STRATEGIC MOU STRENGTHENS COLLABORATION BETWEEN UMP AND PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT

On 25 February 2026, the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government (MPG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration on sustainable development, innovation and job creation in the province.
The agreement outlines priority areas including hybrid rice innovation, AI-driven education initiatives, healthcare research, short learning programmes and improved service delivery.
Speaking at the ceremony, UMP Council Chairperson Sabelo Mahlalela said the agreement establishes a formal framework that will enable the provincial government to leverage the University’s expertise, research capacity and human capital in support of provincial development priorities.
“Strong economies across the world are built on deliberate partnerships between government, universities and industry. This collaboration will promote sustainable agriculture, innovation and applied research, and enhance government capacity through tailored training programmes,” said Mr Mahlalela.
He added that the partnership will support sustainable agriculture, innovation and applied research; strengthen the skills and capacity of government employees through tailored training programmes; and advance environmental conservation and eco-tourism initiatives.
“We are not starting from theory. We are building on proven models implemented in other parts of the world where food security was strengthened and import dependency reduced.
The University is ready to discuss projects that can be implemented immediately. We are not merely signing a document. We are committing ourselves to action.”
He further noted that the University’s contribution to the Hybrid Rice Innovation Project has the potential to reposition South Africa within the global agricultural value chain.
“Through this project, we are bringing world-class expertise into Mpumalanga. If successfully implemented, hybrid rice production could see South Africa becoming a net exporter of rice, planting up to 1.2 million hectares and creating meaningful opportunities for young people,” explained Mr Mahlalela.
Strengthening priority areas
Among the key areas of collaboration between UMP and MPG are sustainable agriculture, innovation and applied research, as well as enhancing the skills and capacity of government employees through tailored training programmes.
Mpumalanga Premier, Honourable Mandla Ndlovu, emphasised the urgency of addressing unemployment and inequality in the province, noting that bold partnerships are required to confront these challenges.
“This Memorandum of Understanding is a public declaration of intent to promote social, economic and intellectual development in Mpumalanga. We cannot delay job creation,” he said.
“We must move with urgency. This partnership allows us to harness research and innovation to unlock opportunities in agriculture, to empower subsistence and small-scale farmers, and to stimulate economic activity across multiple sectors.”
Honourable Ndlovu also stressed the importance of aligning policy, funding and research to maximise impact. He added that strategic investment in agriculture, agro-processing and skills diversification, supported by research and innovation, can unlock new economic opportunities and position the province for long-term growth.
“Universities are engines of transformation. When we work together, we accelerate progress,” he said.
University of Mpumalanga Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, reaffirmed the institution’s readiness to translate vision into action.
“We are committed to making an impactful contribution to the province through innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Collaboration is essential if we are to create meaningful and lasting change,” she said.
Professor Meyiwa noted that sustainability and innovation remain central to UMP’s strategic direction.
“Our aspiration is to be an African University leading in sustainable development through innovation. This Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our ability to realise that vision,” she concluded.
As UMP and the Mpumalanga Provincial Government move towards implementation, the partnership signals a focused effort to advance a knowledge-driven and inclusive provincial economy.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.