{
  "id": 15644437,
  "title": "University of Fort Hare appoints Prof Chitha as Vice-Chancellor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/university-of-fort-hare-appoints-prof-chitha-as-vice-chancellor",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T18:44:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "SABC News",
    "slug": "sabc-news",
    "url": "https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/university-of-fort-hare-appoints-prof-chitha-as-vice-chancellor/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The University of Fort Hare in South Africa's Eastern Cape region has appointed Professor Wezile Chitha as its new Vice-Chancellor and Principal. The announcement was made by the institution's council on Friday, 16 October 2026, at a Special Council Meeting. Professor Chitha, a highly accomplished academic, medical doctor, and higher education executive, is projected to take office in the first quarter of 2027.\n\nThis appointment comes a month after the resignation of Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, who had been suspended for violating the university's human resources (HR) processes. The university's Convocation Executive Committee President, Ayabulela Pezisa, emphasized that this change of leadership signifies more than just a leadership transition. He stated that it presents an opportunity to enhance the institution's stability, boost academic excellence, restore confidence, and reconnect the university with its stakeholders.\n\nDr Siyanda Makaula, the Chairperson of the University of Fort Hare's Council, described the appointment of Professor Chitha as a significant milestone in the university's institutional development.",
  "summary": "Professor Wezile Chitha's appointment comes after the resignation of Professor Sakhela Buhlungu",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}