PREMIER NDLOVU WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF PROFESSOR THENJIWE MEYIWA AS VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA
Premier Mandla Ndlovu of Mpumalanga formally welcomed Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa following her appointment as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).
Premier Ndlovu congratulated Professor Meyiwa, describing her appointment as a significant milestone not only for the university, but as a proud moment for the Province of Mpumalanga.
In welcoming Professor Meyiwa, Premier Ndlovu also highlighted the significance of the University of Mpumalanga Council's choice to entrust the university's leadership to a woman of such calibre.
“I commend the University of Mpumalanga Council for demonstrating visionary and progressive leadership by appointing a woman of Professor Meyiwa's stature as Vice-Chancellor. This decision reflects a strong commitment to gender transformation, equity, and excellence in higher education.
“It sends a powerful message that women are not only capable but essential in steering our institutions towards greater heights. In a province and country where we continue to advance women's empowerment and representation in leadership roles, this appointment is inspiring,” said Premier Ndlovu.
The Premier emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships between the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and the University of Mpumalanga to support skills development. He confirmed that the government is dedicated to partnering with the university’s leadership to promote an educated and inclusive Mpumalanga.
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATE PROPERTIES FOR CONVERSION TO STATE OFFICES
The Executive Council welcomed the ongoing efforts by the Department of Public Works Roads and Transport to repurpose the underutilised state-owned properties into government offices.
The Executive Council highlighted that this strategy would reduce spending on private rentals and ensure that the underused public resources are better allocated to serve the community more efficiently.
Public Works Roads and Transport Department was directed to revisit and consolidate its report on underutilised state properties, with a specific focus on accelerating their conversion into functional government offices.
EXCO emphasised that the department must expedite the process, including detailed assessments of property conditions, locations, and potential refurbishment requirements, to enable swift implementation. The consolidated report is expected to inform prioritised conversions and intergovernmental collaboration.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2026 MPUMALANGA PREMIER’S CUP
The Executive Council has approved the staging of the annual Premier’s Cup in July 2026, confirming the event as a key future fixture on the province’s sporting calendar.
The Premier’s Cup will bring together soccer and netball teams from across all districts of Mpumalanga and will serve as a platform to promote sports, youth development, healthy lifestyles, and social cohesion among communities.
The EXCO’s decision reaffirms the Provincial Government’s commitment to investing in sport as a powerful tool for social transformation, talent identification, and building pride in our province.
EXCO further instructed that the tournament should facilitate the promotion of additional sporting disciplines such as boxing and indigenous games by collaborating with various talent scouts to benefit the children especially from the rural areas.
ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS
- The Chief Executive Officer of Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has received approval to participate in cross-border task team meetings in Mozambique and Swaziland for a period of six months.
- The Premier of Mpumalanga, the MEC for Economic Development and Tourism and administrative delegation will attend the 15th Annual Investment Meeting in Dubai, United Arab of Emirates in April 2026.
- EXCO endorsed the extension of contract of appointment for Mr Senzangakhona Jan Mkhwanazi as Acting Deputy Director-General: Curriculum (Department of Education).
APPOINTMENTS
EXCO approved the following appointments:
- Mr Raymond Paul Mgwenya – Director: Legal Services (Department of Education)
- Mr Sibusiso Muhammed Mabuza – Director: Infrastructure and Planning (Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport)
- Ms Lindiwe Glorance Skosana – Director: Human Resource Utilisation (Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport)
- Mr Jabulane Wonderboy Shabangu – Regional Director: Gert Sibande District (Public Works, Roads and Transport)
- Mr Bongani Phillemon Kubhayi – Chief Director: Civilian Secretariat (Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison)
Ends.
Issued by the Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Office of the Premier
Contact Person: MEC Thulasizwe Thomo (EXCO Spokesperson)
Enquiries: Mr George Mthethwa (Mpumalanga Provincial Government Spokesperson)
Contact: 013 766 2242/ 083 302 2774.