UMP Celebrates Excellence Across Research, Teaching and Engagement

News and Events > News > UMP Celebrates Excellence Across Research, Teaching and Engagement
University
27 November 2025
The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) recently hosted its annual Excellence Awards Ceremony at the Mbombela Campus Wellness and Conference Centre, bringing together staff, students and partners for an evening dedicated to honouring outstanding achievement. 
 
The event celebrated excellence in research and innovation, teaching and learning, and community engagement — the three pillars that define UMP’s growing identity. 
 
It served as a powerful reminder that excellence is intentional, cultivated through commitment, collaboration and the shared passion of a university community working to create meaningful impact.
 
Congratulations to the recipients of the Excellence Awards!
 
Category Faculty Recipient(s)
Research and Innovation
Faculty Researcher of the Year FEDBS Prof Tim Forssman, School of Social Sciences
2024 rating award
Faculty Researcher of the Year FANS Dr Tatenda Dalu, School of Biological and Environmental Sciences
2023 emerging
Faculty Emerging Researcher FANS Dr Salmina Mokgehle, School of Agricultural Sciences
NRF Rating FANS Dr Salmina Mokgehle, School of Agricultural Sciences
First-time rating - Y
NRF Rating EDBS Prof Ferdinand Niyimbanira, School of Development Studies
First rating C
NRF Rating EDBS Prof Andrew Maredza, School of Development Studies
First rating C
NRF rating FANS Prof Tarombera Mwabvu, School of Agricultural Sciences
Second rating – retain C
PROFF INAUGURATION
Engagement
Engagement Excellence Team Award   Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CFERI), received by Prof Kanayo Ogujiuba on behalf of the team
Engagement Excellence Award FANS Dr Zakhaleni Dube, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences
Emerging Engagement Award EDBS Ms Confidence Ndlovu, School of Development Studies
Teaching
Faculty Emerging Teacher of the Year FANS Dr Thomas Mongwe, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences