The mobile lab, valued at approximately R1 million, is a specially modified vehicle designed for conducting science experiments. The university plans to utilize this laboratory to extend its outreach to schools in the Ehlanzeni District of Mpumalanga. The primary goal is to foster and enhance the teaching and learning of science in the region.
This initiative aims to provide support for the teaching and learning of Mathematics and Science in schools, with the ultimate goal of increasing access to valuable STEM learning resources. By doing so, the University of Mpumalanga and its Mobile Science Laboratory aspire to contribute to the growth and development of students in these crucial subjects.
Professor Thoko Mayekiso, the Vice-Chancellor of UMP, conveyed her deep gratitude for the privilege of receiving the Mobile Science Laboratory. She also commended the outstanding efforts of Professor Tarombera Mwabvu, who has been at the forefront of spearheading this initiative.
She said: “Your contribution in this regard, is in line with our value of creating opportunities. We value such opportunities as part of our pioneering journey. Our vision at UMP is to emerge as a leading African University, dedicated to creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.
Our mission is to provide exceptional educational and training opportunities that promote the holistic development of students. This encompasses teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and active engagement through strategic collaborations. The Mobile Science Laboratory initiative aligns perfectly with our institutional goals, highlighting the clear connection between today's ceremony and the strategic direction we are committed to.”
Professor Mayekiso expressed her alignment with UMP's objective of making a pioneering, critical, and constructive contribution to the production and dissemination of knowledge, emphasizing the university's commitment to advancing the boundaries of knowledge and actively sharing it with the broader community.
Learners from Ehlanzeni District will benefit from the initiative.
“We are committed to using the university's knowledge assets to actively and proactively promote a vibrant economic, social and political democracy in which all sections of society, in particular the poor, can find a meaningful place in society,” she said.
The Vice-Chancellor elaborated on the university's firm belief that knowledge and skills serve as crucial assets for driving effective progress and enriching the quality and breadth of democratic life worldwide.
“Our partnership with Sasol will assist the university to make a meaningful contribution to the education of learners in the province of Mpumalanga where a dire lack of science laboratories is one the biggest obstacles to advancing scientific knowledge among learners.
We believe that the mobile science laboratory will contribute towards the unleashing of the potential of the learners so that they can self-actualize and become the best they can be, while we also look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship with Sasol.”
Ms Noxolo Kahlana, Head of the Sasol Foundation Trust, highlighted the significance of the Mpumalanga province, particularly Secunda, as a critical location for Sasol. Being a global chemicals and energy company, Sasol recognizes the importance of the region, where its largest operations are conducted. The company is committed to making a positive and meaningful impact in the local community and contributing to its growth and development.
"Our commitment to the communities and investments in Secunda extends beyond education. We are dedicated to sustainable development, bridging the gap to employment, fostering skills development, and contributing to various aspects of community well-being. Our efforts encompass a wide range of initiatives, aiming to make a positive impact on multiple fronts,” she said.
The mobile laboratory comes with a trained lab facilitator.
"The Sasol Foundation is the Centre of Excellence for all of Sasol's education programs. Our investments cover the entire value chain of education, starting from Early Childhood Development (ECD) because we understand the fundamental importance of building a strong educational foundation in schools. We also actively support technical education and collaborate extensively with our partners. Moreover, a significant portion of our investment is allocated to tertiary education, underscoring our commitment to fostering higher education opportunities."
Ms Kahlana continued that Sasol recognizes that to learn science effectively and to develop a passion for STEM subjects, learners need to do practical experiments.
“However, not all schools have the facilities and equipment to learn science practically. To bridge this gap, we initiated the mobile laboratory program to support under-resourced schools. We saw this as an innovative way to enable access to science resources, especially in rural communities.”
The Foundation has gone a step further by providing a fully equipped laboratory and a trained lab facilitator. This facilitator ensures that all the necessary consumables are available for learners to conduct the prescribed experiments. The host institutions will be responsible for hosting the vehicle and covering the maintenance costs, driver salaries, and ensuring the continuous impact of the program.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Buti Manamela, extended his congratulations to UMP on reaching the milestone of 10 years.
"This university serves as a testament to the government's commitment to investing in quality education and training, particularly in the realm of higher education. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Professor Mayekiso and her team for the remarkable work they have accomplished over the years. Establishing and sustaining a university is no easy feat, and it requires dedicated efforts. I commend everyone involved in ensuring the success and sustainability of the University of Mpumalanga, from its inception to the present day."
The Deputy Minister further emphasized the significance of UMP's presence for the youth in Mpumalanga, stating that it had been a distant dream for many. Previously, pursuing higher education often meant venturing to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, or other distant places. However, with the university's expansion and growth within close proximity, this dream has become more accessible and tangible for the local community.
Deputy Minister Manamela expressed gratitude to Sasol for their contribution, acknowledging its transformative impact on the lives of learners in Ehlanzeni.
"I am aware of the numerous projects that Sasol is undertaking, particularly the support they provide to university students. One of the main reasons students tend to drop out is the lack of psychosocial support and exposure to a variety of experiences. The University of Mpumalanga offers these opportunities, and the support Sasol provides has proven to be effective in addressing these challenges."
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.