Professor Sommers joins UMP after having had over 20 years in academia rising through the ranks from Assistant Professor to a tenured full Professor. She also held several leadership and pioneering positions such as being the founding director of the Centre for Urban Education, Nazareth College, USA, which built capacity for preservice and in-service teachers to educate students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds using culturally responsive and social justice education methodologies. 

She was also the founding Director of the Institute for Pluralism (currently called Office of Diversity and Inclusion) at the same institution, which attended to the development of an equitable and inclusive campus in terms of race, gender, gender identity, social class and sexuality. 

Professor Sommers was also Coordinator: Leadership and Equity Advancement Programme (2004-2005) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. From 2002 to 2004 she was Associate Director: Staff (Faculty) Development at Durban Institute of Technology, Durban University of Technology (DUT). In 2006 she was the Project Manager and Senior Consultant at Fundani Consultants, where she facilitated instalment of performance and evaluation software (Scorecard) for all sectors of the KwaZulu-Natal government.

“I’m thrilled to join UMP, a young university with a lucid vision to be an African university and to contribute to sustainable development. UMP’s vision alone resonates strongly with me as a person whose work is centred on social justice education. Having a vision of being African-centred means the university is choosing to intentionally move away from our painful history of colonization and apartheid that continues to haunt the lecture halls and corridors of South African academia. I am excited to contribute to this process!”

Professor Sommers has extensive experience in the domain of Teaching and Learning emanating from her qualifications in Education. She has an M Ed degree in Curriculum and Instruction Design obtained in 1996 from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, USA and a PhD in Theoretical and Social Foundations of Education with a minor in Higher Education Administration in 2001 from the University of Toledo in Toledo Ohio, USA. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts: Geology (1993) from Earlham College, Indiana, USA.

Her philosophy of teaching and learning focuses on: teaching efficacy that is empowering to both staff and students. She is of the view that the role of the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Teaching and Learning is to provide leadership and support to staff with the ultimate goal of ensuring that students achieve academic success within the designated time.

In addition, she has expertise in online teaching from teaching and staff development perspectives. She has been facilitating an online module for a number of years and was considered by her former colleagues a resource for online teaching and learning in her previous institution. Her extensive list of publications in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters adds to her stature and will make it easier for her to empower those that she leads at UMP.

“I am very impressed by UMP. The motto of the institution is ‘creating opportunities’, pursuant to this, the university creates opportunities for not just student success, which is the core of our work, but also opportunities for staff success. For students we have excellent and dedicated teaching staff, academic support services and student affairs staff focused on creating opportunities for students’ holistic development.”

On welcoming Professor Sommers, UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said: “Prof Mthethwa Sommers is eminently qualified for the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning. She has an in-depth understanding of teaching and learning in terms of epistemology and pedagogy. She has moved through the ranks to full Professor, distinguishing herself on this trajectory by dint of hard work and impact in the life of students and staff.”

“She has also worked with academic staff providing leadership in effective teaching methodologies and assessment methods for all students including students from poor socio-economic backgrounds. She has introduced innovative teaching co-curricular strategies.”

“We cordially welcome her in our midst and look forward to her contribution and value-add to our institution.”

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures @Chrisplphoto.

The book, Kwekwezi’s Cultural Mural Art (English) and Umgwalo Wobukghwari baka Kwekwezi (IsiNdebele) was translated in both English and IsiNdebele and came about in May 2020 when Ms Bhuda was doing her PhD research on Ndebele mathematics.

“I needed to write the book in the context of children so that they understood the message much better. This story is a combination/collection of lifetime experiences by Ndebele women (known and unknown) who have embarked on a journey to promote Ndebele art by becoming mural artists. 

As a PhD candidate in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Ms Bhuda says writing about AmaNdebele was easy because, “this was the knowledge of my people that I knew about and was exposed to.”

“Readers (mostly Ndebele) will be familiar with certain events because they have happened in real life and they have heard of similar stories which mostly happened from the 1980s to the present,” she adds.

“My ultimate goal is to see young children in primary school reading about African literature and to be proud of who they are. Parents can also purchase this book for their young ones and allow them to read about African culture and heritage.” 

“This book needs to be available in libraries so that our children can access it. They will gain confidence and be proud of being African with the mind-set that one of their own has written about their own knowledge will continue working towards preserving, protecting and disseminating it,” she says.

Ms Bhuda is passionate about sharing African culture and heritage. She says in 2019, soon after completing her Master’s Degree, she started gaining interest about writing for children. 

“This passion began when I was doing my undergraduate studies. I told myself that I would work towards preserving and protecting African indigenous knowledge using different ways.”

Ms Bhuda says the book will eventually be translated in other indigenous languages so that other children from different nations can actually read it in their home language. 

The book is self-published with the assistance of Bantu Child Books publishers. For inquiries about the book or to purchase it, kindly contact Ms Bhuda on 078 443 0060 or bhudamonicca@gmail.com

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied. 

Dr Shabalala joined UMP in February 2017 as an nGAP lecturer in Tourism & Heritage, second nGAP cohort. She gained vast experience by working in different areas within the Tourism industry - from being a customer service agent for an airline, travel consultant, travel coordinator, to events coordinator and holiday instructor, to mention just a few.

