The University teams went out to various centres and schools, engaging in activities like career guidance, sports coaching, and choir sessions.

Professor Moses Mbewe, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) for Postgraduate Studies, Engagement, and Planning, led a group to Thembeka High School in Kanyamazane, where he provided career guidance to learners, and the team planted trees and donated soccer balls.

Prof Mbewe urged the students to honour Madiba's legacy by excelling in their studies: "Nelson Mandela sacrificed for a free South Africa so that you could have a better future. Focus on your studies to ensure a brighter tomorrow."

The Siyabuswa team donated winter items to the children's centre.

Another team, led by Dr. Aldo Stroebel, the DVC for Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation, visited Valencia High School in Nelspruit. They engaged in tree planting, career guidance, soccer coaching, and choir sessions.

Mr. Godfery Raphadi, Acting Principal of Valencia Combined School, expressed gratitude for UMP's visit and the valuable contributions made to the students' careers and personal growth: "Our learners have gained a lot in terms of career guidance, learning about the university's programmes. We also appreciate the donated soccer balls and coaching skills, which will open up opportunities for our learners in the future."

Musawakhe Bhaba, captain of the Valencia soccer team, expressed his appreciation for the donations: "I hope the balls and coaching skills we received will motivate my team to push and win multiple games."

At Kamagugu SOS Children's Home, Mr. Sello Legodi, UMP's Registrar, and Dr. Nomvula Twaise, Director of Student Housing, led a group that generously donated knitted and non-perishable food items, as well as sanitary towels.UMP Campus Director: Dr. Emmanuel Tshkwatamba with the Siyabuswa team that went to KwaNdebele Science School. 

Mr. Legodi highlighted UMP's commitment to the community and its values, emphasizing the significance of Mandela Day in engaging with strategic partners for positive change.

Ms. Vuyelwa Mega, programme director of Nelspruit SOS Children's Home, expressed gratitude for the donations, acknowledging the impact they will have on the children's lives during the winter months.

Dr. Mercy Kutu led a team that visited Litsemba Care Centre in Daantjie and donated sanitary towels.

Siyabuswa Campus Director, Dr. Emmanuel Tshikwatamba, delivered a motivational talk at Kwandebele Science School, while another team cleaned and donated sanitary towels at Ikageng Combined School.

Additional teams visited Ikageng and Ditau Day Care Centres, providing knitted hats, blankets, and scarves to those in need.

UMP's Mandela Day activities exemplify the spirit of Nelson Mandela, demonstrating the University's commitment to creating opportunities and positively impacting the lives of local communities.

By Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

The winning team's enterprises, Charcool Climate, and Seller’s Chart showcased remarkable initiatives. Charcool Climate developed cooling systems using charcoal, fence, timber, and water for street vendors in Mbombela. These systems maintain temperatures 10°C lower than the outside temperature, reducing spoilage rates and extending the shelf life of perishable goods. Charcool Climate is still at the concept stage and the idea will be implemented from the funds received at the competition.

Seller’s Chart, on the other hand, excelled in the Regional Competition held at the University of Johannesburg in April, earning a spot among the top 12 teams competing at the National Exposition, where they ultimately secured fifth position.

Charcool Climate also achieved success in the 2022-23 Harmony Food & Health Security Challenge, where they were among the top six and received R12 000. Moreover, they were crowned this year's Harmony Food & Health Security Challenge Winner, earning an additional R15 000.

Seller’s Chart's primary focus is on supporting informal businesses by providing comprehensive assistance through various avenues such as business development, marketing strategies, and personalized consultation sessions. Their goal is to help entrepreneurs redefine their vision and objectives, ultimately leading them towards success. In addition to consultation services, Sellers' Chart operates as an online advertising platform.

Enactus South Africa has undergone a transition from its conventional focus on community development to emphasizing student leadership, teamwork, entrepreneurial thinking, and social responsibility. As part of this new approach, student entrepreneurship is prioritized within teams before extending the focus to the communities they serve.

