The agreement, signed at the Mbombela Campus on 7 February 2022, will also enhance job creation among UMP graduates, and encourage the utilization of various skills by students through research and participation in Special Economic Zone (SEZs). It also seeks to facilitate the transformation of the economy to create job opportunities and eliminate poverty and inequality.

It will also focus on areas specifically targeted on economic activities to promote national economic growth and exports by using support measures to attract foreign and domestic investments and technology that has been envisaged to be established in Nkomazi local municipality. 

Sharing her remarks on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said the EDM has chosen a university that is destined to become a centre of excellence in several designated fields and disciplines.

“As an engaged university, our institution places great value on partnerships, and we have identified them as both drivers and enablers in advancing our vision as UMP. We intend to establish North-South and South-South partnerships,” she said.

Professor Mayekiso added that UMP has partnerships with 20 universities in 13 countries. “We hope to draw on our vast experience to contribute to the advancement of this partnership. UMP prides itself on its iconic infrastructure, providing both staff and students with a conducive ecology in which to teach, learn, and conduct research.

She added that the foregoing developments represent UMP's typology as a comprehensive institution that offers qualifications from higher certificate to doctoral degrees.

"UMP understands that its academic project must combine both the creation and transfer of knowledge and skills for the optimal development of students as independent and critical thinkers with a passion for knowledge and its application," she said adding that UMP has installed its second Chancellor, Justice Mandisa Maya.

“Justice Maya, who takes over from President Cyril Ramaphosa, the first Chancellor of UMP, was recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to be the next Chief Justice of our country. It is Chancellors of such stature that make UMP stand tall despite its young age of eight years,” said Professor Mayekiso.

Executive Mayor of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Honourable Councillor (Cllr) Jesta Sidell.

Increasing youth employment rate

The Executive Mayor of the Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Honourable Councillor (Cllr) Jesta Sidell, mentioned the district municipality is predominately poor but its economy is rich: tourism, agriculture and forestry.

“For example, when you go to Thaba Chweu you get the elements of mining, tourism and forestry. In the city of Mbombela where the infrastructure is, we do have those similar elements and all the other EDM local municipalities also have the elements of tourism, agriculture and forestry but are very rural.”

She continued that the two institutions are responding to the challenges of high youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

“I want to believe that this partnership is paramount and will facilitate to transform the economy to create job opportunities to undermine poverty and inequality. Our response today will be a scientifically informed one as opposed to a commitment that is devoid of scientific analysis in the alignment of the formalisation of areas of collaborations between these two institutions,” said Cllr Sidell.

In addition, she said, the agreement would expand the education and learning of UMP students through service learning and scholarly engagement to serve the communities effectively. And to create a conducive environment for the advancement of enterprise development across various sectors of the economy.

Professor Mayekiso led the Ehlanzeni District Municipality delegation on a tour of  the Mbombela campus. 

Graduate programmes

The objective of the MoU will also be to place graduates in related fields of study to gain practical experience and in return to improve the employment rate. It will assist UMP students in gaining the practical experience needed to complete their studies successfully and to conduct relevant research projects at the postgraduate level that will enhance mutual scientific awareness.

“We will also collaborate in securing funds for research and other joined projects, the development of empowerment programmes and to create a job linkage programme with the university and local businesses to facilitate linking graduates with job opportunities and internships to ensure skills are retrained within the EDM.

As UMP is an ultra-agricultural institution the agriculture students will be utilised in the development of small-scale farming programmes around the Ehlanzeni District’s four local Municipalities: Nkomazi, Thaba Chweu, Bushbuckridge and Mbombela.

Cllr Sidell further added that the potential areas of collaboration will be graduate placement in agricultural activities that are related to food security programmes, research in line with co-functions such as farmer support, hospitality, development studies, and environmental management to name a few.

She concluded by saying, "I want to emphasise that we have the responsibility to make this Memorandum of Understanding work to benefit our people. As a very rural District Municipality, we have a high impact on such projects."

The visit was rounded off with the UMP management taking the EDM delegation for a tour around the Mbombela Campus.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures ChrisplPhoto.

UMP Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza spoke laudably about the importance of student leadership and good governance. He also reminded the leadership that they are democratically elected and it is important for them to do right all the time.

"As you do your duties in the SRC office, always remember to do right by those who have elected you. The university management has a commitment to ensure that you are well equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to deal with the challenges you will face," he said.

