The UMP brand is growing and so is rate at which the institution is excelling. The university has recorded a total number of 27 students who were awarded/conferred their qualifications Cum Laude (distinction), 40 of these are recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship and 15 were awarded for academic excellence (May 2021).

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, marked the graduation as a moment of pride and anticipation for the opportunities, challenges and accomplishments that lie ahead for the newly graduated. 

She further acknowledged the unsung heroes who walk beside and in front to lead and guide students until they reached their final destination.

“The academic journey can never be complete without others walking alongside it with you. The purpose of those fellow travellers in this life is to cheer you, to inspire you, to cajole you, to encourage you, indeed to exhort you, prod you and spur you on. 

To boost your energy levels when your morale is sagging, and to be there, just when you need the second wind to finish the journey. It is, therefore, always gratifying to see this particular journey come to fruition,” she continued. 

“While this occasion is about you, there are also other people who have contributed significantly to your getting to this delightful point in life. Those who supported and nourished you, those whom you will never be able to thank enough, such as your families, your loved ones, members of your communities, your funders, lecturers, to mention a few.” 

Celebrating Firsts
This year’s graduation was marked by firsts and some making history to put the institution on the map. Amongst some of the notable achievements for this year’s graduation included:

• Confidence Ndlovu who makes history by becoming the first student from the University of Mpumalanga to graduate with a Master’s Degree in Development Studies. She also completed her degree Cum Laude. Ndlovu’s research seeks to solve current problems.
   
• Twins, Noncedo and Ncedile Chiloane graduated at the same time. Noncedo graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Post-Harvest Technology and Ncedile with a Bachelor of Development Studies Honours.
   
• Six students who are the pride and joy of their respective families as they become the first members to graduate; two of these completed their studies Cum Laude. 

Congratulatory messages
Congratulating the graduates Professor Mayekiso said: “I hope that we have equipped you with the capacity to lead fulfilled, meaningful and successful lives. Lives that will proceed to empower and enrich other lives and in so doing, contribute to making the world a better place than you found it."

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Professor Shirley Sommers-Mthethwa reminded graduates of their resilience as they start a journey into the unknown.

“You have accomplished your goals under the most extraordinary circumstances. We're very proud of the work that you have accomplished. We know that while you will leave the physical structures of the University of Mpumalanga, you will carry UMP with you wherever you go.”

“You will carry the values that have been instilled and cultivated in you over the years you spent at UMP, values of always striving for excellence in everything that you do, of embracing and celebrating diversity in all its forms,” she continued.

“The values of upholding integrity in all interactions and situations, of seeking out collaboration opportunities in order to maximize human potential, of being adaptable - especially in these precarious times, of being relevant to the African context, and of being a source of inspiration for others to be more and to do more. These values will distinguish you from other graduates in South Africa,” she concluded.

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures by ChrisplPhoto.

“My parents keep telling me what a great example I have been to my siblings; to say they are proud is an understatement! This achievement is the best gift I have ever given them. It is overwhelming to see how inspiring my story has become – not only to my family but to the rest of the community in Mkhuhlu Village, Bushbuckridge,” she says.

For her Master’s Ndlovu’s research topic was: The Effectiveness of Agricultural cooperatives towards enhancing food security in rural areas: Mbombela Local Municipality, Mpumalanga Province.

She says the findings have proved that agricultural cooperatives are essential for improving local food security, even though they are constrained by many operative challenges, such as lack of agricultural inputs and institutional support.

“Cooperative farmers play an important role in agricultural production, distribution, and support for their rural community’s long-term food security. There is potential for the development of cooperative strategies that benefit livelihood activities, as well as advocates for more sustainable food security programmes that will increase income and food security,” she adds.

Ndlovu further says the study presented that, besides a lack of agricultural inputs and institutional support, there are more threats to the development of agricultural cooperatives in rural areas, such as poor infrastructure, a lack of productive resources, and poor market and information access, all of which must be addressed.

