First year BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching student, Lethabo Sibiya, won a Gold Medal in Long Jump and is still over the moon about his achievement.

“I love long jump and one day I want to see myself playing for the ASA team and representing SA. I’m excited about the results because I only had four days to prepare.

Sibiya says he did some exercises at the gymnasium and this included running early in the morning for an hour before class and later in the evenings.

B.Agric Honours in Agricultural Extension and Rural Resources management student, Dennis Nyalungu, won a gold medal in shot-put and a silver in the 400m. Though they didn’t have enough time to train on campus, he started preparing while he was still at home.

“I didn't allow any obstacles to impede me from training. I trained in the morning for speed and endurance and in the evening I exercised for strength at my local gym in Acornhoek,” he says.

Nyalunga is passionate about athletics and started at the age of eight. He says UMP made it all possible. The university providing the sports stars with transport and made sure that the athletes were registered to compete and paid for everything.

“They also assisted us by introducing us to other athletes across the province. They made sure we were well taken care of, and provided us with excellent service.”

• Gold Medal: Zanele Mdluli.
• Gold and Silver Medal – Long Jump 1: Zanele Khumalo
• Gold- Shot Put and Silver – 400: Dennis Nyalunga: Senior Men
• Gold Medal – 100m: Aplhina Mathebe: Girls u19
• Gold – 200m: Zanele Mdluli: Senior Women
• Silver – 100m: Angel Manana: Senior Women
• Bronze Medal – Long Jump: Lethabo Sibiya: Senior Women

UMP Sport and Recreation is committed to provide an environment that allows students to have a vibrant student life through sporting and recreational activities. Students are continuously encouraged to participate in sporting activities and also towards the introduction of new sporting codes. The promotion of recreational activities includes indigenous games such as incuva, kgati, morabaraba, and diketo.

UMP currently offers Athletics, Football (males and females), Netball, Volleyball (males and females), Basketball, Supa-Pool, Tennis, Cricket, Rugby and Chess. Students who are interested in joining any UMP sports team are encouraged to do so by contacting the Mbombela Sports and Recreation officer, Mr Hendry Matonsi.

Tel: 013 002 0027 or 082 359 5907
Email: Hendry.Matonsi@ump.ac.za

To join the cricket team, send an email to: Manelisi.Kilani@ump.ac.za

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

The primary objectives of the open day was for the learners to explore the variety of undergraduate options available at UMP, meet programme leaders face-to-face to discuss courses and the requirements needed to qualify for university entry. The prospective learners also learnt more about the application process.  

Director of Marketing, Mr Themba Manana, said learners were able to get a feel for what would happen should they decide to enrol at UMP. They also familiarised themselves with the facilities available and could get a small taste of what student life on campus would be like.
 
“We hope that we have equipped learners with the information that will be useful to them when they make the decision to go to university. We wanted students to see for themselves our beautiful infrastructure, the on-campus accommodation, library and all the state-of-the-art labs we have,” he said.

Leaners at Siyabuswa learnt more about learning and teaching at the university. 

Learners who are sports enthusiasts were taken to view the sporting facilities and received more information about the activities offered at UMP. They also learnt more about the student life and support. . 

Level 1 Covid-19 regulations were adhered to at both campuses. The learners were in small groups of less than 50 before they entered the venue.

Feedback from learners

Katleho Senyolo: “I never knew that the University of Mpumalanga is so beautiful. I am thankful for the opportunity to come and see this university. After all I have seen I would love to study for Bachelor of Environmental Science here.“

Kavitha Dayanand: "This was an amazing day; I got to see different career choices. One of the qualifications that I had my eye on was the Bachelor of ICT and Bachelor of Science General. I also noticed that the students here are dedicated, which gives me the drive to pursue my studies at UMP."

Glen Marcus Mabuza: "I have seen many things that have inspired me to come and study here such as the environment, student culture and the infrastructure just to name a few. I found interest in the faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, which is why I am aiming to work even harder." 

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by @ChrisplPhoto and McJoelington.

Graduate and Student Placement Senior Manager, Mr Raymond Mkhwanazi, said electing additional members will allow the committee to function as a collective in making decisions and providing solutions for issues relating to the growth of the university. He also said the Chapter will be able start with its mission to unite and mobilise alumni based in Gauteng.

"The committee will start to look into the affairs of the Chapter, administer funds allocated by the University, promote the interest of the university and raise funds for UMP,” he said.

Mr Mkhwanazi further explained that the chapter would also be able to assist its members in their own pursuits while promoting the interests of the university.

“If you have a challenge, like you can't find a job, the committee will be in your corner, they'll know where to go. Now that the district has been established, it is important for alumni to start identifying the challenges and find solutions.”

Mr Boifang Mokhine, Chairperson of the Gauteng Alumni Chapter was excited about finally being able to get his hands dirty and start the work the chapter is intended for.

