A historic academic ceremony marks a new chapter for the young Northern Cape university, anchored in scholarship, institutional autonomy, and a renewed commitment to the transformative power of higher education. Sol Plaatje University (SPU) formally installed Professor Debra Meyer as

Open Day 2026 What does your future look like? At Sol Plaatje University (SPU), we believe it is shaped by the choices you make today. It begins with the decision to step forward, explore your potential, and pursue an education

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 27 March 2026 THEBE IKALAFENG INAURATED NEW CHANCELLOR OF SPU IN CEREMONY ANCHORED IN THE LEGACY OF SOLOMON PLAATJE KIMBERLEY, NORTHERN CAPE – Sol Plaatje University (SPU) formally inaugurated its second Chancellor, Thebe Ikalafeng, in a ceremony

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE23 March 2026 Sol Plaatje University to host landmark investiture of Thebe Ikalafeng rooted in African tradition, heritage and the values of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje. KIMBERLEY, NORTHERN CAPE – Sol Plaatje University is set to host landmark investiture

Following an urgent request by the Student Representative Council (SRC), the University Management met with the SRC on Monday, 16 February 2026, to address matters relating to student financial appeals, allowances, and the resumption of academic activities following student protests

Sol Plaatje University has announced the appointment of Thebe Ikalafeng as its next Chancellor, with effect from 16 January 2026. The appointment, confirmed by the University Council, is for a five-year term in accordance with the University Statute. Announcing the

Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) Department of Institutional Advancement (DIA) was recognised for excellence in marketing, advancement and communication. The DIA team brought home five awards at the prestigious MACE Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, themed “Embracing Diversity”, that was held on

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor José Frantz as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies, effective 1 February 2026. Professor Frantz joins SPU from the University of the Western Cape (UWC),

The establishment of Sol Plaatje University (SPU) injected life back into a dying Kimberley CBD by simulating the regeneration of residential and commercial developments. While providing state-of-the-art infrastructure, employment opportunities and boosting the economy, SPU has made great efforts to

Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) 10th Graduation Ceremony was held on 25 and 26 April 2025 in the University’s newly built Great Hall; the first official university gathering held in the state-of-the-art venue, adding to the significance of the occasion. The

Ahmed Mahomed (left) and Professor Andrew Crouch (right) at Datacentrix’s Education Indaba 2025 As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more prevalent in everyday life, its impact on and implications for higher education cannot be ignored. Speaking at the recent Datacentrix Education

The Council of Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Debra Meyer as the University’s 3rd Vice-Chancellor and Principal, effective 1 January 2026. This appointment, made at the Council meeting held on 27 November 2024,

A mismatch between the skills of young people and available job opportunities further complicate the situation of unemployment, says writers. Image: 123RF SA faces a crisis of youth unemployment. More than half of young South Africans entering the labour market are

I am pleased to announce that Professor Paul Green will take up the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, effective 1 August 2024.  Professor Debra Meyer, the current Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning will become the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research,

It is with immense sadness that I convey the message that Justice Yvonne Mokgoro passed away yesterday, 9 May 2024. Justice Mokgoro was the first woman to serve on the Constitutional Court of South Africa and did so with distinction

The Water Research Commission (WRC), in partnership with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), the South African Local Government Association (SALGA), Sol Plaatje University (SPU) and the Frances Baard District Municipality, will host a roadshow in the Northern Cape

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is delighted to announce that the De Beers Group has donated the Harry Oppenheimer House (HOH) building in Kimberley to the University following the relocation to Johannesburg in January 2023 of its Sightholder Sales business unit

The day has officially arrived! Our much-anticipated evening at the SPU South Campus Multipurpose Hall is here, and we’re thrilled to announce that the event is completely sold out! see image attached As we gather tonight to celebrate a ‘Decade

The renowned artist, Professor Zakes Mda, brings his exceptional talent and compelling artistry to the heart of Kimberley with his eagerly anticipated solo exhibition, “Always The Sun,” at the William Humphreys Art Gallery (WHAG). The exhibition, curated by WHAG’s Chief

In case you missed it, on Friday (27 October), our Dean of Student Affairs, Ms Nicole Morris, gave a compelling interview on OFM discussing the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month and Sol Plaatje University’s robust strategy to promote student

In honour of Mental Health Awareness Month, Dean of Student Affairs, Ms Nicole Morris, has outlined SPU’s commitment to mental wellness through our Student Wellness Strategy: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Life (click here to read the article). Don’t miss

The continuous issues that South African young people confront today are deeply concerning. The country is a patchwork of colourful cultures, rich history, and amazing potential, yet our young people’s advancement is hampered by obstacles. From unprecedented high employment rates

After the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation (DHET), Dr Blade Nzimande’s speech during the Department of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation’s 2023 Budget Vote, the Higher Education (HE) sector is presented with both exciting opportunities and challenging

Prof. Percy Sepeng Thursday, 04 May 2023. The National Assembly of South Africa has recognised and approved The South African Sign Language (SASL), making a total of 12 official languages in the country. This historic shift is a victory for

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is aware of an incident that took place on Friday, 21 April 2023 involving two of its students. It is alleged that a fourth-year male student assaulted a first-year female student at a residence on campus.

