Catholic-educated branding expert Thebe Ikalafeng appointed Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University

by Daluxolo Moloantoa · February 2, 2026

Top left: Thebe Ikalafeng as a child in Kimberley; Top right: With his former teacher, Br Donald Madden CFC. Bottom left: With cousin Deacon Kgosi Peter Mpuang of Johannesburg; Top right: The cover of his 2023 memoir, The Traveller.

By Daluxolo Moloantoa – In a move celebrated across higher education and faith-inspired communities, branding expert, writer and Africa marketing figure Thebe Ikalafeng, shaped in part by his lifelong Catholic education, from St Boniface Schools in his Kimberly hometown to Marquette University, a Catholic university in the United States, has been appointed Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

His five-year appointment took effect on 16 January 2026, marking a meaningful homecoming for a leading South African intellectual whose life and leadership are deeply rooted in faith, service and community.

A Shepherd of Thought and Stewardship

Born and raised in Kimberley, Ikalafeng’s life journey has long been shaped by Catholic values of service, community and humility — foundations he carried from his early parish and school years into his academic and professional path. His Catholic upbringing and formation have influenced not only his worldview but also his understanding of leadership as stewardship, responsibility and care for people.

He holds a BSc in Business Administration (cum laude) and an MBA from Marquette University, where his academic excellence was recognised early in his career. His later studies and global exposure further deepened his understanding of ethics, identity and human dignity in leadership — themes closely aligned with Catholic social teaching.

Top right and left: Ikalafeng went to relay the good news of his appointment to his former principal, Brother D.D. Madden (93), and Sr Marie Bernarde (87), the principal of their sister school for girls.

A Faith-Rooted Return to Kimberley

On a recent visit home to Kimberley, Ikalafeng went to relay the good news of his appointment to his former principal, Brother D.D. Madden (93), and Sr Marie Bernarde (87), the principal of their sister school for girls. Speaking about them, he said:

“The two living pillars of a generation that built more than classrooms. They laid the foundations of Catholic faith, service, and community that continue to guide my life.
As I take up the role of Chancellor at Sol Plaatje University, it is these values I lean on: to serve with humility, to lead with courage, and to place people before position.”