The naming ceremony marked a deeply symbolic moment in UMP's history – a celebration of heritage, justice and education. The decision to name the Law Building after Chief Shongwe is a gesture of deep appreciation to the Shongwe Family for their generosity in donating the land on which the University is built, and their enduring contribution to the advancement of education in Mpumalanga and across South Africa.
Speaking during the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, traced the University's roots to the land generously gifted by the Shongwe Family – a gift that laid the foundation for generations of students to learn, grow, and contribute to the province and the nation.
"As we gather to name this Law Building after Chief Nkhomo Shongwe, we do so with hearts full of gratitude to the Shongwe Family, the EMSAMO Community Property Association, and all who made this day possible."
Professor Mayekiso traced the University's roots to the land gifted by the Shongwe Family – a gesture that laid the foundation for generations of students to learn, grow and contribute to the Province and the nation.
"Land is important," she emphasised. "Without land, people would be stripped of both dignity and livelihood. The foresight of the Shongwe Clan, originally gallant soldiers and valiant warriors, has enabled us to establish this iconic UMP campus. Through their vision, generations yet to come will study here and contribute to the advancement of humanity."
The ceremony drew dignitaries, traditional leaders, government representatives, the Shongwe family and members of the University community.
The naming of the Law Building fulfils one of the key commitments in the Memorandum of Understanding between UMP and the EMSAMO Community Property Association, which includes dedicating a university building in honour of Chief Nkhomo Shongwe.
"The decision to name the Law Building after Chief Nkhomo Shongwe is an acknowledgement of the role of traditional leaders, the custodians of customary law. Our Constitution accords full recognition to customary law within the South African legal system. This is significant to UMP as we continue to position ourselves as an African university rooted in heritage and justice," she explained.
Reflecting on the injustices of the past, the Vice-Chancellor noted how colonial settlers dispossessed the Shongwe Clan of their ancestral land. Yet, through resilience and vision, the family transformed loss into legacy, choosing education as a path to empowerment.
"In this building, future lawyers, magistrates, prosecutors, advocates, judges and justices will be trained," she said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Dan Shongwe expressed deep gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon their ancestor, describing the moment as one of remembrance, reconciliation and renewal.
"Today we gather here not merely to unveil a name on a building, but to restore the dignity of a story, to reaffirm that the roots of knowledge are nourished by the memory of those who came before us."
Mr Shongwe recounted the life of Chief Nkhomo Shongwe, a leader of the Emakhandzambili clan, known for his wisdom, compassion and courage. A protector of his people, he established Emsamo, a place of leadership, culture and faith long before the founding of Nelspruit.
"When settlers arrived, Chief Nkhomo welcomed them in peace," said Mr Shongwe. "But when that generosity was met with deceit, and his land was taken under false pretences, he stood firm in truth and justice. Though he did not fight with weapons, he carried the moral authority of rightful ownership, the strength of justice that endures even in the face of oppression."
He emphasised that the Law Faculty, bearing Chief Shongwe's name, represents more than honour; it is a commitment to fairness, integrity and service.
"May every student who enters these doors remember that the rule of law must also be the rule of conscience," he said. "True leadership, like that of Chief Nkhomo, is about stewardship, the courage to protect the vulnerable and uphold what is right, even when it is not easy."
The naming ceremony was held at UMP's Mbombela Campus.
The Shongwe Family expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University Council, the Vice-Chancellor, the Department of Higher Education, and the Regional Land Claims Commission for ensuring that reconciliation was translated into a lasting partnership.
Chairperson of Council, Mr Sabelo Mahlalela, described the event as a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between UMP and the Shongwe Family. He praised the generosity and foresight of the family, noting that their decision to share their land had made higher education accessible to many and strengthened the University's commitment to social justice and transformation.
"The naming of this building is more than a dedication; it is a lasting symbol of dignity and justice," said Mr Mahlalela. "It reflects a partnership that is mutually beneficial, one that will continue to grow and inspire future generations."
The Chief Nkhomo Shongwe Law Building now stands as a powerful reminder of the values that bind the University of Mpumalanga to the community it serves: heritage, justice and education.
It embodies the spirit of reconciliation and progress, ensuring that the story of Chief Nkhomo Shongwe – a leader who chose peace over resentment and knowledge over conflict – continues to inspire generations to come.
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Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by CL Photography. Copyright © UMP