She remarked, "We note that the Association was established on 30 May 1923. This makes it exactly 100 years old. Centenary celebrations are a rarity. As UMP celebrates 10 years of existence, we aspire to follow in your footsteps and be inspired by your journey."

Professor Mayekiso further put emphasis on the effectiveness of SAAWG's efforts in empowering women, "Many female students and emerging female academics look up to us for inspiration, and this swells the ranks of female excellence and leadership. We are inspired to have you in our midst and looking forward to learning a lot from the conference."

Advocate Mikatateko Joyce Maluleke, Director-General of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, highlighted the event as a reminder of those who fought for women's emancipation. She mentioned the journey of Charlotte Makgomo Maxeke, saying, "Charlotte Makgomo Maxeke, who became the first black woman to graduate with a university degree in South Africa in 1903, has inspired and influenced many women to date."

She acknowledged the progress made in female enrolment and graduation rates in South Africa but stressed the need for further action.

"In 2021, female students made up 61.4% of all students enrolled in public higher education institutions, and almost two-thirds of the graduates were females. However, there is still a gap between the graduation outputs and the labour market trends, with a higher unemployment rate for women compared to their male counterparts."

The conference was joined by delegates from across the globe.

Executive Director of GWI, Interim President of the NGO Committee on Human Rights, Stacy Dry Lara, acknowledged the journey undertaken by SAAWG and GWI.

"Our organization's centennial milestones are a testament to the spirit that has carried us through challenges, triumphs, and generations of dedicated individuals who have left an indelible mark on our collective legacy."

Dry Lara stressed the need to embrace change, raise awareness about the barriers women and girls face in education and professional lives, and adapt to new challenges. She said, "As we bid farewell to this sub-chapter, let us not forget that our organization's story does not end here. We carry the torch of 100 years of progress into the future that's brimming with possibilities."

The full-day conference included engaging panel discussions on various topics such as: A Tertiary Perspective: Tertiary Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Emerging Technology and the Sustainability of Higher Education, Economic Empowerment of Women, and Education for a Sustainable, Peaceful, Feminist Living Environment.

Distinguished speakers, included Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela, Senior Lecturer in Sociology & Gender Studies at UMP, Ms Doris Viljoen, Director of the Institute for Futures Research (IFR) at Stellenbosch Business School, and Professor Cheryl Hendricks, Executive Director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), shared their valuable insights.

The conference celebrated the significant contributions of SAAWG and GWI over the past century. It underscored the importance of empowering women through education, addressing existing challenges, and striving for a more equitable and inclusive future. As the participants departed from the conference, they were inspired and equipped to continue shaping the journey of the next century.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisplPhoto

Whereas the contribution of ruminants to human civilization remains unequivocal, there are concerns regarding the unintended negative consequences of rearing these animals for food. These concerns range from the ruminant’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions to negative impacts of its products on the health of consumers. Rearing ruminants for food is thus seen as the root cause of ills such as climate change, species extinction, deforestation, food insecurity, cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer and diabetes.

Professor Mlambo explained the balancing act required to ensure that ruminants continue to play a crucial role in meeting global protein demand thus contributing towards food and nutrition security.

“However, animal production also has profound implications for animal welfare, the environment and human health. As animal scientists these are the concerns we should take into consideration as we continue to produce animals for food. The question we want to answer is whether we can design ruminant production systems that can maximize food security, while minimizing negative impacts on human and environmental health.”

He further said there is a high demand for meat, which is driven by the growing economy, cultural affluence, human population and rapid urbanisation which makes meat more accessible.

“As animal scientists, we need to satisfy this growing demand even in the face of societal concerns regarding the wisdom of humanity’s reliance on animal agriculture. Indeed, we must answer questions such as: Are ruminants still a viable option to improve food and nutrition security? Is ruminant production an environmentally friendly pursuit? And does the consumption of ruminant products impact human health?”

Ruminants: Food and Nutrition Security Nexus

Professor Mlambo further said ruminant production has positives impacts on food and nutrition security because these animals convert cellulose into meat and milk for human consumption. Given that cellulose is one of the most abundant biomolecules on the planet and that humans are incapable of using it as a direct food source, ruminants are indispensable to the effort of provide high quality food to a growing human population. In addition, meat and milk are dense sources of essential macro- and micro-nutrients with high biological value.