Enactus UMP embraced this shift by encouraging team members to develop their enterprises through workshops, resulting in the establishment of six student-owned enterprises addressing various societal challenges, such as business development, Gender-based Violence, food waste, university applications, and internships, shoe cleaning, and post-harvest storage of fresh produce.

This Enactus year required active teams to meet specific criteria for their enterprises to participate in the national exposition, including alignment with the Global Sustainable Development Goals, registration with the Companies Intellectual Property Commission, registration with the South African Revenue Services, and affiliation with a financial institution. Additionally, the enterprises had to be in their piloting phase, as per the Enactus Road Map.

Professor Ferdinand Niyimbanira, the Coordinator (Faculty Advisor) of the team, expressed appreciation to the University for its support in enabling students to reach their full potential as social entrepreneurs addressing societal problems with sustainable solutions. The support from the university management, particularly the Vice Chancellor, also played a vital role in the team's success.

In addition to winning three trophies, Professor Niyimbanira's exceptional work led to his nomination as one of the five African representatives in the Global Faculty Research Network (GFRN) of Enactus. The GFRN serves as an advisory body, collaborating to capture and disseminate the knowledge and expertise of Enactus Global Faculty. It aims to promote a global peer research network and provide input for innovative strategies and events that recognize and reward Enactus faculty advisors' innovation.

Professor Niyimbanira expressed his humility and honour at the nomination, considering the presence of faculty advisors from 10 African countries within Enactus. He emphasized that the nomination serves as motivation, validating the significance of their work with Enactus.

Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied.

As the DVC: Postgraduate Studies, Engagement, and Planning, Prof Mbewe will be responsible to provide strategic leadership for all aspects related to Postgraduate Studies, Engagement, Institutional Planning and Continuing Education Services.

Before this role, Prof Mbewe served as the Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP, prioritizing quality teaching and research within the faculty to ensure excellence across all areas.

"My focus as Dean was to maintain the highest academic standards, offering exceptional programs taught by well-qualified staff and conducting relevant research. This is a bigger role, and it’s a bigger chance to establish a legacy within the university," he says.

As the DVC, his top priority is to ensure graduate students complete their studies on time, intervening to resolve any problems and preventing prolonged stays that would incur additional costs for the university.

“This will assist us to build a community of postgraduate students that are aware of the world around them, but are also very good in their area of expertise by virtue of the linkups that we built within the country, with industries and other universities, so that the student is really enriched.”

Closing the skills gap in the province

As UMP celebrates 10 years, Prof Mbewe attributes the university's success to its established systems and processes that bring predictability to tasks and provide maximum exposure to industry practices for students.

UMP is the only university in the Mpumalanga province, which still has huge educational or skills deficit in its population, especially for the working class who had to further their studies, elsewhere outside the Province in the past; he aims to bridge the gap of skills development, by developing flexible study options as part of further education for the target group.

“To address the skills deficit and bring flexibility, we are looking at working with on academic offerings of existing and future programmes that will put a more flexible timetable to enhance access and redress to people under employment. “

This position gives us an opportunity to also work and partner with other well-established institutions, to take students and train them to gain experience in either their chosen industry, government departments, or farms when it comes to agriculture. Another crucial focus is creating partnerships to ensure UMP students gain maximum exposure and industry experience by the time the students graduate.”

Furthermore, the institution aims to provide solutions to local communities and collaborate with various divisions to address their needs. He plans to offer flexible and user-friendly courses such as advanced diplomas and postgraduate diplomas to cater to working individuals.

Engagement with local and international communities is a key aspect, as Prof Mbewe believes it enriches teaching by staying updated with global issues and technology.

“We should be able to have academic leaders that are leading discipline-based organizations because they can only stay relevant if in contact with other people. But just as a community, the university is not isolated to have those networks amongst professional organizations so that there are collaborations in terms of research, teaching methodologies, and other technologies that some of our partners that are in South Africa and other parts of the world can share.”

Additionally, discussions are afoot with the Mpumalanga Department of Education to develop programmes that will improve the qualifications of high school educators.

