Esteemed colleagues, dedicated staff, current and aspiring students of Sol Plaatje University, welcome.
It is with immense gratitude that I take the opportunity today as the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal, at the dawn of both my term and a promising new academic year, to extend a heartfelt welcome back to every member of our vibrant university community – whether you are returning to familiar halls or joining us for the first time.
The start of the 2026 academic year is not just a turning of the calendar – it is the opening of a new chapter in the story of Sol Plaatje University. Together, we are poised to build upon the rich legacy of this institution, inspired by the values and vision of Sol Plaatje himself: a commitment to knowledge, transformation, and social justice.
As we gather again on campus, let us reaffirm our shared commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation. Our university is a place where ideas flourish, friendships are forged, and futures are shaped. I encourage each of you to embrace this year with curiosity, courage, and a willingness to collaborate.
To our academic and support staff: thank you for your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to nurturing minds and shaping leaders. Your work forms the foundation on which we build our successes.
To our students: you are the heart of Sol Plaatje University. Your achievements, creativity, and energy inspire us all. This year, seize every opportunity to challenge yourself, support others, and make your mark – not only in the lecture halls and laboratories, but also in our communities and beyond.
As your new Vice-Chancellor and Principal, my pledge is to lead with integrity, openness, and a collaborative spirit. Together, we will navigate the challenges ahead and celebrate the victories – large and small – that will define our progress. If you have the best interest of SPU at heart, then you are in the right place to make a difference for the Northern Cape and our country as a whole.
Let us make 2026 a year of discovery, achievement, and unity. Let us write a chapter that honours our past and boldly shapes our future.
Welcome back, and may this academic year be filled with purpose, growth, and shared success.
For those who wish, click here to watch a short promotional clip from my recent kykNET feature on Waar Daar ’n Wil Is, with the full episode available on DStv Catch Up.
Thank you.
Professor Debra Meyer
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