“This means these products contain digestible nutrients in the same quantities and ratios that human beings require. The opposite will be a plant food source, where plant tissues provide nutrients to form animal tissues – given that the two tissues differ greatly in terms of their nutrient composition, there is a mismatch between nutrients required and nutrients supplied resulting in lower biological value of plant nutrients. However, if it’s an animal tissue providing nutrients to form another animal tissue, there is a close match and the biological value is considered to be high.

For example, for Vitamin B12, meat and milk are the only natural dietary source, which highlights the importance of meat and animal products. In certain dry areas, it may not be possible to grow plants, but animals might have the ability to survive. All these are the positive contributions of ruminant agriculture to food and nutrition security.”

Dr Bongiwe Mcata closed the seminar with words of appreciation.

During the seminar, Professor Mlambo touched upon the potential threats of ruminant production to food security, specifically raising the question of whether ruminants compete with humans for food.

“The answer I will give is that sometimes yes, other times no. Reared as nature intended, ruminants offer no completion to humans for food because they consume 6 billion tons of feed per annum and 90% of it is not human edible.

Second question is whether ruminants compete for land with crops? And the answer is yes, when considering cultivated pastures that use fertile lands. Indeed, more people could be supported from the same amount of land if vegetarian. However, ruminants can also use marginal lands, unsuitable for crops and can also use crop residues and by-products.

The third concern is that ruminants have a very low feed conversion efficiency and thus are costly to produce. While ruminants are, indeed, less efficient (10%) compared to other animals when it comes to converting feed to animal products, these animals use feed that is otherwise of no food value to humans. So, the fact that they convert the feed inefficiently has no negative implications on food and nutrition security.  However, we should continue to enhance feed conversion efficiency in ruminants for meat production.”

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In addition, Professor Mlambo highlighted that ruminants have a multitude of environmental impacts, with global warming emerging as the most significant concern among them. “You might start to think linking this climate crisis or this environmental problem with ruminants is probably tenuous. But it really is a straightforward link through greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants.

According to the IPCC (2008), agriculture contributes 14% of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Just in case you might think it’s only agriculture to blame, several other industries also contribute larger proportions of greenhouse gases. How do ruminants end up producing such dangerous gases?

“Ruminal microbial fermentation produces two major greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide and methane. In addition, carbon dioxide from feed production and deforestation and nitrous oxide from manure and slurry management are also sources of greenhouse gas anthropogenic emissions associated with ruminant production,” he said. 

He added: "Now you will notice that when people talk about greenhouse gases from animals, they don't talk much about carbon dioxide but methane. There are two reasons for this; as far as carbon dioxide is concerned, we consider ruminants to be carbon neutral and methane has 30 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide despite a shorter lifespan in the atmosphere, about nine to 12 years.

The reason why ruminants are considered to be carbon neutral is that they produce carbon dioxide from the fermentation of carbohydrates in plants. These carbohydrates are made when plants capture the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through photosynthesis.”

Head of School of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Fonso Kutu welcomed and introduced the speaker. 

Animal scientists and producers have responded to the enteric greenhouse gas emission challenge by identifying and evaluating strategies that mitigate enteric methane emissions. Methane emissions represent a major (about 4–10% of gross energy intake) energy loss from the diet offered. As such, it is not that difficult to convince ruminant farmers to do more to reduce these emissions because if they succeed, it will increase the efficiency of ruminant production while at the same time protecting the environment.

Animal Products and Human Health Nexus

Professor Mlambo said that “the increasing popularity of vegetarianism in developed countries reflects the concerns regarding the role that meat (particularly red meat) plays in the aetiology of chronic diseases such as colorectal cancer, coronary heart disease and type II diabetes. It is, however, important to state that the exact aetiology of these diseases remains largely unknown despite years of scientific research."

Given that the aetiology of these lifestyle diseases is multifactorial, attributing increasing incidence of these diseases to meat consumption is done with little evidence based on observational studies. Given that humans rarely use meat as a sole food item, it remains incredibly difficult to establish a cause–effect relationship between meat consumption and the incidence of these chronic diseases.

