A few months back students and stakeholders from other universities requested the then Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Naledi Pandor to look into sexual violence at higher institutions and she consented, hence the launch of the special inquiry. As UMP we have warmly welcomed this action, as it will assist in dealing with issues of gender-based violence at institutions.

Our Africa Day event was nothing but exciting with students entertaining guests in song, poetry and dance. Guest speaker Professor Tinyiko Maluleke spoke about the challenges Africa faces in the world. But as UMP our message is clear: We are a diverse university and we foster diversity.

In this edition you will also meet Honours student, Hlengiwe Zulu, one of our shining stars here at UMP. The learner was among students from the class of 2018 who were honoured by the university at a special awards evening. Not new to being at the top, the Development Studies graduate has again been honoured for best achievements since 2006 and continues to do best. This year she scooped the Best Achiever and the Vice Chancellor Awards. We applaud Ms Zulu for her sterling work and commitment to making UMP proud.

Professor Thoko Mayekiso
Vice Chancellor

UMP is ready for 2020 applications. Processes have been refined and systems upgraded for a user-friendly and quick experience. This year, the application process will never be the same again, as Deputy Registrar Ms Nokukhanya Shongwe explains.

Q: What is in store for 2020 applicants?
We are excited to invite applicants for the 2020 academic year. Our systems have been upgraded for a quicker turn around time. This year applications will be faster as systems will be able to count points to make the selection process much easier. These upgrades will minimise delays

Q: What is the minimum admission requirement?
Admission into a degree or diploma programme is normally based on the applicant’s meeting the Admission Points Score (APS) and the subjects required for the programme. The calculation of the APS is shown below


* For applicants with an NSC, or studying towards the NSC, the following applies.

Q: What is an APS score?
It is the Admission Point Score, which is used to calculate the total points a learner gets in matric.

Q: How are the points calculated?
The final APS is calculated as the sum of the subject APSs, where a candidate has elected to take more than seven subjects, the four compulsory subjects for the programme plus the best three other subjects are counted. See below.


* For applicants with an NC (V) level 4, or studying towards the NC (V) level 4, the following applies

Q: What is the decision outcomes used?
A: Admitted: Student is waiting to register in January/ February.
WP: Waitlist: Student has already completed matric and is put on a list, as the programme might not have enough space.
RJ: Reject: Student does not meet the requirements or many of the applicants have high scores or there is limited space.
V: Student is currently in matric and with their grade 11 results meet the requirements. The university wants to offer the student a place and waiting final matric results.
WC: Student in waiting list. The student is currently in matric and university believes the student has a potential of passing at the end of the year and awaiting the final results in order to make a final decision.
L: Space Constraints: The programme cannot offer space, as it is full.

Q: Do you cater for learners living with disabilities?
Yes we do. UMP is a caring institution. It is important for an applicant living with a disability to specify their condition when they apply. This assists the institution to make all the necessary arrangements.

Q: What challenges do you face with applications?
Students usually come at the last minute and mostly do not bring all the necessary documentations. They also want the decision to be made on the spot, which is impossible. When dealing with applicants, we start with the ones who applied first. Our biggest challenge is that usually the number of applications outnumbers the space we have.

Q: What are the important documents applicants should upload?
- Proof of payment R150 application fee.
- Certified copy of identification document (ID).
- Current matriculate their grade 11 or June results.
- For foreign students we require a SAQA certificate, passport, R150 for SADC and those outside SADC it is R350 and R500 for applicants outside the African continent.

Q: Why are documents important?
When we make decisions for instance Bachelor of Education is a decision made by the committee that meets only in October. So all documents must be in for when the committee sits. Firstly we rank them from the highest to the lowest. We start making decisions on the learners’ first options, if you don't qualify we move to the second one.

Q: Which courses get full faster?
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Education and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). Courses that don’t get full quicker are the Bachelor of Science and Diploma in Agriculture.

Q: What is one advice for applicants?
Apply now. Do not be discouraged even if you do not have money for fees or the registration. Our government does fund education and doesn't exclude anyone as long as you meet the requirements. To avoid disappointments, apply to at least four institutions.

“To be recognised as the best student for three consecutive years – 2016 to 2018 feels amazing. I’ve always wanted to be the best in academics. At primary l didn't get that opportunity because competition was very stiff. High school l conquered and passed matric. So being the best student at university feels like a long awaited achievement for me.

As a girl from Tjakastad, a small town near Carolina in the Mpumalanga Highveld, I believe that I’ve made great strides. From being raised by a single mother who worked at a funeral parlour where she earned a meagre salary, which could not afford us most basic necessities to growing up in a home surrounded by alcohol abuse, it is by pure determination that I am here today.

After completing matric in 2015 my mother could not afford to pay for my tertiary education. I registered at UMP after relatives intervened and offered to financially support me. I will always be grateful for their sacrifices.

At University I went through bullying from learners who thought l was smarter than them. Went through class victimisation where some students believed I got high marks because lecturers favoured me. I went through student protests, which happened a lot here at UMP. But through it all I came out stronger.

To succeed, it is important to accept situations you find yourself in. Use negative situations to motivate you to become great. Never allow to be bullied for being smart because we all have different gifts and talents. Stand your ground and grow in what you do!

I work hard for my success. I’m very committed to my studies. I study from Sunday to Thursday. On weekends l spoil myself a little by going to movies with friends. It’s simple: commit yourself and put in extra hours than initially planned. As a student you must be wiling to go that extra mile. Use Internet for articles, YouTube videos expands classroom knowledge and if in doubt consult lectures. Study groups are key.

I’m the co-founder of Enactus UMP, an organisation that enables me to participate in community projects in Kamhlushwa and Pinaar. I’m also part of the student Christian organisation, which focuses on offering spiritual growth and support to students. That balance is crucial to survive university pressure.

Education is my first love. l want to bag more qualifications so that I can become a teacher. I am a social entrepreneur in the making and one day my businesses will address female health issues.

My advice to other students is to put in more effort, be committed and go an extra mile for your studies. Be willing to work harder. Find ways to make studying work for you. It’s all about you.

My vision is to be part of the education space as a teacher or a lecturer. I am very passionate about building the youth of South Africa.”

The special inquiry comes after students from different institutions called on higher education authorities to take action in addressing issues of sexual offences at universities. The students also demanded the implementation of a policy framework draft that will include a sex offender’s list.

UMP Dean of Students Dr Paul Maminza said UMP welcomes the initiative saying it will assist in dealing with the issue of gender-based violence at institutions.

“Once people start talking about something, they think it is happening at all the institutions. UMP has only dealt with allegations while at some (institutions) sexual violence is rife, the inquiry will address such issues.”

UMP takes gender-based violence serious. Last month the university together with Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela and Higher Education and AIDS (HEAIDS) hosted a gender-based violence dialogue, where such issues were discussed.

Dr Maminza also said that adults with money lure students to fall for them. “Our students are vulnerable. Older men come to institutions driving expensive cars and take advantage of learners. We urge students to report any gender-based abuse as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, UMP students have also accepted the Higher Education Minister’s decision to launch a special inquiry into varsity sex offences. Students believe that the policy framework will play a vital role to fight gender- based violence.

UMP student Ms Beauty Makgeru said: “I personally think it is a good policy, but it must not be on paper, it has to be implemented. Now we have been given a platform which will ensure that perpetrators are held accountable and students won’t be judged for reporting sexual violence.”

Ms Makgeru believes that the inquiry will make sure sexual violence cases are being attended to, unlike in the past where information and statements went missing. “For instance one could report sexual violence and days later officials will say they are still investigating and the perpetrators end up walking free.”

Another student, Mr Sandile Mkhabela said: “Gender based violence is everyone’s problem. It affects both men and women. This policy should also be implemented in households because these things (sexual violence) starts there.”

Mkhabela further said women only attended gender based violence programmes. He encouraged men to offer support and find ways to help deal with the problem.

Ms Hlengiwe Zulu says the policy is good. “Perpetrators will not get away with crime as this policy will help victims to come forward and alert authorities. This will make it easier to offer support when someone has come out instead of them suffering in silence.”