The annual visit provides a platform for DHET and UMP to review the university’s UCDP performance, financial accountability, progress on funded projects, and alignment with national priorities.
This year’s engagement, held on 18 November 2025, involved 31 participants, including DHET delegates, UMP Executive Management, UCDP Project Leads and support teams, NESP, nGAP, JRF, and USDP recipients.
The event began with a warm welcome and set the stage for a productive discussion on strengthening capacity development at the university.
Ms Mandisa Cakwe, Director at DHET, delivered a comprehensive presentation on UMP’s performance in the 2024 financial year.
She outlined key topics such as budget virements, fund commitments, and interest reporting, and emphasised that unspent UCDG funds are forfeited and redistributed nationally, which could affect UMP’s future allocations.
She urged proactive planning to safeguard critical projects that rely on this funding.
In her remarks, Dr Madiope, Director of the Academic Support Services Division, acknowledged that the resignation of the previous UCDP Coordinator had created challenges in programme implementation.
However, she confirmed the appointment of a new coordinator and expressed confidence in improved coordination going forward.
This was followed by a presentation from Mr Lerato Modiba, the newly appointed UCDP Coordinator, who provided a detailed overview of performance and expenditure across all nine UCDP-funded projects.
Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, assured DHET that internal measures had already been implemented to address the financial concerns raised, including activities aimed at strengthening implementation and expenditure patterns.
She reiterated the university’s commitment to achieving UCDP objectives and improving overall performance.
One of the common concerns raised by universities nationwide – the late release of UCDP funds – was addressed by Ms Cakwe, who explained that processes within the National Treasury and delays in the submission of audited reports often contribute to these challenges.
She emphasised that DHET transfers funds to all universities simultaneously once compliant reports are received.
DHET encouraged UMP to continue producing high-quality reports, develop a strong and forward-looking UCDP Plan for the 2027 cycle, involve project leaders more fully during planning phases, and enhance internal review processes to strengthen applications for programmes such as nGAP, USDP, and the Foundation Professors Programme (FPP).
The visit confirmed UMP’s progress in advancing capacity development while highlighting areas for improvement in financial management, policy compliance, and enhanced support for students and staff. DHET reaffirmed its commitment to working with UMP to advance teaching, learning, and institutional capacity.
Prof Davhana-Maselesele concluded the session by thanking all stakeholders for their dedication and emphasising UMP’s ongoing commitment to excellence in programme implementation and accountability.
Story and picture supplied. Copyright © UMP