“Thus, agricultural cooperatives require a solution-oriented formula to improve extension support services in addressing the challenges hindering the achievement of livelihood outcomes.”

She says the study maintained that institutional support services must improve the provision of agricultural inputs and focus on enabling access to funding for agricultural cooperatives. It further suggested that the structure of public support services re-align to the specific needs of agricultural cooperatives.

Ndlovu’s first article of her Master’s Dissertation, is published by Technium Social Sciences Accredited Journal.

“To publish a peer-reviewed article from my Master’s work in an accredited journal is a big milestone for me because it demonstrates the quality of my dissertation. I am on the right track. I am very inspired because publishing means I have contributed to the body of knowledge globally,” she continues.

“This is a big achievement and the proudest moment for me, a Cum Laude was anticipated. To become a good scholar or researcher who will add a creative value to the sum of knowledge within the institution and on a global space.”

Importance of mentorship

Ndlovu  attributes much of her success to having great mentors.“I was truly fortunate to have a supervisor as supportive and professional as Dr Mandla Masuku. His motivation, encouragement and patience deeply inspired me to publish articles from my Master’s work. Dr Masuku also taught me the methodology to carry out the research and clearly present my work. Together with Dr Masuku we plan to publish even more articles moving forward,” she continues.

“I believe this is just the beginning of many. I am looking forward to registering my PhD next year. I want to pursue my PhD studies with any institution of my choice and by God’s grace I hope to become one of the future leaders of this institution mainly because I want to inspire young people to believe in their dreams and capabilities. ”

Ndlovu’s goal was to complete her degree in record time and with a distinction. She is extremely grateful for the support she has received from everyone, especially her family.

“My advice to other students: discipline and respect. It is what got me here. At postgraduate level you feel like there is enough time to do everything, but stay on course. Communicate and consult with your supervisor often because you need guidance.”

Ndlovu is amongst the first cohorts of Academic Talent Stewardship Fellows at UMP. Ndlovu was part of the University tutorship and is the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship Mentorship Programme from 2017 to 2019. She also worked as a Resident Student Assistant at student housing.

“I am an extremely optimistic and energetic leader. I was responsible for using entrepreneurial action to improve the quality and standard of living in rural communities in Mpumalanga. Impact, influence, and inspiration have been the key drivers of my excellence.”

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures ChrisplPhoto.

Noncedo Chiloane graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Post-Harvest Technology (Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences). Ncedile Chiloane graduated with a Bachelor of Development Studies Honours (Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences).

Originally from KaNyamazane, eNtokozweni, the twins moved to Dayzenza near Hazyview when their parents separated. As a single parent and an educator, it was always their mother’s resolve to make sure her children received an education.

“Our mother has always emphasized the importance of education and that it is the key to success. That we have graduated means more than just the possibility of a bright future. It means the honouring of God’s commandment to make your parents proud.”

Both siblings have always wanted to further their education, and though they took separate journeys along the way, they completed this leg of their academic careers together.

“I have always aspired to receive a degree. In pursuit of my aspirations, I enrolled at UMP in 2017 with the Faculty of Development, Economics and Business Science for the Undergraduate Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies. I completed this in 2019, and in 2020 I enrolled for and completed my Honours degree,” says Ncedile.

“Within those four years, my journey at UMP was filled with many steps taken outside my comfort zone. Each year was inclusive of late nights spent towards my academics, and some dedicated towards my social life. Based on the diverse nature of university, a balance between the two is extremely necessary because the interaction between people of vast backgrounds, cultures, languages, as well as lifestyles is unavoidable,” she adds.

Both twins agree that having someone so close to them on campus as a support system, was pivotal to each of their success.

“Being enrolled at the same university meant a lot for us. Ncedo literally applied on my behalf and saw me through the entire application process. I can still remember how excited I was to be join her at UMP. I automatically had someone to share my university experiences and challenges with. She was my home away from home.”

