Fort Hare’s new vice-chancellor faces challenge of restoring university stability

The University of Fort Hare is preparing for a leadership transition after appointing Professor Wezile Chitha as its next vice-chancellor and principal, following the dismissal of his predecessor, Sakhela Buhlungu, over misconduct findings.

Chitha was unanimously appointed by the university council on Oct 16 and is scheduled to assume office on January 1, 2027. He currently serves as executive dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Walter Sisulu University.

The appointment follows months of uncertainty surrounding Buhlungu, who was placed on precautionary suspension in March and resigned on Sep 28 while facing disciplinary proceedings.

The council continued the process and terminated his employment on Oct 21 after an independent disciplinary inquiry found him guilty of two counts of misconduct, according to the university’s account.

Parliament calls for stability and good governance

South Africa’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training welcomed Chitha’s appointment, saying it hoped the change would strengthen stability and good governance at Fort Hare.

The committee also called on university management, students and other stakeholders to work together to improve students’ lives and academic experience.

The university council said the appointment followed a recruitment process involving candidate assessments, strategic presentations and interviews. Chitha emerged as the highest-ranked candidate in assessments by both the senate and institutional forum, according to the university.

Incoming leader faces institutional priorities

Chitha is a medical doctor and health economist with experience in academic leadership, public health policy and university administration. He is also president of the Health Professions Council of South Africa for the 2025–2030 term.

The university has identified governance, financial sustainability, infrastructure, research and the student experience as priorities for its next long-term strategic framework, which will be guided by its vision for 2040.

His appointment marks a change in leadership, but the university’s progress on these priorities will depend on decisions taken after he assumes office. The institution has yet to demonstrate how the transition will translate into measurable improvements in governance and campus life.