Thoko Mayekiso
Thoko Mayekiso | |
|---|---|
| University of Mpumalanga | |
| Founding Vice-Chancellor and Principal | |
| In office 1 November 2014 – October 2025 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Education | University of Fort Hare (BA, BA Hons, MA) Free University of Berlin (DPhil) |
| Occupation | Psychologist, academic administrator |
Thokozile "Thoko" Mayekiso is a South African psychologist and academic administrator who served as the founding Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) from 1 November 2014 to October 2025.[1][2]
Early life and education
[edit]Mayekiso was born in Mcobotini near Lusikisiki in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, into a family of educators.[1] Her father, Sitututu Upington Mayekiso, was a high school principal, and her mother, Nozipho Muriel Mayekiso, came from Qumbu.[3] She received her BA Honours, and MA in Psychology from the University of Fort Hare.[4] She earned a DPhil in Psychology (cum laude) from the Free University of Berlin in Germany.[5]
Academic career
[edit]Mayekiso began her career as a senior lecturer in Psychology at the former University of Transkei (now part of Walter Sisulu University), rising to associate professor, full professor, Head of Department, and Vice-Dean of Arts.[4][6] From 2007, at Nelson Mandela University, she was appointed as the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and then Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Engagement until 2014.[7] In the same year, she was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of UMP from its founding, starting with temporary facilities and growing it to multiple campuses in Mbombela and Siyabuswa.[2]
Research and honours
[edit]Mayekiso's research focuses on psychology, including HIV/AIDS, poverty, adolescent adjustment, and child abuse.[4] She holds a C3 rating from the National Research Foundation (2013–2024).[8] In 2025, she received the ENACTUS Champion Award for leadership.[7] She is a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa.[9]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Prof Thoko Mayekiso — the SA woman who turned a golf course into a university". Daily Maverick. 22 May 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ a b "University of Mpumalanga bids farewell to founding vice chancellor". Mpumalanga News. 1 November 2025. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "Prof Thoko Mayekiso — the SA woman who turned a golf course into a university". Tshwane University of Technology. 23 May 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ a b c "Thoko Mayekiso – CIRGE". Center for Innovation and Research in Graduate Education. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "Leadership Special Edition: University of Mpumalanga". Leadership Magazine. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "A Leading Light in Education". Issuu. August 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Cover Story - Professor Thoko Mayekiso, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Mpumalanga". Issuu. August 2024. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "UMP - Thoko". University of Mpumalanga. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "Members". Academy of Science of South Africa. Retrieved 2025-11-22.