To further enhance its academic leadership, the University of Fort Hare (UFH) has appointed four esteemed scholars to key senior management positions.
These new appointments, effective from March and April 2025, are aimed at bolstering the university’s commitment to excellence in research, teaching, and service.
The appointees are:
Professor Liezel Cilliers – as Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, effective March 1, 2025.
Professor Karabo Shale has been appointed Director: Postgraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowships, starting March 1, 2025
Professor Linda Lunga Sibali will take on the role of Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture. Starting April 1, 2025.
Professor Tsediso Michael Makoelle will join the University as Dean of the Faculty of Education on April 14, 2025.
Together, they bring a wealth of experience, diverse expertise, and a shared passion for advancing the institution’s academic vision.
A Leader in Health Informatics and Public Health
Professor Cilliers, who previously served as Acting Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Management and Commerce, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in health informatics and public health. She holds multiple degrees, including a D Phil in Information Sciences from the University of Fort Hare. Professor Cilliers has published extensively on health informatics and social media’s role in health, and she has supervised numerous postgraduate students, earning a prestigious NRF C-rating in 2022.
Expertise in Environmental Health and Research Training
Previously a Professor at the University of South Africa (UNISA), Professor Shale specializes in environmental health, water quality, food safety, and biotechnology. He has co-authored 66 accredited research publications and has supervised both doctoral and master’s students. Professor Shale’s extensive experience in postgraduate research training will be invaluable to UFH as the institution strengthens its research capabilities.
Advancing Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology
Prof Sibali, an environmental chemist, holds a Doctor of Technology degree in Environmental Management from Tshwane University of Technology. He has an extensive background in research and academic leadership, having worked at institutions such as the University of South Africa and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. His expertise lies in environmental chemistry and toxicology, focusing on pollutants in water and sediments.
A Global Expert in Educational Psychology and Inclusive Education
A globally recognized expert in educational psychology and inclusive education, Prof Makoelle holds a D Ed in Education Management and Leadership from the University of South Africa. He has been a full professor at Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan since 2023. He has published extensively in the fields of educational psychology and inclusive education. His vast experience supervising doctoral and master’s students will greatly benefit the Faculty of Education.
Vice-Chancellor’s Statement on New Appointments
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu expressed his excitement about these appointments. “It gives me great pleasure to announce these senior management appointments. These individuals bring exceptional academic leadership and expertise to their respective faculties. Their appointments are a significant step towards enhancing our institution’s commitment to research, teaching, and service excellence. We are confident that they will help drive the university’s vision of becoming a leading institution in higher education.”
Professor Buhlungu also took the opportunity to thank the outgoing acting leaders for their outstanding service. “I would like to thank Professor Uchechukwu Nwodo. He is serving in an acting capacity as the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Agriculture and who has also served as Acting Director: Postgraduate Studies and Postdoctoral Fellowships, for his excellent leadership in these portfolios. Likewise, Professor Mzuyanda Mavuso is very effectively steering the Faculty of Education as Acting Dean of the Faculty. The leadership he has provided is much appreciated.”
UFH looks forward to the contributions the new appointees will make in shaping the institution’s future and advancing its mission of delivering high-quality education and research.