Professor Mlambo concluded by stating that, “Whatever is the scientific consensus, or lack of it, on the effects of meat consumption on human health, it is clear that reflections on many fronts are required. For animal scientists and meat producers, this is an opportunity to identify and evaluate strategies that could be used to make meat and meat products healthier.”

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @Chrisplphoto. 

Mr Jiyana, who recently completed his master's degree at the University of Pretoria (UP), conducted research that focused on the utilization of oral traditional storytelling in Grade 3 of the Foundation Phase. According to the empirical findings of his study, storytelling proves to be an effective pedagogical tool for developing language skills in isiNdebele.

"Storytelling of folktales facilitates the development of isiNdebele language skills, allowing learners to work on specific language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as receptive and productive skills in general," he explains.

The study further reveals that the increasing use of technology and cellphone applications like Facebook and WhatsApp among young learners poses a threat to the preservation and development of folktales. This shift in storytelling practices can result in the loss of traditional elements within the stories, including the significance of oral tradition, cultural values, and social norms.

Mr Jiyana specializes in examining the use of traditional stories in language teaching and learning. "I firmly believe that reviving indigenous stories can have a significant impact on our children's education, particularly in light of recent statistics indicating insufficient reading skills among students in the basic education sector."

In addition to promoting cultural pride and language understanding, native stories can help bridge the current gap in the educational system. Mr Jiyana expresses his passion for finding ways to integrate these stories into the classroom setting.

By leveraging the power of technology alongside traditional stories, educators can create engaging and interactive experiences that help students comprehend and retain the stories more meaningfully. Furthermore, the utilization of technology can breathe life into the stories and make them more accessible to a broader range of students.

He believes that there is still much work to be done to expand the body of academic literature. He quotes Brian Tracy, an American motivational speaker, saying, "The future belongs to the competent. It belongs to those who are very, very good at what they do."

Poverty, unemployment, and inequality have had a profound impact on South Africa's social challenges today. Mr Jiyana emphasizes that education provides access to knowledge and information, which, when combined with the right skills, can empower individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty.

"Enhanced literacy skills enable people to access the resources they need to make important decisions, create opportunities, and improve their quality of life. The lack of literacy skills among South African children has been a major issue in recent years.

Digital technologies and platforms have the potential to provide 24/7 access to a wide range of resources and materials tailored to individual needs and interests. This opens up more opportunities for children to learn and develop literacy skills, enabling them to make informed decisions and pursue new opportunities in life."

To ensure that all students receive the best possible education, Mr Jiyana stresses the importance of investing in competent teachers, tools, and technology. He believes in striving for an educational system that is equitable and accessible to all, bridging the achievement gap among students from different backgrounds by providing equal access to education regardless of their language.

His ambition is to earn a Doctorate in Education and contribute to the body of academic literature and development in the field of African languages, specifically isiNdebele.

"I am determined to further my research and enhance my skills to become a capable and respected academic in my field, contributing to shaping the future of African languages. I have a strong commitment to the university and have worked diligently to establish my reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable lecturer. I have also taken the initiative to develop research projects that will contribute to the growth of the university.

I am confident that my dedication and hard work will be rewarded with a future promotion. I am eager to serve as a role model for today's youth, inspiring them to pursue their education for the betterment of Mpumalanga Province and our rainbow nation."

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied. 

Today Medipa is a Agriculture Extension Officeral for the Department of Agriculture Rural Development, Capricorn District, Molemule Municipality. She reflects on her journey and expresses gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped her career.

“I chose agriculture, and it chose me back. I’m enjoying every moment. I’m expanding my knowledge every day,” she says.

She has embraced every opportunity, learning something new daily, and found fulfilment in her chosen profession. Her journey wasn't without challenges, as it took time to secure her current position. However, she emphasizes the importance of making the most of opportunities once they arise, regardless of the delay.

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes for you to get employed. What matters is how you use the opportunity when you get employed.”

Prior to her current role, Modipa engaged in various odd jobs that provided invaluable experience. This diverse background taught her that embracing unfamiliar opportunities can lead to personal growth and expand one's knowledge.

