University of Fort Hare appoints Prof Chitha as Vice-Chancellor

The University of Fort Hare (UFH) in the Eastern Cape has appointed a new Vice-Chancellor (VC) who will assume office in the first quarter of 2027.

The institution’s council announced Professor Wezile Chitha as the new VC last week.

His appointment comes a month after the resignation of Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, who was suspended for flouting HR processes at the institution.

Convocation Executive Committee President, Ayabulela Pezisa, says this appointment will bring stability to the institution.

“This appointment represents more than a change in leadership it presents an opportunity to strengthen institutional stability.

To strengthen academic excellence, to restore confidence, as well as to connect the university with its people,” says Pezisa. 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝘇𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗮 𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹 The Council of the University of Fort Hare has announced the appointment of Professor Wezile Chitha as the University’s new Vice-Chancellor and Principal, following a unanimous decision at a Special Council Meeting held on Friday, 16 October 2026.

Professor Chitha, an accomplished academic, medical doctor and higher education executive, is expected to assume office during the first quarter of 2027.

Announcing the appointment, the Chairperson of Council, Dr Siyanda Makaula, described the decision as a significant milestone in the University’s institutional development.

READ MORE I https://t.co/RDulfhgHCB — University of Fort Hare (@ufh1916) October 17, 2026 RELATED VIDEO | Fort Hare students slam Buhlungu’s contract extension