Nearly two years into the role, he is drawing on decades of experience to shape UMP’s postgraduate trajectory and strengthen its engagement with both internal and external stakeholders.
The DVC’s portfolio covers a wide scope: from postgraduate studies and planning to stakeholder engagement, graduate placement, alumni and convocation, and continuing education. In each of these areas, Professor Mbewe is determined to build a system that not only produces graduates with strong academic credentials but also prepares them for meaningful participation in the world of work.
“It is not an easy task,” he admits, “but if one produces a better-prepared graduate, the product sells itself through graduate attributes and develops a reputation in the job market.”
Professor Mbewe holds a BSc in Biology from Texas Southern University, USA, and a PhD in Microbial Genetics from the University of Cambridge. His academic journey underpins a deep belief in rigour and excellence – values he is instilling across UMP’s postgraduate community.
“The advice that I impart is to be knowledgeable in your field of study and be able to demonstrate that. Read to know and not just to pass.”
Behind every successful graduate, he notes, is a coordinated effort that goes beyond lectures and laboratories. UMP places a strong emphasis on ensuring students receive a holistic education – one that merges theoretical understanding with practical insight and exposure to industry standards.
“I'm building a community of postgraduate students that are aware of the world around them, but are also very good in their area of expertise by the linkups that we build within the country, with industries and other universities.”
Professor Mbewe is positioning UMP as an institution that produces responsive and employable graduates.
Stakeholder engagement is another key area of his work. Professor Mbewe acknowledges the challenges, especially in shifting mindsets towards long-term, quality-driven goals. “It is about convincing some stakeholders to prefer quality rather than quantity,” he says, “and trying to convince people to prefer long profitable goals instead of short-term gains.”
He sees strong collaboration with the private sector as essential to producing graduates who are competent and responsive and employable.
“A partnership of student training with the private sector in the form of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements will go a long way towards achieving the goal of relevant and well-trained students for industry with competence for day one. Forming partnerships in this area will be appropriate and appreciated.”
As a former Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP, Professor Mbewe understands the need for applied learning and industry integration. His approach is centred on practical exposure and sustained academic support, aimed at shaping graduates who are grounded, capable, and adaptable.
Among his proudest moments at UMP is seeing these ideals reflected in the performance and conduct of students. One such example stands out.
“My proudest moment is seeing our students demonstrating UMP graduate attributes on stage at the ENACTUS national competition... and winning.”
Through his leadership, Professor Mbewe is helping to position UMP as an institution that doesn’t just educate – it equips. His focus on quality, collaboration, and relevance is reshaping the postgraduate experience at the university, and by extension, contributing to South Africa’s broader development ambitions.
©Adapted from Leadership Magazine:
https://www.leadershiponline.co.za/magazine/SpecialEdition225/assets/downloads/Leadership_Special_Edition__University_of_Mpumalanga.pdf
Pictures supplied.