“Choosing to be in a field I had no classroom knowledge of has helped me to know that we are responsible for how we respond to the universe. It shouldn’t be that you reject an opportunity because it’s not what you are specializing in but should be a matter of wanting to expand your knowledge.”

Her daily duties now include taking blood samples, vaccinating, dipping, and conducting post-mortems on livestock – a job she tackles with a contagious smile and deep satisfaction.

“I wake up every day with a smile on my face knowing that I’m doing what I love,” she adds.

Although she's delighted with her current job, Modipa credits the odd jobs she undertook during her search for full-time employment as instrumental in shaping her path. “Delighted as I am, I am grateful for the odd jobs that I did while still looking for full-time employment."

Modipa enjoys a career in agriculture.

Modipa advocates for pursuing passion over monetary gain, as it brings a sense of fulfilment that transcends mere work. “Passion matters more than money because when you do what you love it doesn’t feel like slavery but when you work for money, you will wake every day drained.”

In 2015, Modipa enrolled at the University of Mpumalanga to study towards a Bachelor of Agriculture in Agricultural Extension in Rural Resource Management and pursued an Honours Degree at the University of Limpopo.

“At UMP I was a committee member of the Black Management Forum (BMF) and served as a Health Peer mentor the very same year. I also helped Mr Matonsi from the Sports and Entertainment Office with coordinating events. In 2017 I was a student assistant doing data capturing during registrations,” she says.

Modipa's love for animals blossomed in her hometown of Sekhukhune, Limpopo, where she cared for her grandfather's goats. Her fascination grew as her grandfather acquired cows, leading her to enrol in an agricultural high school with a farm where she could observe livestock. Even during school holidays, she dedicated herself to researching and advising her grandfather on cattle feed.

In her journey from a rural routine to a fulfilling career, Modipa's passion, resilience, and commitment to seizing opportunities have paved the way for her success. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's passions and utilizing every experience to forge a meaningful path in life.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

During the event, UMP staff and students showcased their athletic prowess in various sporting codes, including Athletics, Basketball, Chess, Diketo, Encuva, Football, Volleyball, and Netball.

Among the participants was Koketso Magopa, a third-year Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching student, who surprised himself by becoming involved in multiple sports after joining UMP. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, "I never played any sports in my life until I got here. I have participated in the Nkangala Volleyball League and was part of the teams that competed against other universities at the USSA tournament in Durban."

Magopa's dedication to sports extends beyond his newfound passion for volleyball. He actively practices and competes in track and field events, showcasing his versatility in disciplines such as discus, shot-put, long jump, and various track distances, including 100m, 200m, 400m, and 800m. "I have competed with other athletes from different universities (USSA) in 2021," he proudly states.

During the UMP sports day, Magopa exhibited his skills in basketball, earning his team a well-deserved silver medal. Additionally, he participated in the 200m athletics event, securing a respectable 4th place. However, it was in the 800m race that Magopa faced a significant challenge. Despite stumbling near the completion of the first round, he found the determination to rise and persevere until the finish line and managed to secure a well-earned bronze medal.

Miss UMP First Princess 2022-2023, Neo Legwai, is not only a talented volleyball player but also a passionate leader of the Siyabuswa cheerleader team. Sharing her experience during the sports day, she expresses, "My experience during sports day was really fascinating and I had fun because I started by cheerleading the crowd during opening, after I went to play volleyball the whole day."

Legwai's dedication and skill in volleyball have not gone unnoticed, as she proudly states, "I have won two medals, one during sports day and the other one during a tournament that was played recently. I'm very proud of myself to be where I am right now. I travelled to play USSA last year in Cape Town because of self-dedication and discipline."

Condile Thabiseni Sibiya, the captain of the netball team at UMP Siyabuswa campus, has been actively involved in the sport since her high school days. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition, including a silver medal on the sports day.

Netball is a firm favourite among the female students.

Sibiya shares, "When I arrived at UMP Siyabuswa campus in 2021, I was selected to participate in USSAs, and in 2022, I was selected again to be part of the USSA team. I also got selected for Spar Championships, where we played at North-West University. This year, I was selected as the captain of the Siyabuswa netball team and for the Spar championship."