Academic history

Before joining UMP, Professor Mbewe served as the Head of the Department of Water and Sanitation and Acting Director of the School of Computer and Mathematical Sciences at the University of Limpopo. He also worked at the North-West University as an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Agricultural Sciences from 2005 to 2011 teaching Microbiology.

Prof Mbewe holds a BSc in Biology from Texas Southern University, USA, and a PhD in Microbial Genetics from the University of Cambridge, UK. After an extensive academic career at various institutions and organizations, he assumed his duties at the University Mpumalanga as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in 2016.

He has served on several boards, including the National Task Force for the Containment of Polio in Labs (NTF), and was on the ministerial advisory committee for the National Department of Health, and the Council on Higher Education (HEQC) as a Programme Evaluator.

Professor Mbewe was also the chair of the PETAFF (Provincial Education and Training in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) in Mpumalanga and was appointed by the MEC of Mpumalanga Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA), which deals with the popularising and teaching of agriculture in the entire province.

His diverse expertise and advisory roles promise valuable insights and impactful contributions to UMP's academic and strategic initiatives, as the university strives to become a leading African institution fostering sustainable development through innovation.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Dr. Stroebel's new role holds significant importance in providing strategic leadership for research, innovation, and partnerships, including Library and Information Services and Institutional Centres and Institutes.

He emphasizes the importance of aligning UMP's research and innovation strategy with its vision and mandate, focusing on sustainability and impact. He aims to engage with a broad range of stakeholders in advancing the university's research profile and capacity towards local relevance, regional impact, and global recognition.

Dr. Stroebel believes that his appointment offers a significant opportunity to join not only a new university but one that has demonstrated the importance of research in becoming a competitive institution.

“The goal is to contribute to South Africa's knowledge system and network and to establish a research culture and infrastructure at the university. The formalization of the DVC portfolio for research is a significant step in the university's efforts in building a recognized research profile," remarked Dr. Stroebel.

He expressed excitement about returning to higher education, and to re-establish his research in agricultural innovation systems. "This role resonates with our local community, province, and the country, as it not only focuses on knowledge production but also emphasizes the real-world applicability of our research, leading to tangible benefits," he stated.

As a relatively new university in South Africa, UMP has been diligently developing its research portfolio, and this formalization of the Research, Innovation, and Internationalisation portfolio signifies the institution's commitment to research advancement, partnership strengthening, and fostering innovation. Dr. Stroebel underscores the significance of an enabling environment, researchers' capabilities, research culture, and postgraduate capacity in building a robust research profile.

"The establishment of a research profile for a new university hinges on researchers' capabilities, the research culture fostered within the institution, and the growth of postgraduate programmes. We are focused on building the capacity of both established and emerging researchers, gaining new talent, driving innovation through existing and new research niche areas, and forging strategic partnerships to strengthen and advance our research endeavours," said Dr. Stroebel.

Enhancing Research and Innovation

Dr. Stroebel further elaborated on the importance of collaboration, alignment, and integration among the different portfolios and support programmes within the university. Working cohesively and innovatively across all functions is essential for the overall development of the university, and the centrality of research and innovation.

Regarding the immediate tasks at hand, Dr. Stroebel emphasized understanding the university's research landscape, analysing its innovation potential, and enhancing research and innovation support functions. He emphasized the need to develop and strengthen research management support functions in the Faculties in collaboration with the Research Management Office, and the need for a robust early career researcher development programme, including adequate funding involving Faculties and various support functions to strengthen research capabilities.

Strategic Research Leader

Dr. Stroebel shared his passion for contributing to the university's growth, stating, "I look forward to advancing the strong basis of research and innovation established, and bringing a significant network for engagement and resource leveraging.”

Before joining UMP, Dr. Stroebel served as the Executive Director: Strategic Partnerships at the National Research Foundation (NRF) from 2013-2023. His tenure at the University of the Free State (UFS) from 2003 to 2013 showcased his diverse roles, including Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor in the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, Founding Director of International Affairs, and Director of International Academic and Transformation Projects in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Rector.