Sol Plaatje University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Debra Meyer as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, with effect from 1 April 2023. She will be responsible for the management of the core academic functions of the

A group of disgruntled students led by the Student Representative Council, who are refusing to abide by the University Residence Rules, have undertaken protest action this morning. They have vandalised infrastructure, strewn garbage inside residences and examination venues and are

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Andrew Crouch together with the Chief Operating Officer, Mr David Kanguwe and the Advisor in the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, Mr Rathnum Naidoo met yesterday with a delegation from the SRC led by the SRC President, Mr

Dear SPU Community As communicated earlier this week, online classes were scheduled to take place from Wednesday to Friday. I am happy to announce that we had a positive attendance in the online sessions. The academic year will move into

Judge Steven Majiedt, Mrs Lynnette Crouch, Mrs Rowena Majiedt and Professor Andrew Crouch Sol Plaatje University (SPU) installed its second Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Andrew M Crouch, at a ceremony held at the SPU Community Hall on Friday, 26 November

Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) Student Representative Council (SRC) and crowdfunding Public Benefit Organisation, The Feenix Trust, has joined forces in the SRC Ubuntu Initiative to support two Education students in need of a funding boost to secure their academic future.

   The 41 Talent Pipeline Programme (TPP) learners and their mentors on Central Campus Square. The much-anticipated Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Talent Pipeline Programme (TPP) was launched on Saturday, 2 October 2021 by Professor Andrew M Crouch, the Vice-Chancellor and

Judge Mmathebe Violet Phatshoane has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) Council. Judge Phatshoane served on the SPU Council since June 2014 and has played an integral role in the development of the University.

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) and the Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU) reached a successful agreement on the sale of the Tafel Lager Stadium in Kimberley. The acquisition of the Stadium by SPU has also been approved by the Minister of

With growing calls to reopen the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and facing a rising third wave of COVID-19 infections it is an opportune moment in history to reflect on what the ‘Mother of Black Freedom’ stood for. First, education. South

Sol Plaatje University hosted its 6th Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, 1 May 2021. The virtual ceremony was streamed live across various online platforms such as KimberleyTV, YouTube, Facebook, Zoom and MS Teams. A recording of the event can be viewed

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is pleased to inform you that the Northern Cape Innovation Forum (NCIF), will be launched officially, on Friday, 26 February 2021.  In recognition of the importance of innovation to increase social and economic development in the

Sol Plaatje University does not condone any form of Gender Based Violence and the University takes seriously any experiences pertaining to both staff and students.  Sexual harassment in particular that manifests in explicit and subtle ways is strongly condemned. There

The Chair of Council, Judge Yvonne Mokgoro, announced today that Constitutional Court Judge, Stevan Majiedt, has been re-appointed as Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University for a second successive five-year term. In congratulating Judge Majiedt on his reappointment, Judge Mokgoro said

Just over 100 years ago, the 1918-1919 influenza pandemic was the most severe pandemic in recent human history. Estimates are that about 100 million people, or one-third of the world’s population, were infected. An estimated 50 million worldwide perished. Economic

Senate, at a special meeting yesterday, 21 April 2020, discussed the academic implications of the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic and assessed the University’s readiness to offer teaching and learning through a blended mode. Over the last few

I write this in hopes that you and your families are safe and well. Following President Ramaphosa’s announcement tonight that the nationwide lockdown would be extended by two weeks, until the end of April 2020; I appeal to the University

Thank you for the warm welcome which I received upon taking-up my position as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University. I look forward to working with you on realising our aspirations for this university. I would like to acknowledge

It is with great pleasure that we welcome the second Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University, Professor Andrew Crouch.  Professor Andrew Crouch takes up the position of Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sol Plaatje University today, 1 April 2020. “We

Further to the communication posted on Monday, 23 March 2020 and in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for a national lockdown, the SPU community is informed of the following: SPU is on total shutdown from 16:00 on Thursday, 26

The University Council, on the advice of Senior Management Team, has agreed to a University lockdown for all SPU staff, from Tuesday, 24 March 2020 to Tuesday, 14 April 2020, under the following conditions: Employees are required to self-isolate for

On Saturday, 14 March 2020, the Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University, Judge Steven Majiedt, together with Standard Bank, hosted a successful Golf Day at the Kimberley Golf Club in order to raise funds for student bursaries.  Sponsors who contributed to

Following the announcement by the President of a national state of disaster, the SPU Senior Management Team met today to consider a plan of action. The University notes that there are no confirmed cases of the COVID-19 viral infection in

On 12 March 2020, Professor Brian Willan won the award for Best Non-Fiction Biography for his book titled Sol Plaatje: A life of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje 1876-1932 at the 5th Annual Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Awards 2020 ceremony. The

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Sol Plaatje University (SPU) will, together with their strategic partners, host an international conference from 26th – 28th October 2020 at SPU in Kimberley, South Africa. The event will bring together researchers and

Theme: Convergences, Complications and Contestations: Hindsight, Insight and Foresight in Southern African Histories Sol Plaatje University (SPU) will host the biennial conference of the Historical Association of South Africa (HASA) from 30 June to 2 July 2020. Named after Sol

The Standard Bank Chancellor’s Golf Day will be held on Saturday, 14 March 2020 at the Kimberley Golf Club. This is an annual event hosted by our Chancellor, Judge Steven Majiedt, to raise funds for the Chancellor’s Bursary Fund.  You

On Saturday, 8 February 2020, Sol Plaatje University (SPU) welcomed over 700 first-time entering students and their families, its biggest group ever of new students as SPU begins its seventh year of existence. The first session began at 09:00 in the

This statement was issued by Universities SA on behalf of the vice-chancellors of all 26 universities and therefore is endorsed by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Yunus Ballim. “We are experiencing an epidemic of incomprehensible violence. South Africa’s universities are

Members of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) conducted a series of interviews on campus on 14 February 2019, with members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) about the infrastructure developments at SPU since its inception. They also interviewed academics