Tag Archives: Tebogo Letsie

The University of Mpumalanga appoints Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as new vice-chancellor

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Picture: The newly appointed University of Mpumalanga Vice Chancellor, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

9 April 2025 – The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Tebogo Letsie, has warmly welcomed the appointment of Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa as the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). Letsie said they extend their heartfelt congratulations to Meyiwa on her appointment.

He further said the committee is confident in her leadership, vision and ability to steer UMP towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation. Letsie added that they are pleased that the council has once again appointed a female Vice-Chancellor to lead this esteemed institution.

“This is a positive and progressive step in a sector that continues to be largely male dominated. The committee also expressed its sincere gratitude to the outgoing Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, for her exceptional service and leadership since the establishment of UMP in 2013.

“We thank Mayekiso for her dedicated service and wish her the very best in her future endeavours. Meyiwa brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role,” he said.

Letsie said since 2018, she has served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of South Africa. He said her distinguished career includes several senior academic and administrative roles across various institutions.

“Meyiwa is set to officially assume her duties as Vice-Chancellor of UMP on 1 October 2025,” said Letsie.

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Committee calls for calm amid accommodation challenges 

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Picture: Students embarked on protests at Cape Peninsula University of Technology/Google

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

11 February 2025- The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, has expressed profound concern over the ongoing accommodation crisis at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). This crisis has left hundreds of students desperate and forced to sleep wherever they find shelter.

“The scenes at CPUT and NMU are deeply troubling, particularly following the committee’s recent oversight visits to institutions in North West and Gauteng Provinces to assess readiness for the 2025 academic year. 

“While institutions assured the committee of their preparedness, the current crisis underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny of these assurances. The systemic failure to address recurring student accommodation shortages reflects a broader institutional and governmental neglect of student welfare,” he said. 

Letsie condemned the involvement of private security forces at CPUT, which resulted in violent clashes and injuries to students. He further said the use of excessive force is unacceptable. 

“Security personnel must prioritise de-escalation and protection, not repression. Students advocating for their right to education deserve empathy, not violence,” added Letsie.  

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