The FPP is a two-year initiative aimed at accelerating the development of early- and mid-career academics into high-performing professors. It identifies and supports scholars with exceptional potential for leadership in South Africa’s higher education sector.
The programme is intensive and structured, offering workshops, mentoring, networking, residential seminars, and international mobility opportunities, with a particular focus on advancing black and women academics.
“This is an exciting opportunity to contribute more meaningfully to UMP’s academic mission,” Dr Dalu said. “It affirms the institution’s commitment to developing its academic staff and enhancing the quality of teaching and research available to students.”
She added that participation in the programme will help create a representative professoriate, strengthen research outputs, and develop academic leadership.
“I hope the programme will provide advanced training in leadership, curriculum development, and research supervision. The skills and networks I gain will directly improve undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, enhance research output, and strengthen UMP’s capacity to produce well-prepared graduates.”
Dr Dalu also emphasised the benefits for students. “The knowledge gained will translate into updated teaching methods and expanded opportunities for collaborative research, ensuring that the programme strengthens the university as a whole.”
Holding a PhD in Environmental Science from Rhodes University, Dr Dalu has a respected record of publications in leading international journals and has secured competitive national and international research funding.
She is actively involved in postgraduate mentorship within the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. In 2025, she was inducted into the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS), further affirming her status as an emerging research leader in South Africa.
Upon completing the FPP, Dr Dalu plans to use the knowledge and networks gained to enhance UMP’s research profile, develop new interdisciplinary programmes, strengthen postgraduate supervision, and contribute to strategies that improve student outcomes and academic success.
Dr Dalu works at the intersection of environmental science, sustainable livelihoods, and governance.
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