The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) is aware of videos circulating on social media that accuse UMP of unfair labour practices. The University categorically denies this. And views these allegations as baseless and disingenuous. The University decries this misinformation campaign as extremely insensitive and uncultured, especially during this time when the Motseki family is still dealing with the grief of the loss of the late Dr. Mpho Motseki.
Background and Context
The New Generation of Academics Program (nGAP) was initiated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and is implemented in partnership with all 26 public universities in South Africa. The programme is designed to support universities in recruiting and developing young upcoming academic staff to grow in an academic environment, complete their postgraduate studies and support them to become senior academic staff. Lecturers who enter nGAP with a master’s degree are enrolled in a structured six-year development programme. Participants in the nGAP are required to complete the programme, and failure to do so has contractual and financial implications.
A key condition for DHET approval is that participating universities appoint nGAP candidates on a permanent basis from the outset. Accordingly, Dr. Motseki was appointed as a permanent lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), while holding the designation of an nGAP lecturer.
Upon completion of the PhD, candidates must submit a portfolio of evidence to support their transition from nGAP lecturer status to a substantive Lecturer position. In this case, Dr Motseki demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the programme, with strong confidence in her ability to complete within a shortened timeframe. As reflected in the May 2024/2025 report, her thesis had already been submitted for language editing.
In line with the 2024 guidelines, nGAP participants may complete the programme in four years, provided all requirements are met, most importantly, the successful completion of a PhD.
The University advertised a Lecturer: Communication Studies position, inviting suitable candidates to apply. Like all other candidates, Dr Motseki applied for the position. Given the above background, Dr. Motseki was not shortlisted because she was already appointed as a permanent lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), while holding the NGAP lecturer designation.
Eligibility to be appointed as a Lecturer after the completion of the nGAP
- Dr. Motseki completed her PhD at the end of 2025, which marked the completion of the nGAP programme. The University made her aware that she qualifies for appointment to a Lecturer Position in accordance with the transition process guidelines.
- On 05 February, Dr Motseki confirmed receipt of the request for her to submit the required documents for her to be appointed to a Lecturer Position.
- At the time of her passing on, Dr. Motseki was still due to submit the required documents to be appointed as a Lecturer as envisaged by the nGAP.
- Sadly, Dr Motseki passed away on 19 March 2026 after being hospitalised due to illness.
The University has been in communication with the Motseki family since the passing of their loved one and will continue to provide the family with the necessary information and support.
The University calls on the creators of this misinformation campaign to refrain from making irresponsible statements that deliberately distort facts and, by extension, harm the University's image. UMP reserves the right to hold the creators of this misinformation campaign accountable.