Tribute to Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus

It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that the Board of Directors and Management of Universities South Africa (USAf), an umbrella body representing the 26 public universities in South Africa, learned of the untimely passing of Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU).

Professor Matsha-Erasmus was a valued and active member of the USAf Board, having been welcomed into this role upon her appointment as Vice-Chancellor in June 2025. Professor Matsha-Erasmus had recently accepted the appointment as Vice-Chairperson of the USAf Teaching and Learning Strategy Group (TLSG), which is tasked with transforming the curriculum to drive societal impact and enhance graduate employability. In this role, she was poised to make significant contributions to the enhancement of teaching and learning across South African universities. She also served as a proxy representative on the Higher Health Board, which is the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)’s implementing arm for student health, psychosocial well-being, and holistic youth development across South Africa’s post-school education and training (PSET) sector.

In all these capacities, Professor Matsha-Erasmus demonstrated a combination of scholarly excellence and strategic acumen. She was a leader who believed in the transformative power of education and research to address the health challenges facing our continent.

Her passing represents an immense loss to the broader higher education sector. The Board and Management of USAf extend their heartfelt condolences to her husband, children, broader family, University community, and to all whose lives she touched through her work.

Rest in peace, Vice-Chancellor. You have run your race with excellence and integrity.

Issued on behalf of the USAf Board of Directors and Management.