"I cannot wait to start working with you as this is a new chapter and a new venture for all of us. I hope you are ready to define and give the skeleton, a body or some flesh. We know how to be a pioneering province, and as a chapter, we are going to wave that flag high," he said.

Newly elected Gauteng Alumni Chapter Treasurer, Kebawetse Mashaba, was honoured by her new role and said she would use her position as the only female within the committee well.

“As the only woman on the Gauteng Alumni Chapter committee, I aim to show how useful I am by making all who suffer in silence be heard.”

Additional member, Mr Kgotso Motla, was excited about creating awareness for UMP and recruiting more students.

"I am looking forward to working with the University and helping it become one of the best universities in the country and globally. I plan to help UMP recruit more students and also create awareness on behalf of UMP. I’d also like to find ways to provide opportunities for former students".

Congratulating the Chapter on behalf of the convocation, Mr Moses Sithole reminded alumni of their purpose.

"The role of the alumni begins with its vision, which is to promote UMP as an African university leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.

This can be achieved through working together and helping UMP maintain its high level of academic excellence, and by promoting and protecting the image and interests of UMP," he said.

"As the Gauteng Alumni Chapter Committee, you have two years to make a massive contribution towards the vision of UMP. Let’s work together to be remembered as problem solvers and innovative leaders, making a positive impact in the UMP community.

Mr Sithole concluded: "You also have the role in raising funds for the University students and infrastructure. If you will be able to achieve all this, you will extend your term of office from two years to four years. Leaders who will achieve these great tasks are leaders who seize every opportunity available to them and learn to excuse themselves from excuses!"

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisplPhoto

The Registrar, Mr Sello Legodi, said that for students to achieve these very high average marks requires real commitment and dedication to one’s studies; it requires personal sacrifices to be made, and many hours at night and over weekends and holidays to be spent on academic work. 

“Our award-winning students should serve as an inspiration to those who did not achieve the necessary results. May they be motivated to work harder and join their ranks for 2021,” he said. 

The merit awards are made on the basis of academic excellence and recognise students’ accomplishments in three different categories:

• Students who achieved a final average mark of 80% or more for each module in a full set of modules written in 2020.
• Students who achieved a final average mark for a full set of modules of 80% or more, with no mark below 60%.
• Students who achieved an average final mark for a full set of modules of between 75% and 79%, with no mark
  below 60%.

In 2019, 18 students achieved an average final mark of 80% and more. 94 students achieved an average final mark of between 75% and 79%. In total, 112 students were recognised with merit awards. 

Commending the students, Vice Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said: “The success of these students is all the more remarkable considering the unchartered territories we all had to navigate in 2020. They deserve our heartiest congratulations. These students have pursued excellence under trying times, and are truly an inspiration to all other students.

“These students are a reminder to all of us of the resilience of the human spirit. Without staff providing online teaching and support, such sterling success would not have been possible.”

Listed below are the students' achievements: 

• 26 students achieved an average final mark for a full set of modules of 80% or greater, with no mark below 60%. They receive R9 060.
• 125 students achieved an average final mark for a full set of modules of between 75% and 79% with no mark below 60%. These students receive R5 440.

By UMP Communications Division. Pictures supplied.

Name: Nsuku Gwebana
Course: Bachelor of Commerce

Why did you choose UMP?
I’m from a small village called Justicia in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga. I chose the Mbombela campus in Nelspruit because it is an area I’m already familiar with, which I thought would make adjusting to university life that much easier.

How have your first few weeks at university been?
The transition from high school to university has been an exhausting, yet great learning experience.

The first day was quite busy and funny. Everybody was running up and down looking for the right lecture halls. It was a little daunting because the grounds are much bigger than any high school.

Getting to meet lecturers and new faces was refreshing. High school and university life are different – here everything is at a much faster pace. I have to constantly catch up and work independently unlike in high school where the teacher is constantly checking that you're not left behind with your work.

What are you enjoying the most so far?
I love that we don’t attend the same classes every single day as in high school. It’s also great having access to programme mentors who give us advice about career choices and who can answer most things about which new students are still unsure.

What are your aspirations?
I’d like to own my own business one day and thereby help empower disadvantaged black people and enable them to reach their dreams. I can only do that by getting my degree and creating a platform for myself.

Name: Nkosinathi Motha
Course: Bachelor of Science

What have you found the most challenging so far?
To be honest, at high school I had friends and knew where everything was! Here everything is new and I need to get to know not only my fellow students, but also where everything is – from lecture halls, to offices and classes.

I’m very close to my mom, so leaving my family behind to come live at res was also a little difficult. I’m learning to enjoy all the new experiences though. Our lecturers are very kind and patient, which has made the transition easier.

Why did you choose UMP?
I chose UMP because it is in my province and not that far from home. The other reason is that I had heard from quite a few people who already study here, that it is a great institution.

