First years encouraged to pursue excellence inside and beyond the classroom

Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa, left, welcomed the new student intake and congratulated them on their achievement in gaining admission to the University.

“Our first-year students worked hard to qualify to access higher education, and for this we applaud them. You were selected as part of a cohort of approximately 8 500 first-time entering students for 2026 from more than 272 000 applications,” she said.

Prof Muthwa said the ceremony marked an important milestone for students as they begin their higher education journey at a values-driven institution committed to social justice, inclusion and student success.

Reflecting on the University’s identity, the Vice-Chancellor emphasised the responsibility that comes with carrying the name of Nelson Mandela. Since adopting its name in 2017, Nelson Mandela University has been on a journey of interrogating the role of a public university in society, positioning itself as a socially embedded and responsive institution in service of the public good.

She reaffirmed the University’s vision to be a dynamic African university recognised for leadership in generating cutting-edge knowledge for a sustainable future, while producing graduates who are socially conscious, compassionate and committed to contributing to a more equitable world.

“We recognise the responsibility we have as an African university to make sure that our education carries the aspirations of our continent. This vision propels us towards aspirations beyond ourselves.  We are committed to educating students who will be compassionate, courageous ambassadors of a better and compelling continent, and champions of an equitable world order,” Prof Muthwa said.

With a total student population of more than 34 000 expected in 2026, Prof Muthwa highlighted the extensive support infrastructure in place to assist students, particularly those transitioning into university life for the first time.

She outlined the University’s student-centred and humanising educational philosophy, underpinned by a comprehensive learning and teaching support ecosystem. This includes supplemental instruction, learning development tutors and mentors, academic literacies programmes, student success coaching, and early detection systems to identify and support students at risk.

“We understand that transitioning to University can sometimes be bewildering and that students experience different kinds of challenges,” she said.