The Student Affairs Division at UMP plays a critical role in shaping a holistic student experience. This is achieved through four main focus areas: Student Housing, Sports and Recreation, Student Health Services, and Student Governance and Development. Each of these pillars contributes to the University’s mission of fostering well-rounded graduates who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to South Africa’s future.
UMP provides state-of-the-art on-campus accommodation with modern facilities such as common rooms, study spaces, and recreational areas. The institution also ensures that private off-campus housing meets strict accreditation standards, guaranteeing students a safe and conducive living environment. To promote a balanced student life, the University integrates learning and social activities within its residences, helping students feel at home while maintaining academic focus.
Student life at UMP extends beyond the lecture halls. The University boasts over 12 different sporting codes, ranging from football, rugby, and netball to cricket and volleyball. UMP teams participate in various University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournaments, offering students an opportunity to compete at a national level.
Cohesive Leadership
Cultural and recreational activities also form a crucial part of student life. UMP’s choir has consistently made its mark in national competitions, while student societies provide platforms for leadership development and social engagement.
Understanding the importance of mental and physical well-being, UMP offers professional health services on both the Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses. A team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, psychologists, and counsellors, ensures that students receive the necessary support to navigate university life successfully.
The Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza’s hard work and dedication was recognised and honoured during the 2024 UMP Staff Awards.
In addition, the University provides development workshops focused on personal growth, academic excellence, and financial literacy – particularly for first-year students who may be adjusting to the demands of higher education.
At the helm of this effort is Dr Paul Maminza, the Dean of Students, whose leadership ensures that students not only excel academically but also thrive socially, physically, and mentally. He has played a pivotal role in fostering a culture of leadership at UMP. The University has successfully conducted peaceful and democratic Student Representative Council (SRC) elections every year, a remarkable achievement given the challenges that often accompany student politics nationwide.
Milestones in Student Leadership and Development
One of the standout milestones was the election of UMP’s first female SRC president, Ms Vuyelwa Magagula, in 2021. Her rise to leadership was supported by UMP’s Female Students Leadership Programme, which identifies and nurtures young women with leadership potential.
Beyond leadership, UMP students have also excelled in entrepreneurship and innovation. The University’s ENACTUS team, founded in 2016, has consistently performed well at national competitions, bringing home over 30 trophies in recent years.
One of Dr Maminza’s most successful initiatives is the Love My Campus Campaign, launched in 2017. This initiative encourages students and staff to take pride in their campus environment, ensuring that the University’s world-class facilities are well-maintained. Every third Friday of the month, the UMP community dons “Love My Campus” T-shirts to reinforce this culture of care and responsibility.
As UMP embarks on its next decade, Dr Maminza remains focused on strengthening student engagement, enhancing student support services, and aligning Student Affairs activities with the University’s academic mission. A key priority for 2025 is to further promote the University’s values of excellence, integrity, diversity, collaboration, adaptability, relevance, and inspiration.
UMP students have participated in the ENACTUS National Competition since 2016 and have won 30 trophies in total.
He also aims to expand research opportunities within the Student Affairs Division, ensuring that staff contribute to academic discourse and best practices in student development. Mental health support remains a top concern, with the University committed to addressing students’ psychological well-being through expanded counselling services and proactive wellness initiatives.
For Dr Maminza, serving as UMP’s Dean of Students is more than just a job - it is a calling. His deep-rooted connection to Mpumalanga fuels his passion for student success. “The University of Mpumalanga is the best gift to the people of this province,” he says.
“Seeing students from local communities, including my hometown of Nkomazi, pursuing master's and PhD qualifications at UMP fills me with immense pride.”
As the University continues to grow, Dr Maminza remains dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and empowering students – ensuring that they leave UMP as well-rounded individuals ready to shape the future of South Africa.
The Love My Campus Campaign is the longest running initiative that encourages students to be environmental responsible.
Student Affairs Key Highlights:
- Student Leadership Development: Peaceful and democratic SRC elections are held annually, including the election of UMP’s first female SRC president in 2021.
- ENACTUS Success: Over 30 trophies won at national competitions since 2016.
- UMP Choir Achievements: Multiple national titles, including first place at the Dr JS Khosa Choral Music Eisteddfod.
- Sporting Excellence: Regular participation in USSA tournaments, with notable achievements in football and other sports.
- Love My Campus Campaign: A long-running initiative promoting campus pride and environmental responsibility.
- Student Support Services: Expanded health, counselling, and development programmes to enhance student well-being and success.
The article is republished from Leadership Magazine. Pictures supplied: https://www.leadershiponline.co.za/magazine/SpecialEdition225/assets/downloads/Leadership_Special_Edition__University_of_Mpumalanga.pdf.