University of Limpopo announces new Vice Chancellor
The University of Limpopo has announced a new Vice-Chancellor and Principal to succeed the incumbent Prof Mahlo Mokgalong as of 1 January 2026.
Prof Mokgalong was appointed vice-chancellor of the University in 2003, making him the country’s longest-serving vice-chancellor.
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Under Prof Mokgalong’s tenure as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, the University delivered 605 doctoral and 5 281 Master’s graduates. He also established the School of Medicine as a flagship of health sciences studies in Limpopo.
In the past eleven years, the University has achieved unqualified audit opinions, culminating in unqualified audit opinions with no findings for the 2023 and 2024 financial years.
He joined the University as a student 54 years ago and later as Junior Researcher, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Deputy Dean, Executive Dean and Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
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In a communiqué sent out on Friday, the University has announced the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Mabelebele as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo.
“The Council of the University of Limpopo would like to take this moment to enthusiastically thank Prof. Mokgalong for having dedicated his life to this majestic institution,” said the chairperson of the council, Pandelani Nefolovhodwe.
“As Council, we are heartily indebted to Prof. Mokgalong for his selfless, student-centred and makoya Batho-Pele driven leadership, which made the University of Limpopo to be what it is today.”
“Dr Mabelebele impressed Council with his compelling vision, which resonates with the University’s motto, Finding Solutions for Africa,” said Nefolovhodwe.
According to Mr Nefolovhodwe, Dr Mabelebele demonstrated a profound understanding of the University’s core project — teaching and learning, research, and community engagement — and articulated a clear strategy for enhancing financial sustainability.
Dr Mabelebele is the Registrar of the University of Limpopo. He is also currently serving as acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University.