He serves on the Board of the Water Research Commission, is a Foreign Fellow of the Ugandan National Academy of Science, a Senior Fellow of the Pan-African Scientific Council, an Honorary Scholar at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria, and a founding member of the SA Young Academy of Science (SAYAS).

Dr. Stroebel holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Agriculture, a Joint Programme between the University of the Free State and Cornell University, USA. He obtained a Master's in International Agricultural Development at Ghent University, Belgium, with Postdoctoral work at Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

This choral music event, named in honour of the late Dr. Shalati Khosa, a prominent choral music composer and conductor, commenced with a gala dinner at the Malamulele Community Hall on 14 July 2023, which was hosted by the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

Under the skilled leadership of Lonny Mokoena, a UMP alumnus hailing from Moreipuso village in Bushbuckridge, the UMP choir has risen to new heights. Lonny began his journey with the choir back in 2018, and his dedication and passion led him to become the conductor in 2022. From a humble group of less than 20 choristers, the choir has now grown to include approximately 60 talented singers. As choirmaster, Mokoena not only conducts the music but also produces some of the group's captivating performances.

Reflecting on their triumphant experience, Lonny expressed his joy for the student's accomplishments, stating, "It was a great first-time experience for the students. I want to see them happy and striving to do what they love and when their hard work finally shows."

The University played a pivotal role in supporting the choir's journey to the competition. Lonny shared his gratitude, saying, "We wish to thank the University for allowing the choir to go and showcase their talent for the first time in a competition; they supported us by providing accommodation, food, and transport while on our camp."

• Best Dressed Choir: A testament to the UMP management's excellent choice of beautiful attire for the choir.
• 1st Position: Own Choice Song Category: The choir's captivating performance of the song "Thuto e bohlokwa," composed and conducted by none other than Lonny Mokoena himself.
• 2nd Position: Standard Selection Category: The choir showcased their remarkable skills with the song "Mabharule" by the esteemed Dr. S.J Khosa.

The achievement was even more remarkable considering that this was the choir's debut in a competition. Mokoena expressed his pride, stating, "We were first-timers, and we managed to win three trophies."

The road to success was not without challenges, as the students had to balance rigorous exam preparations with intense practice sessions. Mokoena noted, "We couldn't rehearse for more than a month since students were still busy with their exams. We managed to have a camp from the 10th of July to quickly prepare for the competition."

Despite the challenges, the choir's dedication and hard work prevailed, leading them to victory. Mokoena praised the choristers, saying, "I give credit to the choristers who worked hard. I'm happy for the students. This win means a lot to them and their dedication. I'm glad they had tasted triumph, after all."

The UMP choir holds a special place in the hearts of its choristers. The vibrant and harmonious atmosphere of the choir fosters a sense of family among its members. Mokoena proudly explained, "What makes the UMP Choir special is the sense of family that the choir always displays, even to new members. The main thing I love is that they are always willing to grow and improve individually and collectively."

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Watch the choir’s winning performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I707MY11Y90

His groundbreaking study on medicinal plants' use for childhood diseases and their economic potential in the North-West Province echoes Mandela's commitment to uplifting communities and preserving indigenous knowledge.

Childhood Diseases and Indigenous Knowledge

Childhood diseases pose a significant global health challenge, impacting children's quality of life and future productivity. Indigenous communities have long relied on natural resources like plants for therapeutic purposes, ethnoveterinary practices, and nutrition. Despite this traditional knowledge, the potential of indigenous medicine in managing childhood ailments has been underexplored.

Dr Ndhlovu's research delves into the medicinal plants used to cure childhood diseases and adds to the knowledge of indigenous knowledge holders and herbal vendors in the North-West Province.

The study resulted in a comprehensive inventory of medicinal plants and indigenous knowledge related to children's healthcare in the region. A notable aspect of the research is the documentation of 61 plants in 34 families, often used to treat and manage various childhood diseases. The most prevalent conditions reported by participants were skin and gastrointestinal diseases. By recording this traditional knowledge, Dr Ndhlovu contributes to the preservation of cultural heritage and local practices.