What are your future plans?
My dream is to become a lecturer, I like sharing my knowledge with people who need it. I want to have my university in my community and name it Unthe University of Kwa-Ndebele. I also dream to get employed here at this university so that I can have more time with everyone here, especially the lecturers.

Name: Charity Ramphisa.
Course: Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase

How are you finding the transition from high school to university?
It’s actually been good even though things are done quite differently at the university. I was able to befriend a lot of people since I'm a very approachable person and I even like the fact that I did not get lost in terms of looking for classes or buildings.

What has surprised you during these first few weeks at uni? I’ve found both senior students and lecturers to be very kind and patient towards all the new students. We’ve been given everything we need to help us adjust. I was also pleasantly surprised to see everyone following covid protocols so diligently.

What are your aspirations?,
I’d like to complete my degree in four years and then immediately move on to do my PhD in education. I’m following in the footsteps of my grandmother who was also a foundation phase teacher.

Name: Koketso Magopa
Course: Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase

What have your first few weeks been like?
Surprisingly, the first few weeks have not been that difficult in terms of adjusting to university life. The student mentors and the CRC have been welcomed and guided us from day one. They ensured that we settle in without worries. Senior students and lectures are so friendly and easy to talk to – they always show care towards us. The engagement with them is outstanding.

Why did you choose to study at UMP?
I’m originally from Siyabuswa and got recommendations from former students that UMP is the best in regards to producing relevant and adequate information for one to be the best teacher. I also did my research after that and I was really impressed by the outcomes I received.

What are your future plans?
My dream is to fill a gap in foundation phase teaching as there are less male foundation phase teachers. I want to be one of the few and help the children to adapt to the learning journey, teach them how to properly listen, read, speak and write.

@ Story and pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga and McJoelington (Siyabuswa Campus). 

Each participant was awarded R2 000 for their sterling performance at the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE)* in 2020. The monetary award was a reward sponsored by the EDHE to the studentpreneurs for the use towards the development of their business pursuits.

Studentpreneur, Mondli Mathonsi, says: “It is always a great pleasure to be honoured by the Vice-Chancellor, it has given me the extra boost I needed to continue my work. It is a great feeling to know that our university supports its students even with things that are not purely academic but rather related to students’ overall growth as individuals. The support is appreciated.”

The EDHE Programme is people-focused. It is intended to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of students, academics and leaders. The intention is for students to be more successful in terms of becoming economically active during and after their tertiary education. Last year’s project coordinator, Dr Ferdinand Niyimbanira, says the purpose of the competition is to identify, reward and support the top student entrepreneurs at the University of Mpumalanga.

The students, Simon Mashile, Mondli Mathonsi, Ripfumelo Jessica Mathye and Thapelo Mamiane participated in the competition during lockdown. They lived the UMP Value of Adaptability and adjusted themselves to prevailing conditions and did the institution proud.

Thapelo Mamiane says business has been positive in such difficult times. With the aid of UMP’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CEFRI)  the right steps are being taken towards making businesses sustainable and profitable.

“The value UMP has placed on entrepreneurial excellence has been clear to see in that we have a successful ENACTUS team and now we have representatives in EDHE competitions. This goes to show how much our participation is valued by the management of the institution and that we can be an example to other students,” he says.

The participants worked very hard on their presentation videos and submitted them in line with the requirements of the competition. All this work was done remotely and online. They simply adapted to the “new normal”. They did not allow the challenges and limitations brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic to stand in their way.

Mamaine adds that he learnt that competition can be a good thing and to use the motivation of succeeding to drive you to being the best.

“It was beneficial from a networking standpoint as well. We got to mingle with top executives and CEOs who gave us better insight into the business environment and how to improve our ventures.”

The University’s Management team is excited to see that there are students at UMP who are taking entrepreneurship seriously and are participating in the EDHE Programme, which aims to promote entrepreneurship in institutions of higher learning.

Mathonsi further adds that the competition has helped him to gain more business skills, which brought growth to his knowledge to the entrepreneur world.

“During preparations of the presentation slides, there were new insights that I acquired that would potentially grow my business such as market analysis and how to be better than my competitors. All that new knowledge has given me the edge. The opportunity of competing with other entrepreneurs brings the ignition to be better than you were. In order for a person or a business to grow, it needs a competitor so the need for change and development is ignited,” he says.

He says his business has grown since the competition. “At the current state, business has grown ever since the day of entering the competition and it is all thanks to the support given by UMP and the experience of the EDHE.

The Vice-Chancellor, members of Management, the staff and students would like to thank Drs Ferdinand Niyimbanira and Mazanai Musara for their work in coordinating this project at UMP and supporting the students throughout the process.

*The Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) is a Division of Universities South Africa (USAf) and is responsible for entrepreneurship development in South African Higher Education Institutions. It was launched in 2018/2019 to allow university students to compete in four categories, namely: Business Idea, Existing Technology Business, Existing Social Impact Business and Existing business: General.

@ Additional text Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisplPhoto.