The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) council, led by Prof Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, has unanimously appointed Sakumzi "Saki" Macozoma as the institution's next chancellor, effective April 1, 2027. Macozoma, a prominent business leader and former political activist, will succeed Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo and become the first male chancellor to lead WSU since its formation in 2005. With his vast corporate network and extensive governance experience, Macozoma is expected to drive transformation and improve financial sustainability at the university.
Macozoma's career spans business, public service, and higher education governance. He currently chairs several companies, including Safika Holdings, Tshipi é Ntle, Ntsimbintle Mining, and the Vodacom Group. His previous roles include chair of Liberty Life Holdings and the MTN Group, deputy chair of the Standard Bank Group, and president of Business Leadership SA. Macozoma also served as managing director of Transnet and chaired parliament's portfolio committee on communications during the early years of democracy.
The university council believes Macozoma's unique combination of business leadership and university governance experience makes him well-suited to serve WSU. His experience includes serving on the Council on Higher Education and as deputy chair and chair of the Wits University council. Macozoma is also patron of the Boy Scouts of SA and the Key School of Autism, which supports children with autism. He was a prominent student activist during the 1976 uprisings and a former Volkswagen SA board member.
Prof Ngcukaitobi expressed his enthusiasm for Macozoma's appointment, stating that he embodies the values of Walter Sisulu, the selfless and dedicated leader of the people of South Africa. Ngcukaitobi expects Macozoma to become an activist and transformational chancellor, using his business relationships and experience in higher education governance to help strengthen the institution. Macozoma will preside over graduation ceremonies in May 2027.
The university is currently undergoing a critical phase of consolidation, with a focus on good governance and accountability in teaching and research. Macozoma's appointment is seen as a strategic move to support this process. He will help open doors, support entrepreneurship programs, and improve the university's financial sustainability. WSU has campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City, and Komani, and aims to grant access to underprivileged students from rural communities.
The outgoing chancellor, Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo, will step down on March 31, 2027, after serving since May 2023. Gobodo was WSU's first chancellor drawn from its alumni and played a crucial role in the university's transition and consolidation. The council paid tribute to her contribution, thanking her for assuming the responsibility of chancellor with wisdom, humility, and grace.
WSU was established in 2005 through the merger of the University of Transkei, Border Technikon, and Eastern Cape Technikon. The university is named after the liberation struggle stalwart Walter Sisulu. With Macozoma at the helm, WSU aims to consolidate its national and global standing as an institution defined by accessibility, authenticity, and excellence.
Key points
- Saki Macozoma's appointment as WSU chancellor is expected to drive transformation and improve financial sustainability.
- Macozoma brings decades of executive leadership experience across top South African corporations and university councils.
- The university aims to grant access to underprivileged students from rural communities and produce cutting-edge research output.
