Mbombela Campus welcomes Dr Tempia as Campus Rector

Dr Ndiadivha Tempia took office as Campus Rector at Mbombela Campus and called for accountability, academic excellence and a culture of high performance.

Dr Dee Tempia During her official welcome, Dr Tempia addressed staff and students at the Tshwane University of Technology Mbombela Campus on Friday, 20 February 2026, as she started her tenure.

She thanked staff and students for their time and commitment, describing herself as custodian of the University’s core mandate to advance teaching, learning, research and student development. She said the institution must produce future-ready graduates who make a positive impact on society.

Dr Tempia stressed the need to protect teaching and learning time. She warned that operational disruptions affect student success and damage the institution’s reputation. She said academic time is a collective priority and shared responsibility.

She reminded staff that every staff member, be they academic, administrative, technical, or operational, shapes the student experience.

“I encourage staff to reflect on how their daily work strengthens our institutional performance; from time management and resource use to going the extra mile and taking ownership of outcomes,” she said.

Dr Tempia called for a culture of accountability through meeting deadlines, being present and prepared, responding promptly and escalating challenges appropriately. She committed to modelling this culture and upholding high-performance standards.

Phela Khoza, CRSC President. She described professional conduct as non-negotiable, especially for student assistants and representatives who serve in staff roles. She reminded attendees that political affiliation must never compromise institutional order. “Approved structures and channels should remain the only platforms for engagement,” Dr Tempia said.

Dr Tempia outlined her vision for the Campus as a space defined by academic integrity, operational excellence, ethical leadership and mutual respect. She invited staff to embrace collaboration, innovation and constructive dialogue to achieve long-term solutions.

She closed by reaffirming a single mandate to serve students with excellence and urged staff to uphold the institution’s values of Accountability, Excellence, Resilience, Diversity and Stewardship.

Staff and students welcomed her with singing, praising and celebration during an informal Meet and Greet session after the address.

Joseph Mudau, Dr Ndiadivha Tempia , Campus Rector, Jeffrey Mthethwa, Chico Phiri. Dr Tempia with the CSRC 2026.