Sibiya recognizes the immense talent present among UMP students and emphasizes the importance of healthy competition in fostering their growth and development, stating, "The UMP sports day proved that all students are talented, and healthy competition is needed to make them even greater while competing with other universities."

Fostering athletic ability

Limpho Motau and Cathrine Sitoe, two talented UMP students, have been chosen to represent the province of Mpumalanga at the upcoming National Indigenous Games in KwaZulu Natal. Motau will participate in Dibeke, while Sitoe will showcase her skills in Diketo.

Expressing her excitement, Motau, a third-year Bachelor of Administration student, says, "I feel very honoured, and I'm inspired to do my best because I know Mpumalanga believes in and is counting on me. To have teams here at school to play Dibeke with will help me prepare for my games in KZN."

She is determined to maintain a positive mindset, work hard, and give her best performance at the games. Motau plans to start practicing as early as possible to ensure she represents Mpumalanga with excellence. 

Sitoe discovered her passion and skill for Diketo during the UMP launch. Initially serving as an ambassador promoting the games, she found herself drawn to the sport after engaging with it and learning the official rules. "I started as an ambassador advertising and promoting the games. My interest grew after the launch, and I had the opportunity to engage and learn the newly officialized rules. I found myself playing so well that I was selected to represent Ehlanzeni District and be part of the Mpumalanga Diketo team."

Thinking back on her experience, Sitoe mentions her enjoyment of playing Diketo during the launch and her determination to give her best effort. Her exceptional performance earned her a spot to represent Ehlanzeni District in Middleburg, and she continued to excel, leading to her selection for the Mpumalanga Diketo team.

UMP also boasts an all-female soccer team.

Katlego Malapane, a passionate sports enthusiast with a particular love for football, has been an instrumental figure in the UMP Women's Football team. Previously serving as the team's captain, Malapane draws inspiration from the National Women's Soccer Team, Banyana Banyana.

Malapane's football journey began when she joined UMP in 2019. Her talent and dedication were quickly recognized, leading to her appointment as the team's vice-captain in 2020 and eventually assuming the role of captain in 2021. Demonstrating her commitment to sports, Malapane was also appointed as the CRC Sports and Recreation officer earlier this year, showcasing her leadership abilities both on and off the field.

Another exceptional student athlete, Mfungelwa Sibusiso Gule, recently received recognition as the Sportsman of the Year at the 2022 Co-curricular Awards. Hailing from Piet Retief, Gule is deeply committed to becoming an elite athlete and dreams of representing South Africa at the Olympics.

Gule's hard work and exceptional performances have already earned him recognition, including his selection to represent Athletics Mpumalanga at the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Cross Country Championships held in Rustenburg, North-West. His dedication, perseverance, and commitment to his athletic pursuits have undoubtedly paid off, setting him on a path to even greater accomplishments in the future.

UMP Volleyball's Bongiwe Mahlangu is the captain of the UMP Volleyball ladies' team, and has played a pivotal role in their improved performance and success. Under her leadership, the team has secured victories in three matches in the University Sports South Africa (USSA) league. Their strategic approach emphasizes enhancing physical fitness, maintaining a positive mindset, remaining focused, and engaging in diligent and intelligent practice.

The University of Mpumalanga takes immense pride in its talented and passionate student athletes who continuously showcase their skills and dedication in various sports. As UMP continues to support and nurture its student athletes, it remains dedicated to providing a platform for their growth, enabling them to reach new heights and contribute to the proud legacy of Mpumalanga in the sporting arena.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures Supplied.

Dibakoane's study revolves around the utilization of banana flour in the development of low glycemic index (GI) foods. These foods have the potential to combat non-communicable diseases, including obesity and Type 2 diabetes, while also enhancing food security and nutritional well-being.

Traditionally made from green bananas, the flour offers an affordable alternative to other types of flours. It has proven to be a healthier option, frequently used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour. With a texture akin to lighter wheat flour and requiring approximately 25% less volume, it serves as an excellent replacement for white and white whole-wheat flour.

