The University of Fort Hare has appointed Professor Wezile Chitha as its next Vice-Chancellor and Principal. His appointment comes at an important stage in the institution’s plans to strengthen its academic standing and shape its future.
Professor Chitha brings experience in academic leadership, medical education, institutional governance and public health. He is expected to take office during the first quarter of 2027.
For students, staff and alumni, the appointment represents an important leadership transition. It also places renewed attention on the university’s ambitions for academic excellence, research and an improved student experience.
Professor Wezile Chitha Appointed Following Unanimous Decision
The University of Fort Hare Council confirmed the appointment following a Special Council Meeting on 16 October 2026.
Council Chairperson Dr Siyanda Makaula described the decision as an important milestone in the university’s development.
“The appointment of Professor Chitha marks an important moment in the history of the University of Fort Hare as we advance our journey of institutional re-visioning and rebirth. Council was unanimous in its decision, reflecting our collective confidence in his leadership capabilities, academic credentials and experience in institutional governance and transformation.”
As they look towards 2040, their responsibility is to build a University that honours its extraordinary history while responding decisively to the demands of the future. This requires more than academic excellence and research distinction. It demands institutional stability, effective governance, sustainable infrastructure and, fundamentally, a student experience that reflects the dignity, aspirations and potential of every young person who chooses Fort Hare.
Dr Makula also praised Professor Chitha saying,
“We are confident that Professor Chitha possesses the strategic vision, executive experience and leadership qualities necessary to advance these priorities and guide the University into its next chapter,”
The appointment followed a comprehensive recruitment process. It included candidate screening, competency-based assessments, strategic presentations and formal interviews.
Shortlisted candidates presented their visions for the university’s development towards 2040. The presentations took place before a joint sitting of Council, Senate and the Institutional Forum.
Representatives from the Student Representative Council, Convocation and organised labour also participated.
Notably, Professor Chitha emerged as the highest-ranked candidate in both the Senate and Institutional Forum assessments.
A Career Combining Medicine And Higher Education Leadership
Professor Chitha brings an academic background that combines medicine, public health and health economics.
He holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). Additionally, he completed a Master’s degree in Public Health, specialising in Health Economics, at the University of Cape Town.
He also holds a PhD in Public Health from Walter Sisulu University.
He currently serves as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Walter Sisulu University. He is also an Associate Professor of Health Systems and Policy.
His previous leadership positions include Acting Assistant Dean for Strategic Affairs at the University of the Witwatersrand. He also served as founding Director of the Albertina Sisulu Centre for Global Health and Research.
Furthermore, Professor Chitha was elected President of the Health Professions Council of South Africa for the 2025–2030 term.
His professional experience includes institutional restructuring, strategic partnerships, organisational transformation and service delivery innovation.
His research interests cover health systems strengthening, public health policy, health economics and equitable access to healthcare.
University Of Fort Hare Sets Its Sights On 2040
Professor Chitha’s appointment comes as the university prepares to develop a new long-term strategic framework.
The institution’s ambitions towards 2040 include strengthening academic programmes, expanding research impact and improving institutional sustainability.
Infrastructure development and effective governance will also feature prominently.
However, the university has placed particular emphasis on the student experience.
For students, this could have significant implications for the quality of campus life, academic support and access to learning opportunities.
Furthermore, stable governance and sustainable infrastructure are important foundations for universities seeking to improve teaching and research.
The incoming Vice-Chancellor will therefore face the challenge of turning these priorities into practical institutional improvements.
Leadership Transition Calls For University-Wide Support
Dr Makaula emphasised that the university’s future would depend on the involvement of its wider community.
“On behalf of Council, I warmly congratulate Professor Chitha on his appointment. The future of Fort Hare is a shared responsibility, and its success will depend on the collective commitment of our students, staff, alumni and institutional stakeholders. We look forward to working with him to strengthen institutional stability, advance academic excellence and build a future worthy of Fort Hare’s remarkable history and aspirations.”
He also highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in the university’s next chapter.
The Fort Hare they want has always been about more than the appointment of one individual. It is about the future they aspire to build together. Today, they have taken a decisive step towards that future by appointing the leader they believe Fort Hare needs.
The message places students, staff, alumni and other stakeholders at the centre of the institution’s future.
What The Appointment Means For South African Higher Education
Leadership changes at public universities can influence academic priorities, research development and institutional stability.
Professor Chitha’s appointment comes with expectations that extend beyond university administration. His experience in health systems and public-sector governance could also inform the institution’s approach to research and partnerships.
Meanwhile, the university’s focus on 2040 provides a longer-term framework for assessing progress.
For students, the key measure will be whether these ambitions translate into stronger academic support and a better university experience.
For educators and researchers, the priorities around research capacity and academic excellence will also be important.
Ultimately, Professor Chitha’s leadership will be judged by the progress the university makes towards these commitments. His appointment marks the beginning of that next chapter, with the first quarter of 2027 set as his expected start date.
