Established in August 2013 through the promulgation of the Government Gazette and officially launched on 31 October 2013, UMP has spent the past decade dedicated to academic excellence. In 2023, the University marked the 10-year milestone with a series of events under the theme: Decade of Excellence and Creating Opportunities.
The year-long celebrations started on 03 August 2023 with a Public Lecture titled: South Africa still the epicentre of and for reconstruction of Africa by Professor Joseph Diescho, followed by a Seminar on the Pioneering Journey: Luhambo Lwemhlahlandlela, which was delivered by UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso on 25 August 2023.
Activities that followed included Drama and Music Friday, Women’s Breakfast, Poetry Friday Session and Heritage Day Celebration, Sports Day and Fun Walk/Run, Sports and Recreational Day, and the University of Mpumalanga: Lived Experiences panel discussion. The events concluded with a lively closing ceremony, where students and staff came together to celebrate through dance and music, showcasing their talents.
The essence of the closing ceremony held on 23 August 2023 was to provide the UMP community with an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the University's many accomplishments over the past 10 years. It was also to embrace UMP’s Cultural Diversity with performances from IsiNdebele, Balobedi, Mapulane, SiSwati, VhaVenda, Setswana, Amaqobokazana (isiXhosa) IsiZulu, XiTsonga and SePedi groups.
UMP Chancellor, Chief Justice Maya said the institution must be protected at all costs.
Speaking at the event, UMP Chancellor, and Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, remarked on the significance of the University’s journey coinciding with 30 years of constitutional democracy, highlighting the sacrifices made throughout this period.
"Universities play a crucial role in promoting democratic values, fostering public debate, and nurturing responsible citizenship among their students and the wider community," she said. "They must produce professionals equipped with the skills to drive economic growth and contribute to building a cohesive and progressive society. Protecting this precious institution is a shared responsibility that requires collaboration and active participation from all sectors of society."
Justice Maya also noted that UMP’s establishment addressed the critical need for accessible, affordable, and relevant tertiary education for the people of Mpumalanga and South Africa.
"As the youngest university in the country, UMP has made tremendous strides in just one decade. It was conceived as a premier hub of knowledge and education. Its innovative approaches and commitment to excellence have produced a new generation of exceptionally skilled leaders who are making meaningful contributions in their respective fields."
UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mayekiso said the University has produced first-generation students.
Looking ahead, she expressed confidence that the University would continue to seize new opportunities for growth and innovation. "While UMP reflects on the road travelled so far, it will also look forward to an even brighter future."
Justice Maya congratulated the University’s management and staff for reaching this milestone, praising their dedication, diligence, and vision. "I am proud to be part of UMP. We owe much to the visionary leadership of the Vice-Chancellor and her team, whose contributions have shaped this institution into the giant it has become."
Reflecting on the past decade, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, highlighted the University's vision for 2022 and 2030, grounded in its core values: Excellence, Integrity, Diversity, Collaboration, Adaptability, Relevance, and Inspiration.
"These values have been instilled in both staff and students. Our success has been driven by a commitment to great performance and by recruiting staff and students who embody curiosity, enthusiasm, and resilience," she said.
From left to right:
Prof Moses Mbewe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Postgraduate Studies, Engagement and Planning, Mr Sabelo Mahlalela, Chairperson of Council, Mr Dabulamanzi Mlokoti, Justice Maya's husband, businessman and entrepreneur, Justice Mandisa Maya, Deputy Chief Justice and UMP’s Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Paul Maminza, Dean of Students.
Professor Mayekiso noted that many of the University’s students are first-generation university attendees who have embraced the new environment. "Our goal has been to offer students a life-changing experience through curricular and co-curricular activities, fostering holistic development. It was important to recruit individuals who believe in the art of possibility, who are adaptable and driven by passion and purpose."
She added that the University's staff, characterised by their resilience, vision, and determination, have played a crucial role in UMP’s growth. "The unique attributes of pioneers, combined with a forward-thinking mindset, have been key to our success."
UMP Chairperson of Council, Mr Sabelo Mahlalela, added that the Council is very proud of the Vice-Chancellor and the management team for their good work, particularly in ensuring that the University has achieved a clean audit for the past 10 years.
“Today's celebration provides us with an opportunity to reflect on a pioneering journey we have travelled over the past 10 years, to draw lessons from it, and to set aspirations for the next 10 years and beyond.”
The UMP Community gathered at the Mbombela Campus sports grounds for the festivities.
He further emphasised that UMP’s goal is to attract students and staff locally, nationally, and internationally, by offering specialised, niche areas of study that will create an academic environment of the highest standard, inspiring both students and staff, and cementing UMP's place among the country’s institutions of higher learning.
Key Achievements of the Past Decade:
- UMP's enrolment has grown from 169 students in 2014 to 10 150 in 2024.
- The University has expanded its academic offerings from three qualifications in 2014 to 75 in 2024.
- UMP has maintained a pass rate between 80-85% over the years.
- Since its establishment, the University has graduated 6 010 students.
- In 2022, UMP received two National Research Foundation (NRF) Excelleration Awards for its improved research performance.
- In 2023, the University was honoured with the NRF CEO’s Special Recognition Award for its continued excellence in research.
- The number of NRF-rated researchers has grown from one in 2014 to 16 in 2024.
- 55% of UMP’s academic staff now hold doctoral degrees.
- UMP boasts some of the most iconic infrastructure in the country, supporting its academic mission.
The closing ceremony also featured performances celebrating the cultural diversity of the University, with students providing traditional dance and music in line with UMP’s vision: To be an African University leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.
Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.