“This journey is not an easy one. You will be faced with many difficulties and challenges. We are here to offer our support as we know the obstacles you will need to overcome. Our doors are always open. Represent the wishes and needs of the students, not something else."

Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso mentioned that the investiture of the SRC represents an important date on the UMP calendar.

“We are here inaugurating an important structure, and to us as a university, this is not just a tick-box exercise but an activity we take seriously. Congratulations to all of you who have been voted by the students to represent them,” she said.

“We would like to invest in discussions and engagements that will add value to the university and contribute to the development of your leadership skills. UMP has successfully inaugurated seven SRC now and has brought forth good ideas around some of the aspects that keep the wheels of students’ representation well oiled.”

She further continued that the previous year was historical as it had the first female president of the SRC, Ms Vuyelwa Magagula. “The young woman steered the ship safely to shore. May your term of office be steady as you navigate the choppy waters, especially because Covid-19 is still around us, and we continue to learn how to live with it, while remaining vigilant, yet resilient, as we all realise the importance of striving to keep one another safe," she said.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso welcomed the new SRC, and thanked its outgoing members.

Keeping UMP vision, mission and values alive

Professor Mayekiso went on to share key matters the leadership should keep in mind, such as understanding the vision, mission, strategic objectives and values of UMP.

“You need to have a solid appreciation of the full context in which you operate and, therefore, be mindful of the environment of your constituency. The facilities the students have at their disposal are important infrastructure and should be handled with care and respect, mindful that there are generations of students still coming who should not inherit dilapidated buildings and classrooms,” she added.

“As leaders of students you set the tone, you also serve as role models. If you strive for excellence in all that you do, the value of your contribution to the UMP community will be enhanced. Strive to excel in your studies, and you will encourage the rest of the students to work hard.

The next thing is to reflect on yourselves as leaders. What unique attributes do you bring? Each one of you is unique. You need to get a grip of who you are – your strengths and weaknesses. What makes you tick, and what value can you add, as you join leading with others.”

SRC President, Mr Bathini Madinawe, honoured the previous leaders who passed on the baton to his group. “I applaud the efforts of president Vuyelwa Magagula, Comfort Msimango, Castro Mashabane and all the past SRC presidents. Their achievements are worth celebrating,” he said.

Mr Madinawe continued that students’ confidence in the power of the SRC has declined over years because some felt that the student leadership was no longer serving their aspirations.

“We cannot forget that students have been facing depression for years, with financial issues, a depressing exam atmosphere, and high fees. I believe our endorsement will clear the path for a new beginning. We plan to reignite the spirit of student activism,” he added.

“I join hands with all my teammates for work to officially begin. In no way will any lukewarm attitude be tolerated. We have made a decision to serve the students and will do so to the best of our abilities.

Outgoing leadership praised

Meanwhile, on the same day, the university bid farewell to the 2021 student leadership at a gala dinner held at the Wellness Centre on the Mbombela campus.

Professor Mayekiso acknowledged their great work, and appreciated the engagements management has had with the previous SRC. “Even with robustness sometimes, but in the end, whenever we take the big picture approach, we arrive at win-win solutions. Striving for common ground has proved to be a winning formula,” she said.

“It is a great human attribute to engage with civility and cordiality, even when you differ. What is more, you respected the brand of UMP. And one could trust that you would not be reckless on external platforms about the name of this university.”

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisplPhoto.

UMP mother-tongue lecturers Dr John Thobakgale (Sepedi), William Jiyane (isiNdebele) and Cynthia Ndlovu (Siswati) weigh in on the value  and importance of mother-tongue languages. They also look at career options available for students.

According to Dr John Thobakgale it is vital for students to learn in their mother tongue because language is culture. “They shall be learning through the things that they know and see as those things shall be in their surroundings. They will also learn fast because they understand the language,” he explains.

IsiNdebele Lecturer, William Jiyane adds that a person should be proud of knowing their mother tongue well. A sense of cultural identity strengthens an individual's sense of self-confidence and helps them grow.

"The majority of parents, however, encourage their children to speak their second language at home just as much as they do their mother tongue in order to give them the best chance of defining their own personalities. Consequently, children will encounter difficulties learning both their first and second languages due to confusion. Therefore, to address and bridge the gap, students should be equipped and capacitated with the knowledge of their mother tongue to be able to transfer this knowledge to the younger generation.”

