Saki Macozoma Appointed Next Walter Sisulu University Chancellor

Prominent businessman and former anti-apartheid activist to succeed Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo in April 2027.

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has appointed renowned business leader and former political activist Sakumzi “Saki” Macozoma as its next chancellor.

Macozoma will assume the role on 1 April 2027, succeeding Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo, and will become the first male chancellor of the university since its establishment in 2005.

The appointment was unanimously approved by the university council during its meeting on 27 October 2026.

Unanimous Council Approval

WSU Council Chairperson Professor Tembeka Ngcukaitobi described the appointment as a significant milestone for the institution.

According to the university, Macozoma’s extensive experience in business leadership, governance and higher education positions him to play a key role in strengthening the university’s long-term development goals.

The council believes his leadership and national profile will assist the institution in expanding partnerships, improving financial sustainability and advancing transformation initiatives.

A Distinguished Career

Macozoma is one of South Africa’s most respected business executives.

He currently chairs several major organisations, including:

• Safika Holdings
• Vodacom Group
• Tshipi é Ntle
• Ntsimbintle Mining

His previous leadership roles include serving as chair of Liberty Life Holdings and MTN Group, deputy chair of Standard Bank Group and president of Business Leadership South Africa.

He also served as managing director of Transnet and chaired Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Communications during South Africa’s early democratic years.

Strong Links to Higher Education

Beyond the corporate world, Macozoma has extensive experience in higher education governance.

His contributions include service on the Council on Higher Education and leadership positions within the University of the Witwatersrand council, where he served as both deputy chairperson and chairperson.

University officials believe this combination of academic governance experience and business expertise will benefit WSU as it seeks to strengthen its reputation for teaching, research and innovation.

Supporting WSU’s Next Growth Phase

Ngcukaitobi said WSU has spent recent years consolidating its institutional structure following the merger that created the university.

The institution’s next phase focuses on strengthening its position as a leading university serving rural and underprivileged communities while producing high-quality research and graduates.

University leaders believe Macozoma’s business networks and strategic insight can help attract investment, support entrepreneurship programmes and improve institutional resilience in an environment of declining government funding.

Tribute to Outgoing Chancellor

The university also paid tribute to outgoing Chancellor Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo for her leadership and contribution during a period of institutional consolidation.

Gobodo made history as the university’s first chancellor drawn from its alumni and served with distinction since May 2023.

She succeeded Sheila Sisulu, while founding Chancellor Dr Brigalia Bam held the position from the university’s establishment in 2005 until 2015.

Looking Ahead

WSU, which was formed through the merger of the University of Transkei, Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon, has campuses in Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Komani.

University leadership expressed confidence that Macozoma’s appointment will strengthen the institution’s national and international standing.

His term is expected to begin officially in April 2027, with his first major ceremonial responsibilities including presiding over graduation ceremonies the following month.