Sol Plaatje University (SPU) has announced the appointment of Mr Thebe Ikalafeng as its new Chancellor, effective from 16 January 2026. The appointment was confirmed by the University Council and is for a five-year term, in accordance with the University Statute.
A Chancellor Aligned with the University’s Vision
Announcing the appointment, the Chairperson of Council, Professor Randall Carolissen, said the University was honoured to welcome a Chancellor whose life’s work is deeply aligned with SPU’s founding values and future ambitions. He described Ikalafeng as an award-winning author, internationally recognised scholar, and influential public intellectual.
Strengthening SPU’s National and Global Standing
Professor Carolissen noted that Ikalafeng has distinguished himself as the continent’s foremost authority on branding, reputation, and identity, and as a leading advocate for a brand-led African renaissance. He added that Ikalafeng’s global standing, depth of intellect, and extensive business, academic, and civic networks would strengthen SPU’s ambition to be an institution of first choice, while unlocking the cultural, intellectual, and economic potential of the Northern Cape.
A Meaningful Return to Kimberley
The appointment carries particular resonance given Ikalafeng’s roots in Kimberley, his place of birth, and the University’s namesake. Professor Carolissen said Ikalafeng’s return reflects a commitment to giving back and to advancing the vision articulated by Solomon Plaatje more than a century ago, a vision grounded in education, dignity, African self-confidence, and engagement with the world on Africa’s own terms.
A Career Spanning Africa and the World
Ikalafeng is widely recognised as the continent’s most influential thinker and practitioner at the intersection of branding, culture, and governance. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has travelled to every country in Africa and every continent globally, shaping how institutions, cities, countries, and the continent understand and project their identity.
Founder of Brand Africa and Brand Leadership Group
He is the Founder and Chairman of Brand Leadership Group, a multidisciplinary advisory operating at the intersection of strategy, creativity, and intellectual property law. He is also the Founder of Brand Africa, a non-profit movement established in 2010 to drive a brand-led African renaissance, and Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands, a study conducted in more than 30 African countries.
Advisor to Leaders and Institutions
A trusted advisor to business leaders, institutions, and governments, Ikalafeng has advised several African heads of state and public institutions on nation branding, competitiveness, investment promotion, and cultural diplomacy. His work has consistently focused on repositioning Africa from the margins of global perception to the centre of global relevance.
Contribution to Higher Education
Ikalafeng has played a pivotal role in the transformation and re-branding of multiple higher education institutions in South Africa and beyond, particularly in supporting universities navigating post-merger identity, relevance, and global competitiveness. Most recently, he served on the Council of Sol Plaatje University, bringing continuity and institutional insight to his new role as Chancellor.
Accepting the Role of Chancellor
Accepting the appointment, Ikalafeng described the role of Chancellor as one of stewardship and service.
“I accept this appointment with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility. Sol Plaatje University is firmly rooted in the Northern Cape, a province rich in history, resilience, and possibility, yet its mandate and influence extend far beyond its geography.
Named after one of Africa’s most influential intellectuals, patriots, and pan-Africanists, Solomon Plaatje, the University carries a legacy of scholarship that speaks confidently from Africa to the world. To return to Kimberley, my home city and a place that helped shape South Africa’s political economy, is both a homecoming and a calling.
A Homecoming and a Calling
Ikalafeng described his return to Kimberley as both a homecoming and a calling. He emphasised his commitment to supporting an institution that draws strength from its community while building a reputation for global excellence, relevance, and African thought leadership.
Ikalafeng succeeds Justice Steven Majiedt, whose second term as Chancellor concluded on 20 October 2025.
