The launch event took place at Mbombela campus and aimed to reinforce these values, making them practical for students to incorporate into their daily lives. Various activities, such as a debate and a Spelling Bee Competition, were conducted to encourage students to practice these values.
Mr Manelisi Kilani from Student Housing highlighted that this was the first of many planned events throughout the year to inculcate UMP values and stated that the programme aims to develop students who are identified and marketable upon completing their studies at UMP.
He said, "For us to be able to identify you in the streets or where you are, you need to be a crafted diamond that comes from the University of Mpumalanga which has its marketing edge and is very sharp in terms of discipline and a holistic and grounded graduate of UMP."
The debate challenge was won by Building13, represented by four Honours students in Bachelor of Development studies. One of the students, Fezeka Bujela said, "To have such an event in a university setting enables students to have fun while being educated, a term the millennials refer to as edutainment. I found the event very interesting and entertaining and I hope that more events like these will be hosted to promote social cohesion and participation. It felt really great having been part of this event."
The winner of the Spelling Bee competition, Ntokozo Tshepo Mnguni, from Building 13, expressed his enthusiasm by saying, "I am very excited that I won, I couldn’t even contain my emotions that is why I ended up crying. I had a challenge with some of the pronunciation of words, but I am glad that I got the opportunity to engage in such a platform as it is my first time participating in a spelling bee."
Mnguni, a final-year Diploma in ICT student, further added, "I have learnt the importance of respect and living by the UMP values so that you can attract potential employers after graduating. I found the event very innovative as it aligns with the values of UMP. For instance, the part of collaboration where we had to work together in preparation for the competition as res mates, took me took me out of my comfort zone."
Director of Student Housing, Dr Nomvula Twaise, emphasized that students should represent the university by living according to UMP values, "I can see that all the students were willing and were great participants. We will have more events of this nature."
UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, also graced the event.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.