Noncedo agrees, “With my sister at UMP, I always had a study partner, and someone to pick me up when I was feeling down or overwhelmed. There was always someone by my side to motivate me when I felt unmotivated. Because we were enrolled for different programmes, we also spoke different academic languages, which in itself was enriching.”

Making an Impact
As a single mother to two girls, Noncedo’s journey came with its own particular challenges, but she managed to face and conquer them all.

“Graduating to me means evidence of hard work, perseverance and proof that I can do anything I set my mind to. Being a young single parent and a student at the same time proved to be incredibly challenging but with support and God’s grace I managed to come out victorious. For my family it means setting a standard for our siblings to aspire to.

Our elder brother is also in his final stages of completing his undergraduate degree at UMP and our baby sister is still facing high school. I believe our success will inspire them to persevere. We also hope it will encourage our community and that we will be able to add value to their lives. Additionally, I personally feel that it shows many young girls who are teenage parents that being a mother and pursuing an academic career is very achievable with the right mindset and full family support,” says Noncedo.

Ncedile also hopes to impact those around her. “I hope that through my acquired knowledge and skills, I will add value to my community directly or indirectly by being an exemplary member of society, building and inculcating strong morals, principals and sense of character, especially in young people.”

In the light of their story, these siblings hope to help both current and prospective students to never give up on their dreams and to always strive and propel to reach even greater heights. Their advice to aspiring minds is to find a healthy balance between student and social life, and to learn as much as they can, both academically and socially.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Though orthodox medicine can treat many skin disorders, traditional herbal medicines and cosmetics remain popular especially in rural areas where they are part of people’s culture.

In South Africa, it is estimated that about 27 million people still rely partly on traditional medicine. And more than 3 000 indigenous plants have been reported as having traditional medicinal uses.

More than 90 indigenous South African plants have been evaluated for their commercialisation potential. Of these traditionally used plants, 32% are traded in “muthi” (traditional medicine) markets and contribute an estimated R2.9 billion to the South African economy annually.

Herbal cosmetics remain part of tradition and a modern trend in beauty and fashion. Many people prefer natural products for their personal care because they have few side-effects.

However, there is limited information available about indigenous knowledge and practices in natural cosmetics and cosmeceuticals in South Africa.

Documenting the plants used for these purposes could raise public awareness and encourage innovation to drive the potential market. It may also encourage more research on the potentials for new plant-based products.

We therefore conducted a study in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province in South Africa. This is an area that is rich in biodiversity and plants with traditional uses. We interviewed 79 women from 16 communities to document the medicinal uses of plants.

We also wanted to know how the plants contributed to the socioeconomic lives of the rural women. Our research team comprised botanists, agricultural economists and indigenous knowledge systems experts.

Commonly used plants

The ethnobotanical information was collected from February to June 2018. It was based on face-to-face interviews using questionnaires. We asked about the names of local plants used and recorded how they were prepared.

We spoke to women who had knowledge of medicinal plants and photographed the plants they mentioned. We later deposited specimens in the herbarium of the South African National Biodiversity Institute and identified the botanical names of the collected plants.

We discovered that the use of plant-based preparations was popular in the Vhembe district. A total of 49 plants belonging to 32 families formed part of the existing recipes for cosmetics and cosmeceuticals.

More than 50% of the plants were recorded for the first time as having these uses. For instance, the leaves of Dicerocaryum zanguebaricum are applied topically as a substitute for soap, while in other studies they have been noted as antibacterial, anti-flammatory and used for ethno-veterinary medicines

Devil’s thorn, soap bush and oil plant were the most commonly cited plants. Castor oil plant, soap bush and devil’s thorn are sought after for their ability to stop bleeding and speed up wound healing. They are also used to treat burns and alleviate other skin conditions. Several findings are available for these plants, an indication of their potential as natural-based cosmetics and cosmeceuticals.

The Vhembe women use a variety of equipment and implements. The main tools included the panga and the mortar and pestle – an ancient technology which is still effective for maceration and preparing poultices. No machines were used to produce the herbal extracts. Most of the tools used were homemade; others were purchased from hardware stores.

Commercial prospects

Another analysis showed that for every R1.00 that rural women invested in making these products, they could realise an additional R0.28 return.

These findings suggest that the enterprise could improve people’s economic welfare in rural communities. Its economic potential is worth studying in more detail.

Based on our study plant-based cosmetics and cosmeceuticals are a potentially lucrative business if there is investment in local infrastructure and industrial development in local communities. Low-cost and value-added products could be part of the development of the bio-economy. However, there is a need for more research and innovation to drive product development for local markets.

Government and the private sector should share responsibility in developing local communities by assisting rural women to access credit or loan facilities for manufacturing.

South Africa has several laws and regulations on bio-prospecting. These are aimed at protecting traditional knowledge biological and genetic resources such as medicinal plants. These regulations are aligned to those of the Convention of Biodiversity and Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.

Both are aimed at sustainable use of natural resources and protecting biological diversity, traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights. These frameworks should be fully implemented at local level for equitable benefit sharing, sustainable use of biological resources and reinforcement of investments in the rural economy in South Africa.

@ The Article is republished from The Conversation Africa. The Research was done by  Abiodun Olusola Omotayo, North-West University. Adeyemi Oladapo Aremu, North-West University. Peter Tshepiso Ndhlovu, Ph.D. candidate in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and lecturer at School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, University of Mpumalanga Wilfred Otang-Mbeng (Associate Professor in Botany, University of Mpumalanga)

The 25-year old  has been outstanding and excelled in her academics during her years of study at UMP. She was also  awarded for the Best Initial (First) Degree student. 

“I feel honoured and humbled by the success and my achievements. All the hard work I put in was worth it. Even when it became difficult, I never gave up. Given the opportunity to further my studies, I will work even harder,” she says.

Nkuna is the first in her family to graduate. She hopes that her success will inspire those around her, especially her three siblings.

“Graduating in the field of education, I will now have the opportunity to not only educate, but also to inspire and develop learners holistically. I’ll have the opportunity to change my life, develop professionally, and apply my knowledge to all aspects of my life."

On how she managed her studies, Nkuna says her family were an essential support system. She also made sure to keep to her study schedule, and found a good balance between social and academic life.”

“It’s important to find a healthy balance. My advice to other students is to manage this balance very carefully, and never let the one overtake the other. This will help you work hard, but also to relieve the pressure that comes with studying hard.”

Grateful for Opportunities

Nkuna is grateful to UMP for empowering her with the knowledge she needed to succeed. She says UMP's value of adaptability became important to her when she had to cope with all the changes and uncertainty that happened during lockdown when all teaching and learning moved online.

“UMP also taught me the value of community service as a teacher and as a person. I have learnt to integrate my knowledge of technology to enhance the teaching and learning process, which is very crucial to this generation since the world is stepping into the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” she continues.

“It has been difficult being of sound mind, especially during this pandemic. It has been a challenge to remain hopeful for a better future with our country’s high unemployment rate, and schools not being able to function in a way we have become accustomed to.”

She further adds that her biggest wish is to secure employment so that she can take care of her mom and her three siblings.

“It's been hard coping without steady financial support, which in turn has been emotionally and mentally draining. However, I believe that will change. I just need the opportunity to change the situation.”

Nkuna has intentions to further her studies and do an Honours Degree.

“I had hoped that by this time I would have secured employment in order to apply for my Honours, but I’ve not been successful yet. I do believe that things will turn around and I remain hopeful that everything will work out for the best.”

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

“I’m building a mobile application that will work to support the website. The project has been a work in progress and hopefully it will be launched soon. Varsity Market will allow students in the entrepreneur space to trade with other students from the same or different universities,” he says.

Mazibuko recently graduated in absentia on 15 July 2021. He completed his Diploma Cum Laude and is the first in his family to obtain a degree.

“Being the first graduate in my family means the world to me, it’s like breaking a curse and setting a positive standard for my younger siblings. They are witnessing first-hand how much getting an education can transform your life and make a real difference in the family,” he says. 

“After my parents separated when I was 10 years old, I was raised by my grandmother. She worked hard as a domestic worker to send my little brother and I to school. I made a promise to myself that I would one day make her proud. This graduation means a lot to my grandmother.” 

Mazibuko is currently interning at Boxfusion, an IT company based in Centurion, Gauteng. 

“I applied along with 20 other ICT final year students. Only 10 of us were then selected to participate in the assessment session for Boxfusion's Software Developer Graduate Programme, which would then further determine which candidates would qualify for a job interview. Out of the 10 students that participated in the assessment, I was amongst the two that were shortlisted for an online interview. The interview went well and within two weeks I was called with an offer to join the company,” he says. 

Though Mazibuko is employed, he has intentions of going back to study and acquire more knowledge. He believes that with enough experience, he will have enough experience to start an  IT company.

"I believe entrepreneurship is very important and we need entrepreneurs more than academics in our country because entrepreneurs are the answer to the high unemployment rate in South Africa.”

Making Great Strides
Mazibuko is the recipient of the Vice-Chancellor Scholarship. He received the Vice Chancellor’s Award for Best Graduate and Best First Diploma: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. He was also awarded the Keni Foundation Award for Academic Excellence in ICT. 

“Getting to this point in my life has made a huge difference. Getting the marks that I got  has allowed me to stand a great chance of getting employment. Good results do get you noticed by employees. Today I’m able to rent a flat in Centurion, pay my bills, and support my family. The future looks good and I am hoping to gain as much experience as I can so I can take it back home and reinvest it in the place that invested in me," he continues.

“I aspire to have an academic institution that will offer lessons to young people back home, teach them how to code before they get to university and exposing them to the different technologies at an early age. Since I finished my diploma, I have been doing a lot of online courses, learning more industry-based tools and technologies. I have been learning through basic projects, applying the knowledge from the courses I have been doing, and developing the app is one of the projects I’m venturing in,” he adds.

“At the end of the day, you need to stay up to date and relevant as a software developer. The learning never stops, even after completing your diploma. University is necessary though to provide you with the foundation you need to grow in the industry.”

Mazibuko hopes that the e-commerce app will be up and running soon as it will assist students who are in the entrepreneurial space. 

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

“I'm the first graduate in my family. I’m the last born in a family of three children and none of my brothers reached university level. I feel excited to have broken that chain and to have become the first graduate. I'm sure my parents are rejoicing with me in heaven.”

Makgeru wishes that her parents were still alive to witness her academic achievements.

“I would have loved for my parents to witness such a beautiful moment and ululate for me. I lost my parents at a very young age and life wasn't easy for me. Getting an education was my only ticket out of my situation,” she says.

Makgeru was awarded for Best Student in 2019 and 2020. She reveals that her journey was not an easy one but because she is a goal-driven and passionate young woman who always looks on the bright side, she worked hard to make the most of her life.

“In 2018 after I enrolled for my degree, things were very bad financially. I had no funding or anyone to assist me with even basic necessities. All I wanted was to deregister. You can imagine how tough it was as a first-year student struggling with a lot of things including food,” she continues.

“One of my lecturers whom I met during orientation encouraged me to stay at school and to never quit. She assisted me with groceries until NSFAS funded me. From that day I vowed to work hard and get the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship, which I received in 2019.”

Makgeru adds that receiving the Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship encouraged and motivated her to focus on her academics. It was in 2020 that she went through a dip with the pandemic and lockdown as her circumstances greatly affected her.