Dibakoane highlights the concerning issue of banana wastage in South Africa and beyond, with studies showing that around 42-50% of the fruit is discarded due to factors such as inadequate post-harvest handling facilities and diverse consumer preferences.

"The findings of my current study are of great significance as they will improve the entire banana value chain, generate additional income for banana producers, and contribute to enhancing food security and human health in South Africa," says Dibakoane.

He suggests that producing unripe banana flour could help reduce the wastage caused by improper post-harvest handling and extend the shelf life of bananas for further utilization. Unripe banana flour serves as a viable and nutritious alternative to staple foods like wheat and maize flour. 

"The presence of resistant starch and bioactive compounds in unripe banana flour can modulate metabolic activities, offering protective and preventative effects against non-communicable diseases like colorectal cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

These health-promoting properties make unripe banana flour suitable for the development of various food products, including pasta, bread, cookies, biscuits, ice cream, beverages, and dietary supplements," he explains.

Dibakoane is researching post-harvesting of bananas to create a healthier flour option. 

Teaching and learning

Besides his research work, Dibakoane is an Associate Lecturer in the Diploma in Animal Production Programme specializing in Beef Cattle Production and Dairy Cattle Production. He considers his appointment as an ATSP Fellow and Associate Lecturer as the most significant recognition he has received in academia. The ATSP is a flagship programme at UMP that identifies, develops, and prepares outstanding students for future lecturing positions.

"I am also a co-author of three publications: 'Nutraceutical Properties of Unripe Banana Flour Resistant Starch: A Review,' 'Vulnerability, Impact, and Adaptation Strategies of Female Farmers to Climate Variability' published in Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies, and 'The Application of Multi-Elemental Fingerprints and Chemometrics for Discriminating between Cage and Free-Range Table Eggs Based on Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and Colourimetry' published in Food Measure (2023)."

Looking ahead, Dibakoane aims to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in Agriculture Degree at UMP. His passion for academia has greatly influenced his approach to studies and engagement with knowledge. Upon completing his Master of Science in Agriculture Degree, he plans to undertake his Ph.D. research, focusing on the development and optimization of functional and nutraceutical properties of animal products, such as yoghurt, with the ultimate goal of enhancing human nutrition security.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

UMP-SNS, an academic student society dedicated to raising awareness about the field of nematology among learners, students, researchers, and farming communities, was established following the successful 2nd Pan African Nematology workshop, which was held at UMP in March 2023.

The society is affiliated with the Nematologist Society of Southern Africa and strives to promote an understanding of the significance of nematodes as both harmful and beneficial organisms in crops, animals, and human beings among students, extension officers, and farmers.

The workshop has highlighted a significant lack of awareness about nematodes among extension officers and farmers. As a result, UMP-SNS, in collaboration with agricultural partners, organized the farmers' day to provide training on nematology to 67 farmers and extension officers.

Fortunate Zulu, a master’s degree student in Agricultural Science and the secretary of UMP-SNS, takes pride in the society's contribution to knowledge sharing within the broader community. She explains that the society has strategically incorporated five approaches to accommodate its diverse audiences, which include teaching and learning, engagement, research, and collaboration.

Local fresh produce farmers benefitted from the shared information. 

“Part of our mandate is visiting primary and secondary schools, and even hosting events about nematodes and their importance, engaging with farmers and extension officers on research bases. At the university, students will be given the opportunity to do their research on nematodes which will improve their understanding of the field of study and increase their footprint nationally and internationally,” she says.

Extended reach and impact

In addition to its local initiatives, UMP-SNS also focuses on collaboration by actively participating in conferences held at both national and international levels. These conferences provide valuable opportunities for the society to engage with experts and researchers in the field.

Nematodes, being microscopic and worm-like organisms, possess the ability to exert both beneficial and harmful effects on plants, animals, and human beings. UMP-SNS aims to create awareness about the diverse impact of nematodes and their significance in various ecosystems.

“Some nematodes are beneficial to plants, as they can help control other plant pests and diseases. However, other nematodes can be harmful to plants, causing significant damage to crops and reducing yields.”

Zulu further explains that is it essential for small-scale farmers to learn about and understand nematodes.

