MGWEBI’S SMILE NOT WEAKNESS, INAUGURATION DELAGATES WARN

The complexities of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu should not define the cordial character of newly inaugurated Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, according to felicitation remarks at her inauguration and investiture.

Mgwebi assumed her duties as Vice-Chancellor and Principal at Walter Sisulu at the beginning of the 2026 academic year after her appointment in December of the year 2025. 

Congratulatory messages poured in from peers, industry leaders and family on the august occasion of her inauguration.

“I've never assumed that your friendliness is meaning that you are a weak leader, but it means that you can listen and able to take necessary decisions. So please don't try and change your personality, but use it wisely in this complex environment that you in,” said SA Ambassador and Permanent delegate at UNESCO, Dr Phil Mjwara.

Mjwara lauded Mgwebi’s vast academic and leadership experience in institutions such as Nelson Mandela University and the National Research foundation and how it will assist her navigate through the complex landscape of Walte Sisulu.

“And then another weapon that you have is your personality and ability to engage with everyone will go a long way towards providing the environment for engagement with all the stakeholders, especially internal stakeholders,” Mjwara added.

Mgwebi’s old time friend and fellow academic, Professor Somadoda Fikeni, echoes similar sentiments to Mjwara when it came to the leadership prowess and whimsical personality of Mgwebi.

Fikeni, a former Council Chairperson of Walter Sisulu, cautioned Mgwebi against defying her character in attempts to exert power and assertiveness.

“Remember this, be firm, but be fair,” said Fikeni.

Even to those people who might look like they are opposing, you must trust, but verify, because everybody will come gossip about the other because they want to squeeze oxygen. Even in times of crisis, like those old refrigerators which used to have heating at the back, but in front, they had to produce ice. Regulate the temperature,” added Fikeni.
 

Furthermore, Fikeni emphasised that the leadership challenge of today is not what you know, but how you unleash the potential of other people. He reminded Mgwebi of three values to always uphold: honesty, courage, compassion and vision.

“Each one of these values will produce a little, but will go a long way. You'll meet students who, because of the pain they suffer, will always be clamouring at your door. Listen. Some of them come from broken families. Some of them will hail insults at you. Some of them will write cartoons about you in the toilets. Love them irrespective. “

The overarching message to Mgwebi as Vice Chancellor was that she needs to engage political leadership and be constantly looking for what the university can offer as solutions to social economic development in the Eastern Cape Province.

By Sinawo Hermans