Economic Potential of Medicinal Plants

Beyond the medical aspect, Dr Ndhlovu's research also highlights the economic potential of medicinal plants for local communities, particularly in rural areas. By commercializing these plants, there is an increase in net returns and per capita total expenditure, positively impacting the livelihoods of indigenous knowledge holders. The findings suggest that these traditional practices could contribute significantly to community development and socio-economic empowerment.

Dr Ndhlovu's multidisciplinary approach based on ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge, and economics not only furthers our understanding of traditional medicine but also showcases its potential relevance in modern healthcare systems.

With childhood diseases remaining a leading cause of mortality in children under five, the study's findings underscore the significance of exploring sustainable healthcare solutions, integrating both traditional and modern approaches.

Preserving Traditional Knowledge

As Dr Ndhlovu's research ventured into previously unexplored territories of the North-West Province, it has enriched the body of knowledge regarding local practices and medicinal plant use. By documenting this wealth of information, the research aids in the preservation of indigenous knowledge and ensures its transmission to future generations.

His research on medicinal plants and their economic potential for childhood diseases in the North-West Province is a testament to the significance of preserving indigenous knowledge and exploring sustainable healthcare solutions.

As South Africa celebrates Mandela Day, the research serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of Mandela's legacy and the importance of empowering communities through research initiatives.

By bridging the gap between traditional and modern medicine, this study contributes to the welfare of the youth and promotes holistic healthcare practices, echoing Madiba's vision of a healthier and more empowered nation.

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

The four-day cultural festival, an annual highlight in Mbombela, draws thousands of visitors from across the country, showcasing a diverse array of artistic disciplines including theatre, children's theatre, cabaret, literature, dancing, and drama, enriching the region's cultural tapestry.

Dr. Paul Maminza, Dean of Students at UMP, emphasized the university's desire to cultivate like-minded partnerships to foster growth, stating, "UMP is a young institution, and much like growing children, we seek companions who share our values. The Innibos National Arts Festival aligns perfectly with our goal to expand our network of partners."

At the heart of UMP's ethos lies the motto "Creating opportunities," and Innibos undoubtedly bolsters this vision by contributing significantly to the area. The festival's celebration of the arts and its commitment to inclusivity across cultures provide invaluable experiences to local communities. Additionally, the economic boost generated by Innibos contributes significantly to the province's prosperity.

UMP, renowned for its dedication to holistic education, offers students more than just academic qualifications. Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities, sports, and recreation, the university fosters a vibrant student life, creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere on its beautiful campus.

Dr. Maminza further highlighted the University of Mpumalanga Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (UMPCFERI), operating from the Mbombela Campus. The centre’s mission is to nurture emerging entrepreneurs in the province and beyond, aiming to combat prevalent unemployment levels through the development of entrepreneurial skills and support for small businesses.

The presence of exhibitors showcasing arts, crafts, and local culinary delights enhances business opportunities during the festival. Festival-goers are treated to a diverse range of products and artistic expressions, highlighting the ingenuity and creativity of local talents.

Innibos provides a platform for these entrepreneurs to introduce and showcase their ideas, to be exposed to other innovative concepts, and connect with like-minded individuals.

"In turn, through UMPCFERI, the institution assumes the role of educating, empowering, and supporting these entrepreneurs in the realization of their business ventures. This collaboration between local institutions is a testament to the power of unified goals," remarked Dr. Maminza.

This year's Innibos National Arts Festival saw a considerable attendance of people, as they flocked to Mbombela between 29 June and 2 July to enjoy a variety of music, comedy, drama, and art productions.

Dr. Maminza proudly expressed UMP's commitment to nurturing robust and mutually beneficial partnerships with strategic stakeholders like Innibos, solidifying the university's status as a dynamic and engaged institution that continuously seeks opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.

Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

At the event, Professor Mbewe expressed that UMP stands as a symbol of the aspirations of the new South African society. "If you want to witness a South African university thriving in democracy, you need only look at us. Our growth from three programmes to 65 in 2023 within a decade exemplifies our commitment to providing top-notch education while adhering to quality programmes and policies. We take pride in delivering quality programmes and completing building projects on budget and on time," he affirmed.

