Only two weeks before one of the terms of reference for the Administrator, Professor Lourens van Staden, to facilitate the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University, is fulfilled. On 26 July 2024, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya was announced as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University. On 1 August 2024, Professor Sibiya officially began her tenure as the leader of the Institution. On 1 November 2024, Professor Sibiya will be installed as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University at the University’s iconic Dr Pixley kaSeme Hall. For several reasons, the installation of Professor Sibiya has been described as a “landmark” event. Professor Sibiya is the first woman Vice-Chancellor and principal in 45 years of the university’s existence. Also, Professor Sibiya was born in Umlazi Township, where the University is located. During the 2024 Women’s Day event, Professor Sibiya appealed to staff to work with her in sorting out these problems identified in the previous assessor reports, some of which she mentioned in her presentation to staff before her appointment.
It is the first installation ceremony that is open to all MUT staff who want to be part of this university’s milestone event. Officials from the Department of Higher Education and Training, local school principals, representatives of other countries, GIZ Germany, USA represented Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, the media, and MUT staff are expected to attend the event.