Held on 24 November 2025, the event celebrated excellence in research and innovation, teaching and learning, and community engagement – the three pillars that continue to define UMP’s growing identity.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, highlighted the importance of acknowledging those who shape UMP’s development as a dynamic and impactful institution.
He also welcomed distinguished guests and collaborators from partner institutions in South Africa and abroad.
The excellence awards emphasise that achievement is intentional – cultivated through commitment, collaboration and a shared dedication to creating meaningful impact. They recognise individuals and teams whose work enhances the University’s academic, research and engagement profile.
Speaking at the ceremony, UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustainability, long-term impact and relevance.
“This evening is an affirmation that excellence is not accidental. It is cultivated through integrity, collaboration and an unwavering passion for making a difference,” she said.
She described the awards as a celebration of UMP’s continued growth, noting that the University, though young, has achieved remarkable milestones.
“But we cannot rest. Sustainability demands that we think beyond the immediate and build practices that endure,” she said, adding that partnerships are essential in sustaining excellence.
“Collaboration is the currency of our time. No institution can thrive alone. We need partners to build resilient research ecosystems and shape a future we cannot yet fully imagine,” said Professor Meyiwa, stressing the importance of accountability and values-driven leadership.
“Excellence demands that we hold ourselves accountable – in our research, our teaching and in the impact we make in the communities we serve.”
UMP Excellence Awards emphasise that achievement is intentional, cultivated through commitment, collaboration and a shared dedication to creating meaningful impact.
Driving Excellence Through African-Led Innovation
Delivering her keynote address, Dr Thandi Mgwebi: Group Executive Business Advancement, National Research Foundation (NRF), commended UMP for its rapid rise as a transformative force in the higher education sector.
“The University of Mpumalanga stands as one of the most dynamic symbols of South Africa’s higher education transformation,” she said.
“Ten years ago, we were optimistic about the Sustainable Development Goals. Today, the world is navigating a poly-crisis of disruptions in technology, food systems, human settlements and ecosystems. These challenges, however, open new opportunities for African science to lead.”
Dr Ngwebi highlighted UMP’s strengths in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, rural entrepreneurship and teacher development.
“Your work demonstrates that excellence is not only about publications. It is about relevance, inclusion and service to society.”
She also emphasised the importance of ethical research practice.
“The trust between science and society has never been more important. Excellence requires that we uphold integrity in everything we do.”
Speaking to Africa’s growing role in global innovation, she remarked, “Africa is not behind. Africa is becoming, and universities like UMP are leading that becoming.”
Closing her address, Dr Ngwebi encouraged young researchers to recognise their influence in shaping Africa’s future. “You are not only the future; you are the present. Excellence is a discipline, a daily commitment to curiosity, resilience and impact.”
The University of Mpumalanga congratulates all the recipients of the 2025 Excellence Awards.
The ceremony recognised outstanding contributions across research, teaching and community engagement, reaffirming UMP’s commitment to developing talent, supporting innovation and strengthening societal impact.
Meet the Award Recipients:
- Faculty Researcher of the Year: Professor Tim Forssman – Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Social Sciences.
- Faculty Researcher of the Year: Dr Tatenda Dalu – Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences.
- Faculty Emerging Researcher of the Year: Dr Salmina Mokgehle – Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences.
NRF Rating Awards
- Dr Salmina Mokgehle – Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences.
- Professor Ferdinand Niyimbanira – Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Development Studies.
- Professor Andrew Maredza – Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Development Studies.
- Professor Tarombera Mwabvu – Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences.
Teaching Excellence
- Dr Thomas Mongwe – Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences.
Engagement Excellence Awards
- Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI), received by CFERI Manager Professor Kanayo Ogujiuba.
- Dr Zakhaleni Dube – Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences.
- Ms Confidence Ndlovu – Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Development Studies.
The University of Mpumalanga congratulates all the recipients of the 2025 Excellence Awards.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by CL Photography. Copyright © UMP.