It's been an incredibly short first term but we've achieved so much and have not let the hands of time prevent us from doing what needs to be done. I thank you all for putting shoulder to the wheel, buckling down and getting the academic year off to a great start.
I can see our growth daily, not only in the number of students on campus, but also in our academic offering and with so many of our own going on to achieve great things – here on campus, as well as in the broader community and one day, God willing, the world! We are not excelling only academically, as can be seen by the numerous Academic Excellence awards with which we have been able to reward students, but also in the sporting arena as well. At the recent Mpumalanga Athletics Championships, UMP students came home with five gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. Thank you to the athletes for putting us on the map and showing the province what our students are made of and capable of!
The Gauteng Alumni Chapter also met up this month and have put in place all the necessary members to become fully functional and operational and to start working towards promoting UMP and looking after the interests of the university, as well as its members. We look forward to one day having a chapter in each province across the country.
It was a special treat to see so many young high school learners join us on our open day earlier this month. Fresh faces filled with hope and eagerness, and all keen to become part of this great institution. We hope to see them all back in the next year or two to come. I do also have to commend each and every one of you for continuing to adhere to Covid-19 protocols and for keeping yourselves and each other safe and healthy.
Enjoy the short recess period. Make the most of your time and use every moment wisely. We look forward to welcoming you back to campus on 3 May!
Professor Thoko Mayekiso
Vice-Chancellor