Furthermore, he emphasized UMP's success in developing four exceptional Ph.D. programmes. "As one of the leading comprehensive universities in Mpumalanga, we are firmly rooted in the province, devoted to delivering top-quality programmes that empower our community to catch up since we did not have a university before."

Prof Mbewe delved even deeper into UMP's achievements, stating, "We have surpassed established universities in terms of our publications, secured trophies in the ENACTUS competition where we competed against 26 higher education institutions, and achieved the second place in the Entrepreneur Summit at Asia Pacific Universities last year. Additionally, we received the Best International Award in the FH Johennium University applied sciences, and in 2022, we won the NRF Acceleration Award."

Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, presented eight thematic areas South Africa proposed, including climate change, entrepreneurship development, skills for the changing world with a focus on digital education cooperation, mutual recognition of qualifications, out-of-school youth, labour market intelligence, university global ranking and quality evaluation system, and early childhood development.

DVC: Postgraduate Studies, Engagement and Planning Prof Mbewe at the BRICS event.

Dr Nzimande urged participants to submit concrete proposals on how the BRICS Education System can meaningfully contribute to these areas. For instance, he stressed the need for BRICS member states to discuss possible cooperation to expedite the ratification and implementation of the global convention on mutual recognition of qualifications concerning higher education.

The Minister acknowledged Mpumalanga as the host of the University of Mpumalanga, one of South Africa's newly established universities, expressing hope that the University will find the BRICS Network University initiative appealing and join other institutions within the network. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with the People’s Republic of China and other countries.

Among the other speakers at the event was Mpumalanga MEC for Education, Mr Bonakele Majuba, who stated, "This gathering of great minds is aimed at advancing our common cause, delivering quality education to all, and working towards the total emancipation of our people. We are committed to partnering with the emerging economies of the world to promote peace, security, development, and cooperation. Mpumalanga takes pride in its Ubuntu spirit and rich cultural diversity."

The event was attended by delegates from different fields, including:  the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China, and guest country Namibia also participating.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Before this position, Makome served as a tutor in Information Communication Technology (ICT), a student assistant in various university departments, and an End-user Computing and Digital Skills Facilitator for the UMP and NEMISA CoLab.

Reflecting on his journey, Makome shares, "My time at UMP has been beneficial, providing invaluable experiences that shaped my skills, knowledge, and personal growth. As a tutor in ICT and a student assistant, I had unique opportunities to contribute to the academic community and support fellow students."

Now as an Associate Lecturer, Makome views this role as a significant platform to contribute to the growth and development of the School of Computing.

"This appointment validates my expertise and dedication to the field of ICT, affirming that my contributions have been recognized and valued by the institution. I am excited about the opportunity to impart knowledge, inspire young minds, and shape the next generation of computing professionals."

Thrilled to share his experiences, insights, and passion for technology with students, Makome is committed to creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment that fosters critical thinking and nurtures each student's potential. He also looks forward to collaborating with other academic staff members on research projects and participating in initiatives that drive innovation and excellence in education.

Academic Success

Makome hails from a village called Kamhlushwa in Nkomazi, where computer studies were not part of the curriculum. Upon joining UMP, he discovered that ICT had more to offer and required him to learn computer programmes such as Java, C++, SQL, and Android. He realized the importance of being updated with the latest technological advancements.

Excelling academically and engaging in various activities at UMP shaped his career path. Having obtained his first degree at UMP, Makome worked as a graduate Infrastructure Engineer at Vanity Consulting Megatech AI for six months before accepting a position as a technical assistant at UMP in 2021. Despite the challenges of balancing school and work, he gained valuable skills in time management and overcoming procrastination through the Vice-Chancellor's Development Programme. 

Makome recently achieved a Postgraduate Diploma in ICT: Applications Development from UMP and is pursuing his Master’s in Information Systems and Technology at the University of KwaZulu-Nata (UKZN). His research focuses on a Model for Big Data Analytics to Improve Service Delivery in South African Public Hospitals.

