Welcoming guests, colleagues, and students to the Mbombela Campus, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, highlighted UMP’s vision of transforming its academic project by embracing African epistemologies and integrating them into the curriculum.
She pointed to initiatives such as the Mpumalanga in Context module as examples of how the University is grounding students in African identity, culture, and knowledge systems.
Director of Academic Support Services, Dr Maria Madiope, reflected on the historic launch of the UMP Language Policy, aligned with the national language policy and funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training. She praised the collaborative efforts of staff members who made this milestone possible.
Dr Madiope emphasised that language is central to identity and that UMP is committed to advocating for multilingualism and elevating African languages in teaching, research, and engagement.
The launch reaffirmed UMP’s commitment to curriculum transformation and language inclusivity.
The guest speaker, Professor Langa Khumalo, is currently Executive Director of the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) and a distinguished linguist with international recognition. His extensive academic and leadership background includes contributions to national and continental language policy, digital humanities, and African lexicography.
In his presentation, Professor Khumalo reflected on the transformative role of African languages in academia. Drawing from his experience at UKZN, where isiZulu is now used across teaching, research, and postgraduate studies, he emphasised that the use of African languages in higher education strengthens rather than diminishes academic rigor.
“No language is less capable of engaging with science or research,” he stressed, noting that multilingualism fosters inclusivity and identity. Professor Khumalo also highlighted practical steps universities can take, such as multilingual signage, translated research abstracts, and the integration of digital language technologies. He showcased SADiLaR’s ongoing work in developing resources and translation tools for all 12 official languages, encouraging institutions to collaborate rather than compete.
The launch reaffirmed UMP’s commitment to curriculum transformation, language inclusivity, and the intellectualisation of African languages in teaching, research, and community engagement.
Story by Glen Sambo. Pictures by JB Creatives. Copyright @UMP.