Culture and identity

Ms Ndlovu says that mother-tongue languages are enshrined in the constitution of South Africa as official languages. “It is important in teaching students as it associates the student with their culture and identity. Knowing your mother tongue well is a matter of self-importance." 

Many studies have shown that cognitive development and intellectual improvement is relatively faster in those who are fluent in their mother tongue. Through the knowledge and understanding of mother tongue, students are capacitated to transfer their understanding of language structures and related content to several languages and modules. Research reveals that having a strong mother tongue leads to much better understanding of the curriculum and more positive attitude towards learning.

Mr Jiyane says learning of African languages has benefited students immensely: "The pride they possess about their language is revitalized and renewed. Students have also demonstrated through their experience as teachers that a home language is critical in unifying society and increasing understanding.”

Quoting Nelson Mandela, 'If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.' "The statement is very true, because with your home language, you gain deeper understanding of your identity,” he explains.

To this Dr Thobakgale adds that mother tongue teaching and learning equips students with Indigenous Knowledge Systems. “This is very important because these students will never forget their roots. Knowing their roots will give them confidence in life. Studying a mother tongue also helps students to maintain their identity and sense of belonging as human beings,” he says.

Career options

Mr Jiyane notes that there are a number of possible career path students can follow when they include and African language to their studies. “Students in the Bachelor of Arts specialising in isiNdebele or Siswati can become linguists or practice as translators or interpreters in courts or parliament. They can also work privately as translators or interpreters. We encourage our students to be innovative and critical thinkers, this can be achieved by also starting their own business, focusing on language services such as editing, document designing, copy-writing and translation,” he says.

“There are those students who are also interested in teaching, after completing a BA degree, they can enrol for a PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education) and start their journey of being teachers. Students in BEd. specializing in Foundation Phase Teaching who have an African language as a major, are not limited to the above opportunities. Besides teaching in the Foundation Phase, they may as well teach in other phases such as Intermediate Phase, Senior Phase and FET (Further Education and Training Phase), this is possible because at UMP we teach languages as academic subjects that encompasses full comprehension of language grammar, literature and practice,” he explains.

“The academic field is also short of qualified scholars and academics specialising in isiNdebele, siSwati and Sepedi, so there is a massive gap in the in that job field and plenty of opportunities to be seized.”

Ms Ndlovu agrees and adds that mother tongue learning students have plenty of opportunities in careers such as: home language teachers, editors, HL curriculum specialists and developers, policy developers and reviewers, moderators, terminologists/lexicographers, radio/ TV broadcasters, interpreters, authors, researchers and more.

For Dr Thobakgale, one of the most vital career opportunities available, is that of becoming home language teachers. “At schools where Sepedi language is a medium of instruction in the Foundation Phase, teachers are very scarce. Sepedi language medium in the Foundation Phase becomes a scarce skill, especially in Limpopo where many schools are running short of Foundation Phase educators. I think our students and the language can benefit immensely from growing careers in this field,” he says.

@ Story Lisa Thabethe. Pictures Supplied.

The 2022 State of the Nation address (SONA) demonstrated just how desperate the government has become. The socioeconomic and political situation has deteriorated so badly that the president finds himself between a rock and a hard place.

The government is largely to blame. Since the late 2000s, the economy has been allowed to fall apart. It is not surprising that unemployment has increased to intolerable levels. The coronavirus pandemic hit at a time the South Africa economy was effectively in recession. It was to be expected that poverty and other hardships would intensify. We are all to blame. The private sector and organised labour must also play their parts.

The economy is going to take a long time to recover, even if all that is recommended is done or even when everything that Sona commits is implemented. Poverty and other forms of hardship will continue unabated. The Presidential Economic Advisory Council* argues that “We cannot feasibly grow our way out of poverty in any reasonable timeframe, and mass employment creation will, realistically, not happen overnight.”

So, the government must try all that is feasible to cushion the most vulnerable. If loans are accessible at reasonable repayment terms, government debt could be one of the temporary interventions to ameliorate the plight of vulnerable people in our society.

The Ramaphosa administration keeps borrowing: it borrowed from the International Monetary Fund in 2020, from the Brics Development Bank (now called the New Development Bank) in 2021, and it borrowed from the World Bank just last month.

