Held on 23 May 2026, the event featured a range of mainstream sporting codes, including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, rugby, athletics, and tennis. Indigenous games such as morabaraba, diketo, encuva, and chess also formed part of the programme, highlighting the University’s commitment to cultural inclusion and holistic student development.
Director of Housing and Acting Dean of Students, Dr Nomvula Twaise, described the event as an opportunity to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and unity among students and staff. She encouraged participants to embrace healthy competition and reminded them that the value of sport extends beyond winning.
“Sport teaches us about teamwork, unity, discipline, and healthy competition. While victory is rewarding, true success lies in participation, effort, and the relationships we build along the way,” she said.
Dr Twaise also thanked UMP management for its continued support in promoting both academic and co-curricular excellence.
The Mbombela women’s team emerged victorious on the day. Speaking after the event, Advanced Diploma in ICT student and team captain, Ms Kgatishi Thaba, credited the achievement to the team’s hard work and preparation throughout the year.
“The competition was tough, but everyone gave their best. These results reflect the dedication and commitment our team has shown since the beginning of the year through training and preparation,” she said.
Adding excitement and entertainment to the event were the UMP cheerleaders, who delivered energetic performances featuring choreographed routines, stunts, jumps, and dance sequences.
The Sports Day is aimed at promoting teamwork, wellness, and campus unity through sport and recreation.
Bachelor of Arts student and Chairperson of the UMP Cheerleaders, Ms Unami Songelwa, said the inclusion of the Mbombela cheerleading squad in the Sports Day programme was a significant moment for the team.
“We are grateful to have been part of the event. Many people think cheerleading is only about entertainment, but it also requires discipline, training, and teamwork. It is a sport that allows students to express themselves, relieve stress, and stay active,” she said.
UMP employees also took part in friendly competition during the Sports Day, using the event to strengthen teamwork and build camaraderie across campuses and departments. Once again, the Mbombela team claimed top honours.
AV Technician Mr Dibate Thobejane, who represented the Mbombela staff team, said the event helped foster unity beyond the sporting field.
“It feels incredible to win after weeks of preparation and friendly matches. All the training and effort were worth it. There is also a real sense of pride in representing your campus and staff team, and hearing colleagues cheering from the sidelines made the experience even more special,” he said.
The day forms part of the University's ongoing efforts to create a vibrant student experience.
Mr Thobejane said the event also created opportunities for staff members to build relationships across departments and campuses.
“It is not only about winning, but also about building relationships and creating friendly competition that helps break down silos between departments and campuses. Events like these encourage an active lifestyle, while also strengthening camaraderie and a shared sense of belonging across the University,” he said.
The Sports Day formed part of the University’s ongoing efforts to create a vibrant student experience by encouraging participation in sport, recreation, and student life activities.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.