"Due to financial struggles, many South Africans do not have medical aid, resulting in an influx of people accessing public healthcare. Unfortunately, healthcare in South Africa has been strained by various factors, leading to a decline in healthcare quality. The recent pandemic has exposed the strain on several hospitals, resulting in loss of lives and eroding public confidence in the healthcare system."

The role of Associate Lecturer comes with its challenges, such as balancing teaching responsibilities with his studies and research, he remains confident that with dedication, perseverance, and the support of his colleagues, he will overcome these hurdles and thrive in his new position. He aspires to obtain a Ph.D. before the age of 40.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

The Rugby team showcased their prowess at the USSA Rugby Tournament held at Durban Varsity College from 9 to 11 July 2023. Despite the challenges, they persevered and managed to secure a victory against Sol Plaatjies University.

"The boys put in a lot of effort in this tournament and played with injuries until the end. I am very proud of them," said Rugby Captain Mogau Baloyi, expressing admiration for his team's dedication. "I would like to thank the coach and the University for giving us this opportunity."

UMP's Rugby programme, established just last year and led by Coach Sisa Ngcwangu, has witnessed remarkable growth. The programme started with a 10s tournament, and since then, the team has shown steady progress, attracting more players to both the male and female teams.

Captain Baloyi shared their preparation for the USSA tournament, saying, "We started preparing for the USSA by playing a friendly game against Barberton Rugby Club. We then joined the Ehlanzeni Lowveld Region Premier League where we played four games and had to forfeit the rest due to exams. During these games, we saw male players improve. We then started our USSA's training camp for two weeks where we practiced in the morning and afternoon. During our USSA tournament, we had a team-building camp to bring us together and show us how to work as a team."

Between 3 and 7 July, the UMP Volleyball team displayed their skills and camaraderie at the USSA Volleyball Tournament held in Polokwane.

UMP Women's Basketball team.

"The tournament was good for building relationships in sport; we got to see numerous opponents and how to better our own game," said the volleyball team captain, Boleng Mawela, reflecting on the positive experiences gained during the competition.

"Every year we attend USSA, we keep leaving our mark, and we continuously strive to improve upon it. The university officials took excellent care of us, ensuring we were always prepared to give our best on the field," stated Mawela.

He emphasized that the team's dedication was evident through countless training sessions each week. To further enhance their performance for the USSA, they strategically combined players from Siyabuswa and Mbombela through a rigorous selection process, forming a formidable team.

"We owe much of our preparation to the University, as they graciously allowed us to conduct a training camp before the USSA's. This opportunity was invaluable in refining our skills and strengthening our team spirit," Mawela added.

UMP Male Basketball team.

Similarly, the UMP Basketball team, also known as the Pacers, took on the challenge at the USSA Basketball Tournament hosted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal from 4 to 10 July 2023. Felix Thwala, the team captain, plays the power forward position and was instrumental in leading the team's strategic moves on the court.

"Participating in USSAs was amazing as we got the opportunity to meet basketball players who have been playing longer than us and got the opportunity to learn new skills. We had a chance to see agencies who were recruiting basketball players which has motivated us to work harder and improve our skills," added Thwala, highlighting the valuable learning experiences gained from the tournament.

UMP Sports Clubs' participation in the USSA championships exemplified their dedication and passion for their respective sports, leaving a positive mark on the competitive platform. The University's unwavering support, regular training sessions, and focus on skill development have undoubtedly contributed to their success.

By Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Growing up in the remote area of Pienaar EGoboza in Mpumalanga, Nkosi is deeply passionate about community development, health, well-being, and, above all, education. As an experienced community development professional, he possesses the qualities essential for leading alumni in securing employment and accessing solid networks of professionals.

In his role as chairperson, Nkosi is determined to create opportunities through seminars and conferences, bringing together internal and external stakeholders to ensure that alumni remain connected with the institution. He asserts, "Securing sponsorship for alumni will be one of my priorities. I aim to be a channel of communication between alumni and UMP."

Nkosi holds a Master's Degree in Development Studies from UMP and is currently the Assistant Director under Strategic Land Acquisition at the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.