The purpose of debt

There are many analysts who view borrowing as dangerous. They are right, to some extent. However, arguably, it should matter more as to what the loan is used for or what government debt is advancing. Over and above financing economic recovery, some of the borrowed funds should go to ensuring that South Africa has a robust social-policy intervention that will contribute to growing the economy. Social policy, if designed properly and efficiently implemented, can play a big role in economic recovery.

To be sure, social policy has to do with policy interventions in the public sector aimed at directly improving wellbeing in a society. Social policy can, therefore, be thought of as a series of public policies that ensure that the quality of life in a society improves.

This involves ensuring that there is social cohesion (that the society is functional and there are decent levels of trust, and social networks and social capital are effective); hence social policy also has a role in nation building. Leading scholars of social policy emphasise its transformative role, hence an argument for a transformative social policy rather than just social policy broadly.

On the other hand, social protection involves improvements in critical social services such as education, healthcare and housing. Social security has to do with income protection. Indeed, a sustainable social-policy regime entails financing social protection through taxes and social insurance. This requires employment. South Africa’s unemployment rate has continued to increase sharply. South Africa should pay attention to both productive and distributive sides of social policy.

Given the state of the fiscus, the government has been left with little room, if not forced to borrow. Debt as a share of GDP had declined from almost 50% in 1996 to 26% in 2008. It has since increased to about 85%. Although both the domestic and foreign components of debt have increased, the share of foreign debt increased from about 4% in 2008 to about 9% in 2021.

As indicated earlier, debt itself is not a major problem. Brazil’s debt to GDP ratio is about 90%. For Malaysia, it is about 70%. For the US, it is well above 100%; for Japan, it is far above 200%. So, what matters is what debt is doing and the ability to service it and or pay it back. This is not to say debt cannot have negative effects on the economy and society. Undoubtedly, it is a cost to future generations.

Structural transformation

There is consensus that it is going to take a long time for the economy to function optimally and create jobs. The challenges confronting the South African economy are deep, historical and profound. The structural transformation that has become a new buzz phrase will only scratch the surface, even if properly implemented. That which is proposed as part of structural transformation is what should have been done or should now be done to ensure that the economy doesn’t fall apart.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, some of us have been emphasising that the answer to the South African economy and society lies in the “profound restructuring of state-capital relations” and that “a new vision for South Africa’s political economy is critical.” This would require that we are honest about what is entailed in restructuring an economy, as argued in 2015.

In the meantime, let us ensure that there is a comprehensive social policy. The restructuring of the economy would realistically, because of many missed opportunities, occur only after the full effects of Covid-19 have run their course. That is if we are serious about dealing with unemployment, poverty and inequality.

The argument for a comprehensive social policy does not mean that we must choose between grants and growth; nor is it a choice between employment and grants. South Africa must produce its way out of poverty ultimately. Poverty rates are too high in South Africa and poverty is worsening. There is no welfare state that can accommodate high unemployment rates for an extended period of time. We must get the economy right.

*Parts of the article draw from Gumede’s journal paper published in 2019. The article was first published in the Mail & Guardian. Link to the story: https://mg.co.za/opinion/2022-02-14-restructured-sa-economy-must-include-a-comprehensive-social-policy/

@ Pictures Supplied.

The TGCSA Star Grading is an independent quality assessment and official ranking system recognised around the world that assists customers realise the overall quality of the establishment and the kind of facilities and standards they can expect. Director of Hotel and Catering Services, Mr Tenson Nkosana, says the 4-star grading has put the Tfokomala Hotel among the top tier of quality accommodation providers in Mbombela.

Grading is an excellent way to maintain standards as well as giving establishments the chance to aim for a higher grading or for under-delivering places to be downgraded. Every facet and feature of an establishment gets taken into account – from the appearance of buildings, gardens and grounds to furniture and fittings, appliances, soft furnishings, public areas, ramps and access, dining areas, concierge and room service, housekeeping, and responsible and sustainable business practices.

According to the grading standards, the 4-star rating the Tfokomala received means that it offers superior (excellent) comfort and quality. It also has a high standard of furnishings, services, and guest care.

Mr Nkosana says: “The grading is very important for us because star ratings are indicators used to classify hotels according to their quality. For customers, they can lead the decision-making process – this means that we are more likely to be chosen by clients due to our stars (service quality). For staff, they can help to define best practices and guidelines for superior standards, as well as helping to attract customers in a competitive market where every other hotel is aiming to outshine the competition."

He adds that the grading was a rigorous process. “For Tfokomala we developed a décor concept for all the rooms, public areas of the hotel, holding rooms in the conference centre as well as our restaurants and reception. We aligned the soft furnishings, décor, linen, furniture and our service quality to bring about the prerequisite 4-star ambience in the hotel,” he adds.

“As for the actual process, we had our pre-grading assessment early in 2020, which highlighted areas we needed to work on to bring Tfokomala up to 4-star standards. The hotel launched in the middle of a pandemic and unfortunately Covid-19 disruptions led to the suspension of the process. We only resumed this year once we had put all the requirements in place."

Stylish yet comfortable rooms cater for both business and leisure travellers.

Unique offering

Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre features 25 tastefully designed luxury rooms, Egumeni Restaurant – an esteemed fine dining eatery, a 250-seater conference centre and restaurant, as well as an in-house wellness centre with seasoned instructors.

“It is envisioned as a “hotel with a purpose” for teaching and learning – committed to providing uncompromised hospitality through personalised service in all our operational areas. It has a unique offering since it provides practical exposure to UMP hospitality students, and generates income for the university as one of its strategic business units," says Mr Nkosana.

"The environment we are located in is also unique, coupled with our student training concept. It is very rare to find a fully functional 4-star hotel, balancing between training students and generating revenue for the university. We are so privileged to be pioneers and part of this wonderful enterprise." 

Covid-19 was a two-year disruptor, and Tfokomala Hotel was not spared from the severe impacts of the pandemic and the subsequent shutdowns.

“The pandemic came at a time when we wanted to do a ‘soft opening’. In between we managed to have bookings and as the outlook changed, popularity increased and we started doing functions and more bookings.

The hotel is open but will officially launch in April. So far, the soft opening has been received well and we have already started getting regulars who come for long stays. We are doing well with big functions from government departments and corporates as well.”

@ Story Lisa Thabethe. Pictures Supplied.

Mr Tshabangu is UMP's transport officer. His duties include transporting students, staff members and documents. He is also responsible for the maintenance of the institution's vehicles and allocation of cars to other staff members or drivers in the transport department. He joined the university in 1981, which at the time was known as the Lowveld Agricultural College (LAC), as a farm worker in the department of Agriculture. 

During his long and dedicated career, Mr Tshabangu has experienced and been part of many historical events. During the apartheid era, he was awarded the opportunity to study as a farm supervisor at Boskop in Potchefstroom. Once there, he was tasked with being the foreman of 22 male farmers. When women started being employed, he was promoted to supervisor of the first black female farmers.

“I enjoyed and worked very well with the female farmers. My working relationship with them was so good that other farmers would request to work with me. My duties included driving the tractors and teaching the farmers how to farm.”

Interesting Journey

In 1994, after the first democratic, non-racial, national elections, most white people left the college and Mr Tshabangu was offered yet another opportunity and promotion as a driver. Later, in 1998, he became a transport officer for the first time and was also given his very own office. He received yet another opportunity hereafter and was able to go and study computer literacy in White River.

When UMP was established, he was offered the same position at the university. "Currently there are only two of us in the transport department. We share responsibility for transporting students, servicing the university’s vehicles, and transporting important documents like exam papers.”

When asked about what the transition from LCA to UMP was like, Mr Tshabangu replies: “We were understaffed, but my experience was amazing and I love working as UMP’s transport officer. I was raised to be disciplined in all that I do and respect people regardless of age, gender or race. I have never had fights with people I work with because I do as I am told and I do it with a smile, that’s what keeps me going. Do not give up easily and am not be lazy, that’s how I got this far!”

Mr Tshabangu reminisces about the best years with the institution.

Success secrets

The award by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mayekiso comes after 40 years of serving the university. "I am grateful to the university and the Vice-Chancellor for giving me this award. It shows that great work always gets awarded. I am also thankful that I have an opportunity to work for this university because they also recognised the work I used to do at the college."

As a transport officer, Mr Tshabangu appreciates that his work has allowed him to travel across southern Africa. “I also got to travel the whole of South Africa by transporting documents, staff members and students. I also got the chance to visit other SADAC countries, and by transporting people from other countries in the world from the airport to campus. I’ve met lots on interesting people.”

His secret to career success and advancement is maintaining good working relationships with everyone. 

