The agreement was signed during the 2026 Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism awards, held on 23 October 2026 at Emnotweni Arena in Mbombela, Nelspruit. The partnership aims to align the skills taught to students with the specific needs of local industries, businesses and communities. It will also focus on facilitating successful internships and fostering talent, innovation and transformation within the province.
The KLCBT represents and supports businesses and tourism across the Ehlanzeni District, including Mbombela (Nelspruit), the Kruger National Park and surrounding reserves in Mpumalanga.
Highlighting the value of the collaboration, UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, said the agreement would connect University staff and students with industry, businesses and communities across the province.
“The world of work is changing, and so is society, and therefore the collaboration would help the University align skills development with its changing needs, while responding to the evolving requirements of the world of work," she said.
Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa said the agreement would connect University staff and students with industry, businesses and communities across the province.
“This will ensure that the talent, innovation, skills, people, the working world, the industry, and the communities meet together to bring about the transformation that we want to see."
On community integration, Professor Meyiwa said the collaboration will enable communities across the province to connect with education and industry leaders to support social and economic transformation.
“By aligning talent with industry needs, the partnership aims to drive social and economic transformation,” she said.
Through the agreement, UMP and the KLCBT aim to strengthen collaboration between higher education and the business and tourism sectors, helping ensure that graduates develop skills relevant to the province's workforce and supporting broader social and economic development.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.