The Central University of Technology has appointed professor Mzikayise Shakespeare Binza as the new Welkom campus principal, effective 1 July.

Prof Binza has served as CUT’s director of academic enterprise and services since 1 February 2025. His role included developing and implementing academic strategy, enhancing student learning and teaching experience at Welkom campus, and leading new niche programmes and research initiatives.

He holds a PhD in public administration from Nelson Mandela University and a certificate in higher education leadership and management from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is currently studying an executive leadership programme through the International Universities Association and Unesco.

Prof Binza previously served as director of the Raymond Mhlaba Institute of Public Administration and Leadership at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, deputy vice-chancellor of academic affairs and research at Walter Sisulu University, and dean of the faculty of business and management sciences at Cape Peninsula University of Technology. He also worked as chief executive officer of MZBIN Holdings.

His awards include the track chair award from the Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Development in 2014, the associate programme chair award from the World Academy of Researchers, Educators and Scholars in 2013, and an NRF rated category Y2 rating in 2010. He was a top 20 researcher at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University from 2006 to 2008.

CUT expects Prof Binza to advance its Strategy 2026–2030, which aims to deliver quality academic programmes and applied research, promote access with success, engage with communities, and leverage strategic partnerships to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, social impact and inclusive development.