“The key to maintaining a good relationship with colleagues, students and people in general, is to make sure you speak to everyone gently and with respect. My job also requires precision, because if I am careless, it can cost people their lives. I make sure the vehicles are well maintained and in good order, and I never answer my phone while driving!”

Retiring peacefully  

Mr Tshabangu has enjoyed many advancement opportunities during his lengthy career. He also has plenty of memorable moments that he will cherish for a long time to come. Some of these include receiving training and experience from both LAC and UMP to stay relevant and advance his career, and was commended by Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso for his efforts.

He will soon be retiring and plans to continue with his passion for agriculture. “I love farming and I feel like when I am on the farm I am in my happy place. When I retire, I will find a small plot of land where I can farm and enjoy my peace of mind.”

"After my many years of service I can see the fruits of my labour. I managed to start two beautiful nurseries which produced some of the plants you can still see on the farm today. I used to specialise in subtropical plants and produced grapes, oranges, bananas, and many more.

The iconic pine trees that surround Mbombela campus are also my handiwork, and being here to see this university’s development from day one is a moment I will always treasure.”

@ Story and Pictures By Cleopatra Makhaga.

Addressing students based at the Siyabuswa and Mbombela campuses, Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso congratulated the learners on passing their matric under difficult circumstances.

“You successfully completed Grade 11 and 12 when the whole world was in the grip of COVID-19. You have already demonstrated your mental toughness; may the lessons you learnt under challenging conditions help you navigate the next leg of your life’s journey,” she said.

Professor Mayekiso further told learners that university life heralds the beginning of a new exciting phase in their lives, and that the most significant time for any university, is when it receives a new intake of students.

“The realisation that new bonds are formed, and new members are welcomed into our fold. We will provide you with a conducive study environment and inculcate in you the discipline of taking responsibility,” she added.

“Your time at UMP will determine your future role in this country, this continent and on the beautiful planet. We welcome you to the ninth year of our existence as the University of Mpumalanga, it is our responsibility as staff to create a supportive environment that nurtures your enthusiasm and guides you to success.

We have numerous sporting codes and other extra-curricular activities. The UMP has great ambience, and an iconic infrastructure which will add value to your learning and development.”

New students were introduced to the university's online learning platforms.

Developing well rounded graduates

The University of Mpumalanga’s Teaching and Learning division has excellent nationally and internationally renowned teaching and academic support staff. The division is driven by the vision and mission of UMP to be an African university in its epistemology and pedagogy, and to “offer high quality educational and training opportunities that foster the holistic development of students through teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and engagement, in collaboration with strategic partners.’

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Professor Shirley Sommers spoke about teaching and learning at UMP, noting that it is supported through rigorous and continuous professional development opportunities for the teaching staff.

The UMP Academic Student Development section creates opportunities for students to enhance their academic skills and works collaboratively with the Students Affairs division to provide holistic development opportunities for students.

“You have made a great choice by selecting UMP as the institution for your academic and personal development. UMP has teaching and academic support staff solely dedicated to your academic success. The university’s graduate attributes are the driving force behind your academic and non-academic development, and success at UMP.”

Professor Sommers further told the new learners that the institution prides itself to produce graduates that are resourceful, responsive and responsible.

“Our graduates are capable, self-directed, life-long learners; they are authentic research-led scholars who are motivated, conscientious and self-sufficient individuals capable of substantial independent work, who set aspirational goals for continuing personal, professional, and career development.”

Some of the graduate attributes prof Sommers spoke about include:

Sound Discipline Knowledge: they understand and respect the values, theoretical principles, ethical aspects, methods, and limitations of their discipline; and possess discipline-relevant professional or vocational or academic knowledge, skills, and competencies.

Innovative and Entrepreneurial: are intellectually curious, independent, creative, and critical thinkers who can innovate by applying their knowledge and skills to the solution of the novel as well as routine problems for sustainable development.

Confident and Effective Communicators: who can engage meaningfully with a range of diverse audiences.

Ethically and Socially Aware Change Agents: who are socially aware and ethically inclined, to bring about change.

Adaptable: they understand their discipline within dynamically changing, inter and multi-disciplinary contexts; responding flexibly and adapting their skills and knowledge to excel in new situations.

Student life is not all about studies, and finding a healthy balance between extracurricular activities and academics is important. 

Developing a good balance: Living and Learning

Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza speaking on living and learning at UMP said: “The practice of living and learning at universities is premised on the understanding that university students learn both in and out of the classroom. It is a practice that promotes the holistic development of a student.”

