NMMU was formed in 2005 through the merger of the Port Elizabeth Technikon, and the University of Port Elizabeth. In 2004, prior to the merger, UPE had taken control of the Port Elizabeth Campus of Vista University. PE Technikon had a satellite campus in George, which was also merged. The first Chancellor of the University was Chief Justice Pius Langa and Justice Ronnie Pillay was the first Chairperson of Council. Rolf Stumpf was the first Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer of the university, who was then succeeded by Professor Derrick Swartz on 1 January 2008. Professor Sibongile Muthwa is the current Vice-Chancellor after her appointment in 2017.