Learning about nematodes will assist small-scale farmers to maximise yields. 

“They can have a significant impact on crop productivity and profitability. Farmers need to be able to identify nematode problems in their crops and understand how to manage them effectively. This includes implementing soil management practices that can help reduce nematode populations, such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and the use of organic matter.”

“Small-scale farmers may not have access to the same resources as larger commercial farmers, such as expensive chemical treatments for nematode control. Learning about nematodes and their management can help small-scale farmers make informed decisions about how to protect their crops and maximize their yields in a sustainable and cost-effective way,” she adds.

Zulu says her passion for the study of nematodes, motivated her to join the UMP-SNS and the nematology research team led by Dr Zakheleni Dube. “My MSc research project aims at addressing the inconsistencies in the use of plant extracts in addressing the challenges of nematodes, as a potential alternative to synthetic nematicides.

The continuous withdrawal from agricultural chemical markets of effective yet negative impact on the environment and humans has led to the need for the identification of environment-friendly, cost-effective, easily accessible, human and animal-friendly alternative strategies.

Plant extracts have provided such an opportunity; hence, my current research seeks to determine and validate the correct application time for Maerua angolensis and Tabernaemontana elegans plant extracts in the management of Meloidogyne javanica and Meloidogyne enterolobii.”

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

These talented students poured their hearts into a four-month preparation period, crafting dramatic plays inspired by enchanting folktales and complemented by captivating music and expressive dance performances.

The primary goal of this extravaganza was to provide student teachers with a platform to showcase their talents and gain practical experience in the performing arts. Mr William Jiyana, a lecturer in Dramatic Arts in Education, emphasized the value of role play in developing important life skills.

"Foundation Phase teachers are expected to teach life skills that incorporate the arts, and we believe role play is an effective way for students to develop listening, speaking, critical thinking, and social skills. It provides a safe environment for practising communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. Additionally, role play encourages creative thinking and empathy by exploring different perspectives," he explained. 

Collaboration among the students was encouraged, fostering a valuable learning experience from their peers. The plays were evaluated based on creativity, interpretation, and technical execution. The students were commended for their dedication and hard work in incorporating elements of dance, visual arts, and music, while also imparting lessons on environmental care, morals, and good behaviour.

Young learners from Mareleng Primary School enjoyed the event as well as the goodies they received.

The event drew an audience from Mareleng Primary School in Siyabuswa, including Grade 3 learners and invited teachers who eagerly anticipate the annual showcase. UMP students' performances captivated the audience, receiving warm applause and positive feedback. The attending teachers felt a deep sense of pride in witnessing the growth and accomplishments of their students.

To celebrate the successful event, Professor Hilda Israel, Dean of the Faculty of Education at UMP, organised a snack and juice party. The young learners thoroughly enjoyed this treat, and one of them enthusiastically exclaimed, "Now this is what we call education!" This simple comment highlighted the event's ability to provide a memorable and enjoyable educational experience beyond traditional teaching methods.

The drama extravaganza was a notable success. It offered a platform for student teachers to demonstrate their talents and emphasized the importance of incorporating the arts into education. Through creativity, collaboration, and practical skills, the students gained valuable personal and professional growth. This event reminded everyone of the powerful impact of drama and the joy it brings to the learning process.

@ Story and pictures supplied.  

Built on sustainable initiatives, the programme aims to empower students through education and community engagement, nurturing a sense of agency and enabling them to drive positive change in society. It fosters a deep sense of accountability among UMP students, inspiring them to contribute to the construction of a just, equitable, and compassionate society.

These initiatives aim to be reciprocal, supportive, and mutually beneficial, aligning with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and UMP's graduate attributes.

Chairperson of the ECP, Maqoba Thukwana explains, “Transformation is required to enforce a positive culture of the holistic development of staff and students. This transformation can be achieved by involving staff and students in engagement initiatives.”

Adding that the programme comprises two spheres, he elaborates, “There’s internal and external. Internally the staff and students are given the opportunity to volunteer for identified and registered organizations. The volunteers sign up for a minimum of one hour per week service, which will require them to attend a mandatory training session and participation in various activities.

