Add as a preferred source on Google

Professor Thabo Msibi, the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s (UKZN) Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, has been appointed chairperson of the seventh Umalusi Council, placing him at the helm of South Africa’s quality assurance body for general and further education and training.

The appointment by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube will see Msibi lead the council from June 8, 2026, to June 7, 2030.

ALSO READ | UKZN scientist helps reveal scale of global biodiversity crisis

Umalusi is the statutory body responsible for overseeing the development and management of qualifications within the General and Further Education and Training Qualifications Sub-Framework.

UKZN welcomed the appointment, describing it as recognition of Msibi’s longstanding contribution to education, academic scholarship and leadership.

Currently serving as UKZN’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning and a professor of Curriculum Studies in the School of Education, Msibi previously served as a member of the Umalusi Council before being appointed its chairperson.

Reacting to the appointment, Msibi said he was deeply honoured and grateful “for the confidence placed in me”.

“Umalusi plays a vital role in safeguarding the quality, credibility, and integrity of South Africa’s education system. I look forward to working with Council members, leadership, and stakeholders across the sector to advance its mandate and contribute to the strengthening of quality education,” he said.

This is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am committed to serving with dedication, integrity, and purpose.

ALSO READ | Darryl David to present Alan Paton lecture at UKZN

UKZN Executive Director for Corporate Relations Dr Normah Zondo congratulated Msibi on the appointment.

“Professor Msibi’s appointment as Chairperson of the Umalusi Council is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and leadership in South Africa,” she said.

“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to educational excellence and social justice. We are immensely proud that he is contributing to shaping the future of quality assurance and standards in South African education at a national level.”

Msibi previously served as dean and head of UKZN’s School of Education and was, at the time, the youngest dean in South Africa.

He was also the youngest executive member of the South African Comparative and History of Education Society.

ALSO READ | UKZN appoints Professor Zondi to prestigious Mazisi Kunene chair

A UKZN alumnus, he holds a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Education Honours degree from the university, a Master of Education degree from Teachers College at Columbia University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Cambridge.

He is also an NRF P-rated researcher and the first Black South African education scholar to receive the prestigious P-rating from the National Research Foundation, which recognises researchers with exceptional potential to become leaders in their fields.

Beyond academia, Msibi has been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting education and youth leadership development, including establishing a debating league and founding the Community Development Association, which provides outreach programmes for young people.

UKZN said the appointment reflects both Msibi’s distinguished academic career and his continued commitment to strengthening education in South Africa.