Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga takes on the role of chancellor at Rhodes University

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has been elected to succeed Justice Lex Mpati as the chancellor of Rhodes University in Makhanda, Eastern Cape.

Madlanga recently retired after a distinguished decade-long service on the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

He now chairs the Madlanga Commission, a landmark inquiry into corruption, criminality, and political interference within the justice system in South Africa.

On Friday, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi ended three days of explosive testimony that placed the conduct of lawmakers under scrutiny before the commission.

The university stated that Madlanga’s illustrious career has been marked by a profound dedication to constitutional democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

“The Rhodes University Council’s unanimous decision recognises not only his legal expertise and integrity but also his enduring commitment to education and public service.”

Justice Madlanga is an alumnus of Rhodes University, where he completed his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree before furthering his studies abroad.

“Born in KwaBhaca (formerly Mount Frere) in 1962, Justice Madlanga’s journey from rural Eastern Cape to the country’s highest court and now back to Rhodes University is a testament to the transformative power of education.”

Professor Sizwe Mabizela, the vice-chancellor of Rhodes University, characterised the appointment as a “homecoming” after Madlanga graduated from the institution in 1986 and received an honorary Doctor of Laws in 2023.

“Justice Madlanga embodies the values and ideals that Rhodes University stands for. His life and career demonstrate the transformative power of education and the pursuit of justice.

“We are honoured to have him serve as our chancellor and look forward to his guidance as we continue to shape the future of this institution,” said Mabizela.

In his acceptance of the appointment, Justice Madlanga stated that his time as chancellor will be guided by the same values that he strived to uphold throughout his judicial career.

“A commitment to excellence without elitism, collegiality that builds consensus, diversity that truly includes, and courage that challenges unjust systems,” said Madlanga.

The institution stated that, as chancellor, Justice Madlanga will serve as the ceremonial head of Rhodes University, presiding over graduation ceremonies and acting as an ambassador for the university’s vision of producing graduates who are critical thinkers, ethical leaders, and engaged citizens.

Chair of the university’s council, Judge Gerald Bloem, expressed his delight that Rhodes University has elected Justice Madlanga as its next chancellor.

“I have no doubt that Justice Madlanga, an exceptional jurist whose seminal judgments are rooted in the Constitution, will serve Rhodes University with the same enthusiasm with which he served the country through those judgments. I wish him well as he embarks on his new journey,” he said.

karen.singh@inl.co.za