“I went through a very challenging time. My worst was studying at home, something I was never used to. Our homes are not conducive for studying – especially when there are no facilities, no data and living in a village with poor network,” she says.

Another blow that year was when Makgeru fell pregnant and her baby was born with complications.

“I felt that it would be difficult for me to complete my studies with the same motivation and pace as the previous years. I wrote all my second semester tests while studying from the hospital where I was with my sick baby,” she continues.

“There were days I felt like giving up on my academics and focusing on my sick child. But because I had a great support system of lecturers, friends and family that kept giving me strength, I continued and didn’t give up.”

Makgeru says she studied in the hospital ward where she was admitted with her baby. But devices were not allowed in the nursery, so she sneaked to the bathroom or other wards to study for tests.

“Luckily, last year exams were postponed to January and that bought me some time to study all my second semester work. As always, I did not allow my situation to knock me down. I rose above my circumstances. I managed to come out with a few distinctions. I'm now a graduate who passed Cum Laude.”

Makgeru is studying her Honours at the University of Mpumalanga. Her advice to other students is to be resilient and never give up, even when the going gets tough. “There will always be tough times, but these only make you strong and strengthen your resolve to succeed; they allow you to become the best possible version of yourself.”

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

Dr Netshakhuma says his research was focused on developing a framework for archives and records management at institutions of higher learning in South Africa by comparing previously historically advantaged and disadvantaged universities in South Africa.

“The key findings reveal that while the university has an archive service within the library, the responsibility of preserving student records lies with the records management division that resides within the registrar’s office. However, there is no preservation strategy for student affairs records,” he says. 

“It concluded that collaboration between student affairs and records and archives departments should be enhanced to collect the student affairs records. A comprehensive study on the management of student affairs records in South African universities is recommended.”  

Dr Netshakhuma continues that his research found that the records management function was not aligned with the university's strategic plan.

“The study also found that the records management programme was not integrated into a business process which was a risk for universities to comply with various legislations such as Protection of Personal Information Act and Promotion of Access to Information Act. It proposed a records management model that universities may use to augment and foster a comprehensive records management programme.” 

Research Journey

The journey towards his PhD started with a research proposal in 2017, which was supported by UMP’s Research Division. 

“The workshops and research retreat organized by UMP have assisted me to progress in my studies,” he says. 

His research interests include knowledge, archives and records management, ethics and governance. His professional industry background includes working as an Archivist for the African National Congress Archives responsible for liberation archives movements, and Senior Manager Records Management at the Department of Public Works, Health, Social Development. 

His advice for aspiring postgraduate students is to stay dedicated and focused on their studies. 

“There is a need for constant interaction between students and supervisors. If possible, get a mentor to assist with your work before you submit it to your supervisor. You ought to balance work, leisure, and family. I received support from my family, which allowed me to complete my PhD within three years. I appreciate my wife and children for motivating and supporting me through this journey.” 

Dr Netshakhuma joined the University of Mpumalanga as a Deputy Director of Records and Archives in 2015. He is currently the Deputy Chairperson of the South Africa Higher Education Records Management Forum. He is the advisor of Reference Group for the Mpumalanga Records Management Forum, and Member of the International Council of Archives.

“At UMP I’m responsible for the archives and records management for the university. It all started with the realization that to complement my practical experience, I also needed to conduct research,” he says. 

Dr Netshakhuma has presented several national and international conference papers and published articles and book chapters. He has contributed to an e-book titled: Handbook of Research on Library Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, edited by Holland Barbara from Brooklyn Public Library in the USA. 

The book consists of chapters that contain essential library services and emerging research and technology that evolved and/or has continued during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges and opportunities that have been undertaken as a result. 

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

In 2018, the same year she joined UMP, Mulamuleli was diagnosed with two chronic conditions: Syncope and Fibroadenoma. 

