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.