The PGDip (HE) is designed to support academics in strengthening their teaching practice. The programme encourages participants to examine their teaching philosophies, curriculum design, assessment practices, and approaches to student engagement within the context of South African higher education.
Through scholarly engagement and reflection, participants are encouraged to place student learning at the centre of their teaching while responding to issues of access, transformation, and inclusivity.
Balancing the demands of teaching, research, community engagement, and administrative responsibilities, these staff members have demonstrated commitment to their professional development. The programme provided an opportunity for them to reflect on their roles as academics, reconsider aspects of their teaching practice, and explore approaches that support student learning.
The knowledge and skills gained through the PGDip (HE) will contribute to teaching and learning at UMP. Graduates of the programme are better equipped to design coherent curricula, implement appropriate assessment practices, and contribute to the scholarship of teaching and learning within their disciplines and across the institution.
UMP congratulates these academics on this achievement and acknowledges their commitment to strengthening teaching and learning at the University.
“On behalf of the University of Mpumalanga, we extend our appreciation to our funder, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), for making it possible for seven UMP staff members to complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDip HE) through Rhodes University,” said Dr Madiope Marinkie, Director of Academic Support Services at UMP.
UMP staff members who completed the programme.
Prof Tim Forssman, Associate Professor in Cultural and Heritage Studies, School of Social Sciences.“The PGDip (HE) strengthened my teaching practice through reflective learning, collegial engagement, and renewed scholarly focus. Returning to the role of a student enhanced my appreciation of purposeful curriculum design, assessment, and feedback, and helped me move from intuitive teaching to a more theoretically grounded approach. I am grateful to the University of Mpumalanga for its support and to colleagues who contributed to the experience.”
Dr Xola Nduku, Lecturer in Animal Production, School of Agricultural Sciences.“Pursuing the PGDip (HE) was a deliberate step to grow beyond my disciplinary expertise in Animal Science and develop as a reflective, student-centred educator. While my subject knowledge and research experience provided a strong foundation, effective teaching in higher education requires a deeper understanding of pedagogy, curriculum design, and student learning. The programme equipped me with tools to examine my practice and implement strategies that support student engagement and learning.”
Dr Rudzani Mhlari, Lecturer in Psychology, School of Social Sciences.“I undertook the PGDip HE to bridge the gap between subject expertise and effective teaching. The programme shifted my approach from delivering content to designing learning experiences informed by pedagogical theory. Through this process, I developed skills in scaffolding, assessment, curriculum development, the use of AI in teaching, and peer and student evaluation.”
Dr Themba Lukhele, Lecturer in Developmental Studies, School of Developmental Studies.“Over the past eight years, my teaching was largely guided by disciplinary knowledge, with limited engagement in pedagogical theory. The PGDip HE helped me become a more reflective practitioner and supported the integration of sound pedagogical principles with my disciplinary expertise. The programme strengthened my confidence as an academic and my commitment to inclusive teaching.”
Washington Makuzva, Lecturer in Events Management, School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.“Enrolling in the PGDip (HE) programme was an important step in my academic career. The programme challenged my teaching practices and strengthened my understanding of teaching and learning. It influenced how I facilitate classes, design assessments, and provide feedback to my students. I appreciate the opportunity provided by the University of Mpumalanga and the support that enabled my completion of the programme offered in collaboration with Rhodes University.”
Dr Nkareng Klaas-Makolomakwe, Lecturer in Social Work, School of Social Sciences.“I am grateful for the opportunity and support that UMP provided for me to complete the PGDip-HE at Rhodes. When I joined UMP, I brought experience from practising as a social worker, researcher, and policy developer. While this experience supported my teaching, the programme helped me incorporate deeper reflection and critical engagement into my practice and develop a teaching philosophy grounded in the values of both UMP and social work.”
Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, School of Social Sciences.“Completing the PGDip has been an important stage in my professional development. The programme strengthened my teaching philosophy and practice, and equipped me to be a reflective practitioner and curriculum developer. I also gained a deeper understanding of curriculum transformation and the role of assessment in supporting student learning. I am grateful to the University of Mpumalanga for investing in my development.”
Story and Pictures Supplied. Copyright © UMP.