"I have over seven years of hands-on experience in the execution of diversified land reform policies and legislations, community projects ranging from public, private, and Non-Governmental Organisations, communal land associations, and trusts. I have also pursued short courses on value-based leadership, management change, operation management, and project management, and I am currently working on my Ph.D. proposal."

Expressing concern about the gradually increasing unemployment rate affecting many graduates, Nkosi is determined to address this issue during his tenure.

He explains, "This opportunity will enable me to implement my vast leadership skills, both theoretical and practical knowledge, resulting in the growth and personal development of UMP alumni."

Leading from the front

Nkosi plans to organize job opportunity roadshows for unemployed graduates, where different potential employers will present all job openings available for UMP graduates to apply for.

He further adds that they intend to invite organisations such as the National Youth Development Agency, and the office of the Premier of Mpumalanga, to explore funding opportunities.

"We want businesses and government departments to employ a specific number of UMP graduates, this can be through Internship, contract, or even full-time employment. We advocate that potential employers prioritize UMP graduates in opportunities."

Recognizing the importance of alumni staying connected to their Alma Mater, Nkosi highlights that some companies and organizations approach universities with opportunities they wish to offer their graduates. He emphasizes the significance of staying connected to avoid missing out on such opportunities.

Nkosi and his team are committed to creating an alliance between their office, local businesses, and government departments in Mpumalanga before the end of their term. He says, "This alliance will benefit UMP graduates through job opportunities and funding opportunities."

His first task as the Chairperson of the Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter was providing alumni with letters of good standing, and he proudly shares, "So far I have managed to assist with three." 

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

The 12th International "Agriculture for Life, Life for Agriculture" conference brought together researchers, scientists, experts, and students from around the world to present the results of their latest research and foster new connections and partnerships.

The two lecturers collaborated with researchers from other countries on the topic of Jew's mallow, a highly nutritious vegetable that alleviates hunger and malnutrition in Africa. However, its cultivation and commercialization faced challenges due to seed dormancy, resulting in uneven germination and lower yields.

Ubisi explained the objective of their study: "The objective of this study was to determine a mechanism that can be used to break seed dormancy and improve germination of different Jew's mallow varieties."

The conference provided a significant platform for scientific discussions on various challenges in Agronomy, Horticulture, Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, Land Reclamation, Earth Observation & Surveying, Environmental Engineering, Biotechnology, Management, and Economics in Rural Areas. It also allowed them to gain insights into the latest agricultural research, field studies, and exploitable results. Both lecturers had the opportunity to present their research projects.

Mkhwanazi presented her research project titled: "Symbiotic plant growth-promoting microorganisms associated with cancer bush (Sutherlandia frutescens) in Limpopo Province."

Her study focused on understanding the symbiotic relationships with other organisms in the rhizosphere to effectively preserve the cancer bush, which is under threat of extinction in South Africa due to overharvesting from the wild.

"The objective of the study was to identify and characterise the symbiotic plant growth-promoting microorganisms in cancer bush nodules from two locations in Limpopo Province, Tubatse, and Makgupheng," Mkhwanazi said.

Reflecting on her experience at the conference, Mkhwanazi shared: "The overall experience has given me a great opportunity to showcase my work with other students and scientists and get some great feedback as well. It gave me a sense of pride and validation that my project, findings, and the way everything was presented had an impact."

She also highlighted the value of academic discussions during the event, which helped her refine her ideas to enhance the quality and success of her work. Mkhwanazi expressed her willingness to collaborate with other researchers for potential future studies.

Ubisi, on the other hand, presented her research project titled: "Breaking Seed Dormancy of Corchorus Olitorius Cultivars." She described the conference as a remarkable experience that allowed her to explore various topics and ideas, develop her communication skills, and build confidence as a researcher. The event broadened her horizons and socialisation skills.

"My time at the conference was a fantastic and memorable experience. It has helped me as an academic to establish valuable relationships with influential individuals," she said.

Additionally, both lecturers enjoyed the opportunity to explore the city, experience its culture, and do some shopping, making their conference experience even more enriching.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.