

Chancellor Fraser-Moleketi is the very embodiment of the idea of a servant-leader, of integrity, of commitment to the project of nation-building and social justice. A stalwart of the struggle against apartheid, she has a deep understanding of the role of universities in the project of national renewal and growth. She is an outstanding appointment and will act as a beacon for the University, its students and staff, and for the whole higher education sector.

Professor Sibongile Muthwa is well known in the South African higher education sector. She is highly respected as a leader and as an outstanding social scientist. She brings vast international and national experience to this new adventure. Her studies towards a Masters at the London School of Economics and a PhD at the School of Oriental and Africa Studies provide her with study experiences from two very substantial global institutions.

The appointment of these two outstanding leaders together with the Chair of the University Council, Ms Nozipho January-Bardill, signals an important moment of history-making in the South African higher education system. It will be the first time that the three most senior leadership and governance positions at any of our universities will be occupied by women.  Professor Muthwa’s expertise in public leadership and her experience as mentor to young women will be heavily drawn upon as the system continues to act on the deep gender imbalances that characterise it.

From left: Mrs Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, new NMU Chancellor, Prof Sibongile Muthwa, new NMU Vice-Chancellor and Ms Nozipho January-Bardill, Chair of the NMU University Council.

Universities SA looks forward to working closely with Professor Muthwa and to drawing her into leadership roles in the national system. Her recent appointment by the Board of Universities SA to Chair the Funding Strategy Group will allow the organisation to benefit from her expertise, experience and passion.

Click here for speeches delivered by both Chancellor Fraser-Moleketi and Vice-Chancellor Muthwa at their installation ceremony.