On 26 March 2026, the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) bid a heartfelt farewell to Professor Xoliswa Mtose, the former vice-chancellor and principal, after diligently serving the University for 14 years.
Council members, industry partners, government, executive management, staff, student leadership, and friends of the University gathered in a bittersweet celebration to honour her remarkable career and enduring legacy.
Prof Mtose joined UNIZULU in June 2013 as Dean of the Faculty of Education. In April 2014, she was appointed Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, later serving as Acting Vice-Chancellor from 2014 to 2016 and in March 2016, she was officially appointed as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Her tenure has been marked by visionary leadership, resilience, and transformative achievements.
In his opening remarks, Chair of Council, Prof David Mabunda reflected, “It is with mixed feelings that we gather to say goodbye to a professional and distinguished academic leader who has not only been an integral part of our team but also a great friend and mentor to many. We will miss your presence, vivaciousness, and guidance, but we are extremely excited for you as you embark on this new chapter of your life.”
Speaking on behalf of the Convocation, Dr Nhlakanipho Nkwanyana praised her fortitude. “You did not merely survive the challenges, you thrived and conquered. The University’s strong financial position is a testament to your leadership,” he noted.
Dr Ncedo Xhala, Executive Director: Infrastructure, commended her authenticity and humility, “Your clarity of vision and strong sense of direction ensured that the University remained focused, progressive, and aligned with the mandate within the higher education landscape.”
For Prof Khoboso Lehloenya, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering, what stood out about Prof Mtose is her commitment to transformation. She said, “Your tenure will be remembered as one that did not merely speak about gender equality, but one that actively built it. You understood that transformation is incomplete without the intentional development of women’s capacity and leadership across all levels of the institution. Under your guidance, the University witnessed a visible increase in the representation of women in leadership roles.”
Support staff representative Thembi Ndimande expressed gratitude for Prof Mtose’s mentorship and unwavering support, while SRC President Sazi Ndlela urged the University community to carry her legacy forward. “The institution must not falter because a leader has left, those left behind must take the baton and continue the journey,” urged Ndlela.
Each faculty shared memories of Prof Mtose’s leadership and presented farewell gifts highlighting the deep impact she made across the University.
In her response to the well wishes and goodbye messages, Prof Mtose expressed her deepest gratitude, “I am humbled by the kindness, moved by your memories and truly grateful for the generosity with which you have spoken and given. To be celebrated by a community you love is a gift unlike any other. I will carry your words with me long after I have left this stage.”
She thanked student leadership for being her greatest teachers. “Your energy, idealism, and insistence on asking difficult questions reminded me daily why education matters, why the black child matters. What lingers in my heart is not goodbye but thank you. You have taught me what it means to labour with purpose. As I leave, I will carry with me a profound sense of gratitude, Ndiyabulela kakhulu.”
She further acknowledged the University community for the resilience shown in tough times and the joy shared in moments of success. “None of what I have accomplished would have been a success without the support of colleagues, students, council members, industry partners, alumni and convocation.”
Closing the ceremony, current Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Nokuthula Kunene acknowledged role players for making the event a success. “As we close, we are reminded that leadership is not only measured by the years of service but by the lives touched and the legacy left behind. Today, we celebrate such a legacy,” she reflected.
The occasion was filled with music, laughter, gifts, and warm embraces – a fitting tribute to a leader whose vision will continue to inspire UNIZULU for years to come.
- Nomusa Mangxa
Pictures: Samkele Sokhela