“The Living and learning approach promotes learning in a distinctly open way. In the process, it assures that learning inside and outside the classroom, unites the heart and mind. It develops, in students, an authentic conscience, character, and intellect,” he added.

Dr Maminza further explained that: “Exposure to educational themes outside the classroom allows students to take ownership of their living and learning at the university. Students should understand that the education milieu is everywhere, with everyone, with the self, and with the surrounding, in short, learning happens all the time.”

“By being part of a Living and Learning Community (LLC), the student will have the opportunity to experience a more personal and less formal way of learning. You’ll engage with students who share the same interests and thus build strong relationships with your peers,” he advised.

“Students who are involved in the Living and Learning Programmes are retained in greater numbers, are more engaged in university life, adjust more quickly to the academic demands, and have fun while on their academic journey.

Dr Maminza also added that students all students, particularly new students, are encouraged to join and participate in a Living and Learning Community of their choice. Interested students should contact the Student Development Officer (SDO) on campus for more information.

The UMP library offers students state of the art facilities. 

The orientation included a tour to the library, where the Director of Library and Information Services, Ms Zanele Mathe encouraged the learners to visit regularly.

“The university library is one of the most important places every first-year student should get to explore to ensure easy access to all resources and useful spaces as students begin to write essays and assignments and explore areas of research interest,” she continued.

“The UMP library offers facilities and services that are easily accessible both online and on-site with consultation and guidance from librarians. Our physical spaces are socially interactive, striking a balance between quiet, collaborative, virtual, research, and communal spaces, with Wi-Fi connectivity and lots of daylight inside the building,” she concluded.

“It is worth taking some time to explore the many different ways in which the Library staff can help you with your studies and we hope to meet you soon during orientation sessions which will be publicized on the library website and social media spaces. We look forward to being of great help to you at all times,” she said.

The new learners were also empowered with the skills necessary to adapt to university life, as well as given study tips. First-year students learned about how to transition from high school to university, study skills, student support services in UMP, student counselling and health care services.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

In 2020, during the middle of the lockdown, when most people were quite desperate to do their hair, Mathye seized the opportunity and with a R1 000 loan from her parents, set up a mobile salon on their patio at home. Two years later her start-up has grown from strength to strength. She now operates a successful salon business in Johannesburg, as well as a mobile one on the Mbombela campus.

Mathye’s initiative is also supported by Universities South Africa (USAf) through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE), which is intended to develop the entrepreneurial capacity of students, academics and leaders. The aim is for students to be more successful in terms of becoming economically active during and after their tertiary education.

The programme seeks to empower students upon graduation. The hope is that students would be able to consider entrepreneurship as a career, either as a first choice, or as an alternative, especially if they have difficulty in finding employment.

In November 2021, Mathye’s will to succeed encouraged her to enter the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Intervarsity competition. She made it to the regional rounds and won R3 000, which she says will be put towards upgrading her business.

“Winning always reminds me to never be afraid to make a stand when the moment calls for it. It brings me joy and peace of mind because it reminds me that my actions are noticed and that dreams do come true when you understand your assignment and perform accordingly,” she says.

With no proper site from which to initially operate her business, Mathye used her parents’ patio at first and then moved to their living room. Her business grew from there and she started operating from their garage.

“After making R1 000 profit in just two months, I knew I was on the right track. I was able to invest in equipment and find a more comfortable environment. My revenue started to increase after I began using marketing platforms such as Instagram and Facebook to post photos and videos of my work, as well as word of mouth from satisfied clients, which has proven to be the most effective marketing tool for my business,” she continues.

“The best thing that has happened to my business during academic sessions is online learning. Studying and owning a salon business is like having a career and a hobby. An opportunity to study ICT was what presented itself first before I had an interest in generating income for myself.”

Mathye adds that studying ICT and being an entrepreneur makes her feel accomplished and confident in owning her own space. It has allowed her to grow into the person she is meant to be, and to make a success of herself using her talent and initiative.

She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to always remain positive and to look for opportunities to grow. “Make every day count and always present the best version of yourself. Hold yourself to high standards and the rest will follow.”

Keen to give back to her community, Mathye uses her business to make a difference. “As a way to give back to the community, my clients and I donate free sanitary pads to a nearby primary school. Because I believe that we rise by lifting others, I believe that a business should have a beneficial impact on its community.”

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures Supplied.