External organizations that will be benefiting from the service of the students will register as programme partners, through an agreement, that will draw up a list of activities for the students under the guidance of a volunteer manager.”

Thukwana further notes that volunteering requires commitment, and participants will be required to attend 80% of activities throughout the year.

“When the students or staff sign up, they will commit themselves to a specific programme and follow the timetable drawn up for the activities. Students who participate in the project and fulfil the minimum criteria of participation will receive a certificate of participation in recognition of their contribution. These certificates can add value to the student’s CV as experience is gained.”

The ECP has a range of initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in the community. These include tutoring Grade 8 and 9 learners, providing study skills assistance, and offering high school tutoring in subjects such as Maths, Physical Science, and Accounting. The programmes also involve supporting various organizations by offering necessary assistance.

Students can contribute to care centres by helping with vegetable production and providing homework and reading support. Reading camps, facilitated through a Penreach initiative, create spaces where learners have access to books, and volunteers read to children or assist them with their reading.

Additionally, students with expertise in ICT can assist schools in need of such skills. Food gardens are established at schools to promote food security and information sharing. Exploring programmes at the Siyabuswa campus can inspire similar projects to be replicated across the campus.

The School Food Garden Project

One project run by the ECP is the School Food Garden project which aims to give back to the community and schools around Mbombela through agricultural training and practice.

Thukwana says, “We aim to achieve this through establishing and maintaining gardens in the schools to produce vegetables that will be utilized by the schools in their feeding schemes as well as reinstitute the understanding or appreciation of agriculture, and its related activities.”

The project was initiated in 2021 by Dr. Viljoen and supported by Mr. Mkhwanazi, with the active involvement of Bachelor of Agriculture students. Its primary objective was to establish a food gardening project at Portia Shabangu, Nelsville, and Valencia schools, focusing on achieving food security through sustainable practices. The project aimed to enhance the school feeding scheme and well-being of learners while raising awareness about the importance of agriculture and promoting sustainability and productivity.

It emphasized the significance of naturally grown food gardens as a means of sustaining life and ensuring food security. The project also aimed to provide valuable knowledge and experience to students while promoting sustainable agricultural practices across all five identified schools: Portia Shabangu, Nelsville, Valencia, Cyril Clarke, and John Mdluli.

“Students participating in this project will gain practical knowledge and skills in addition to their classroom learning, preparing them for the workplace. Active engagement in the project offers exposure to real-life scenarios. Those who participate at least 75% will receive a letter of recommendation, enhancing their employment prospects,” added Thukwana.

UMP Students and Staff members who wish to join the Engaged Citizenship programme and The School Food Garden project can contact, Mbali Mlondo on: 071 246 8838.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

A delegation from UMP which was led by Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso, from 01 to 04 May  2023, met with UMES administrators, faculty and researchers from the schools of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, and Business and Technology, to explore collaborative activities.

"There are many similarities between the two universities in the areas of agriculture, natural sciences, hospitality management and information technology," said Dr Moses T. Kairo, Dean of UMES' School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences.

"Faculty may find it advantageous to collaborate on research opportunities as well as engage students in experiential learning programmes."

"Collaboration is the way forward to address the challenges the world faces today and in the future," Anderson said.

"This memorandum of understanding signifies a friendship to stimulate scientific cooperation and strengthen teaching, research and outreach activities to promote development in South Africa, broaden the international experience of UMES students and faculty, and promote cross-cultural knowledge and understanding."

The South African visitors toured the UMES campus along with the Paul S. Sarbanes Coastal Ecology Centre near Assateague Island. Departmental visits focused on engineering and aviation sciences; hospitality and tourism management; agriculture, food and resource sciences, human ecology and natural sciences, which align with academic programmes at the University of Mpumalanga.

"The University of Mpumalanga places great value on collaboration, and we have identified partnerships as drivers enabling us to achieve our vision as 'a leading African university creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation," said Professor Mayekiso.

A quote by theoretical physicist and Nobel Prize laureate Kenneth G. Wilson seems a fitting summary: "The hardest problems of pure and applied science can only be solved by the open collaboration of the world-wide scientific community."

@ Story and picture supplied by University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).