Fibroadenoma is a tumour usually found in the breast, and Syncope is a shortage of oxygen to the brain that causes fainting and loss of consciousness. Both illnesses were diagnosed at the same time, which made it impossible for Mulamuleli to continue with her studies. 

The tumour caused numbness in her arm, and the fainting episodes resulted in severe memory loss. It also caused pain to the side of her breast and a strange numb feeling constantly went down her right arm causing constant headaches.

To treat the Fibroadenoma, Mulamuleli successfully underwent surgery to remove the lump in her breast, causing her to miss almost a whole month of lectures. 

“It was rather difficult to study due to the severe pain I experienced during my first and second year at varsity. Syncope caused temporary memory loss, which led to me forgetting almost everything I studied or even what the lecturers taught us. Syncope has physical and emotional consequences; I had physical bruises from falling and hurting myself during fainting episodes. My body was in pain,” she continues.

Determined to Succeed

Throughout all the challenges the Limpopo-born student persevered and continued to study. She is now graduating in Nature Conservation under the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. 

“I never gave up. No matter how much pain I was in, I continued studying. I always asked my classmates for notes when I was absent from lectures. Study groups assisted me a great deal, and I started recording lectures to be able to make my own notes afterwards,” she says.

“This graduation means I worked hard to achieve my first of many qualifications – even though it never came easy. It means my childhood dream of working with plants and animals is certainly coming to light,” she adds. 

“If you put your mind to something that you love, you can achieve it – even in the midst of whatever obstacles you may be facing. It was all about hard work, dedication and not giving up. Going forward after a series of failed tests, quizzes and practicals, every time I felt like I should go back home, I just worked harder and forged ahead. I had to fight for my dream to become a reality.” 

Mulamuleli is currently working as an administrator and finance officer at Dzashu Holdings, a producer of processed Serrano pickles and chillies. 

“I am also mentoring students from different institutions in Water Resource Management, Geography, Soil Science and Botany.”  

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

The students from the University of Mpumalanga, Siyabuswa campus: Vanessa Nkuna, Bongiwe Makhoyane, Thobile Mahlangu and Mahlatse Mashilo, excelled in their programmes with Nkuna receiving an incredible 28 distinctions. The four are among 89 other students who are funded by the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme.

The bursary scheme funds students with the aim to deliver highly qualified beginner teachers for the Foundation Phase. It covered most of the recipients’ essential expenses, which include tuition fees, accommodation, meals, books and learning materials, teaching practice, as well as a small allowance for monthly living expenses for some. 

The Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme and the University of Mpumalanga have provided the student teachers with some of the following:

• A well-rounded education that equips them with the required subject content knowledge base, teaching competence, a nuanced understanding of the integrated nature of theory and practice in education, and the context of the teaching profession in South Africa. 
   
• The Bachelor of Education Foundation Phase programme focuses specifically on child development, literacy, numeracy (mathematics) and the knowledge that underpins life skills.
   
• A professional teaching qualification. Students will be specialists in the teaching of young children in their mother-tongue language.
   
• An understanding of the organizing principles and theoretical framework underpinning childhood development, social, emotional and sensory development to enable them to support learners’ development in the Foundation Phase classroom.
   
• The use of educational information technology to enhance the use of ICT in teaching and learning in the Foundation Phase; use blended technology as part of their teaching methodology, to teach the understanding of numbers, number systems, algebra, fractions, shapes, space, measurement (mass, weight) to enable them to support children’s acquisition of these concepts. 

The student graduates from University of Mpumalanga will be required to teach one year for every year for which they have received the bursary. They will also be required to teach at a government school for the same number of years that they received the bursary. 

The students have also been empowered with an understanding of teaching methods relevant for teaching literacy and initial writing and to provide them with practice opportunities to develop teaching skills for literacy and initial writing teaching. They will also contribute to the development of African languages and cultures within their community.

@ Story published by the University of Mpumalanga Communications Division