Professor Mzikayise Shakespeare Binza
Professor Binza assumed the role of Campus Principal of the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Welkom Campus on 1 July 2026. In this capacity, he provides strategic leadership to advance the campus's academic mission, strengthen student success, expand research and innovation opportunities, and foster meaningful partnerships that contribute to regional and national development.
Professional Journey and Leadership
Higher Education Leadership
Prior to his current appointment, Professor Binza served as CUT's Director: Academic Enterprise and Services from February 2025. In this capacity, he led the development and implementation of academic strategies, enhanced learning and teaching outcomes, and championed niche academic and research initiatives aligned with the Welkom Campus vision.
His extensive senior leadership experience across the higher education sector includes serving as Director of the Raymond Mhlaba Institute of Public Administration and Leadership at Nelson Mandela University, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic Affairs and Research at Walter Sisulu University, and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Private Sector and Global Engagement
Complementing his academic background, Professor Binza has served as Chief Executive Officer of MZBIN Holdings (Pty) Ltd, bringing valuable, multifaceted leadership experience from both the academic and private sectors.
He is also a participant in the Executive Leadership Programme (ELP), offered by the International Association of Universities (IAU) in collaboration with UNESCO, further strengthening his expertise in higher education leadership and global academic engagement.
Academic Credentials and Accolades
Professor Binza holds a PhD in Public Administration from Nelson Mandela University and a Certificate in Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) from the University of the Witwatersrand.
A respected scholar, he has received numerous accolades, including the Track Chair Award from the Academy of World Business, Marketing and Management Development (AWBMAMD), the Associate Programme Chair Award from the World Academy of Researchers, Educators and Scholars (WARES) and the Academy of World Finance, Banking, Management and IT (AWFBMIT), and an NRF Y2 rating. He was also recognised among the Top Twenty Researchers at Nelson Mandela University.
Strategic Vision for the Welkom Campus
Through his leadership, Professor Binza is deeply committed to advancing CUT's Strategy 2026–2030. His focus remains on strengthening academic quality, promoting access with success, expanding applied research, deepening community engagement, and leveraging strategic partnerships to drive innovation, entrepreneurship, social impact, and inclusive development at the Welkom Campus.
The Welkom Campus
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