She has also worked in higher institution administration as she previously held positions such as faculty receptionist, programme administrator, faculty committee clerk, PA to HoS, School, senior administrator, administrative supporter to a Centre of Excellence, Post Graduate academic administrator, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Coordinator and more.

On the 14th of December 2020, her Doctor of Philosophy Degree was conferred at The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) under the Faculty of Science. Her thesis is titled: Perspectives on the role of Cultural Heritage Tourism in Community Development in South Africa: A study of Mapungubwe World Heritage Site in Limpopo Province.  

“The study examined perspectives on the role of cultural heritage tourism in community development in South Africa, using the Mapungubwe World Cultural Heritage Site as a case study. The focus was to investigate how local communities and heritage custodians can benefit from cultural heritage tourism in heritage sites as it remains a concern, including the realisation of social and economic development in its true sense” she says.

“Achieving such a milestone means a lot to me, to my family, community in KaNyamazane, colleagues everybody who supported me and to every child who looks like me, including my daughter. This achievement is evidence that your background does not determine your future. Where perseverance and dedication are invested – any dream can be achieved,” she says. 

“To me, my PhD mean to carry a responsibility to conduct research that will focus on real challenges that we are facing as a country around my research area, investigating possible sustainable solutions that may potentially offer relief and benefit our local community and country as whole. It also present me with an opportunity to give back to my community through community engagement, be a better lecturer and example to my students. Through Tourism, all these will then assist me on celebrating and showcasing the significance, richness and beauty of our diverse cultures that South Africa owns and embraces.”

 “This journey was not easy but it was worth the sacrifices and it is fulfilling. I’m grateful to all the colleagues who supported me through the journey such as Dr Sabela “Dr Ma”, Dr Niyimbanira “my sister”, my nGAP mentor Prof Nongxa, my Wits former colleagues and former line managers which include Prof Crouch, Prof Momoniat, Prof Moitsheki, Prof Mason and Prof Celik.”  

Dr Shabalala explains that the journey to doing her PhD would not have been possible if it wasn’t for UMP and mostly the research office that supported her. 

“A special thank you to Prof Ric Bernard, he literally walked the journey with me. To my fathers in academia (supervisors) Prof Simatele and Prof Ezeuduji, without them this journey was impossible. I’m grateful to DHET for the nGAP, it presented me with a financial muscle and time, which resulted in the realisation of my dream of becoming an academic. I am also grateful to the local communities, the descendants of Mapungubwe royal families for welcoming me in their homes and for SANParks for granting me permission to work in one of their protected areas.”

Her advice to students is: “Know who you are, stand up for what you believe in, most importantly when I comes down to ethics choose ethics and put your trust in your God. Let’s soldier on and make education fashionable!”

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Professor Mbeng was recognised for his research work at the 2020 UMP Research and Engagement Awards. He says the award is a key that will open more doors. 

"I am overwhelmed because I believe that my hard work has been acknowledged and rewarded accordingly. The award serves as spark or stimulus for a bigger blaze in my academic trajectory. It speaks volumes to my career, as there are opportunities which I will be able to get from having this award. For example, when applying for international grants this award will add credibility to my application. I’m very thankful to the University of Mpumalanga," he says.

His research comprised of three key areas: Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Ethnobotany (Medicinal plants) and Ethno pharmacology (cosmeceuticals).

“Firstly, I utilise ethno-botanical surveys to explore the traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous communities on medicinal plants. Then, the efficacy of medicinal plants with the highest informant consensus factors is determined using in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility tests and antioxidant assays,” he says.

“Thirdly, the safety or toxicity of selected medicinal plants is determined using cell lines. Finally, identification and isolation of the bioactive compounds responsible for the supposed activity of selected medicinal plants are done with sophisticated instrument such as gas chromatography – mass spectrometer (gc-ms) and nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr).”

Through his research, 52 plants from 27 families and 22 non-plant materials, which are used as folk cosmeceuticals by Indigenous communities in Vhembe District Municipality, were identified.

“The result revealed the presence of bioactive compounds which are known to exhibit various biological activities which validate the cosmeceutic importance of the plant,” he adds.

“Among the compounds identified, eucalyptol which is a monoterpene found in the extract of S. columbaria was reported to be frequently used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Benzene, 1, 4-dichloro-, one of the main components found in the extract of S.columbaria, was reported as being used as a deodorant and phytol, a key acyclic diterpene was also reported to exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli by causing enormous damage to bacterial cell membranes.”

Professor Mbeng completed a Doctorate Degree in Botany from the University of Fort Hare in 2013, Master of Science and Bachelor of Science Degrees in Botany in 2005 and 2001; respectively, from the University of Buea in Cameroon.

“I started my teaching career as a tutor of Botany at the University of Fort Hare in 2010 and later as a part-time lecturer at the same University. I was a senior lecturer in Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) at North-West University, Mafikeng Campus in 2016.

His journey at UMP started in 2017 when he was appointed as a Senior Lecturer in Botany in the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences. He has published 35 scientific papers and two book chapters in peer reviewed journals.

 “During my tenure at UMP (from 2017 to the present), 21 journal articles and two book chapters have been published and my research team comprises three post doctoral scholars, two nGAP lecturers, one NRF intern, two PhD, and two master's students.”

@Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisplPhoto.

The UMP Colab programme, an initiative sought in enhancing digital skills competence for sustainable socio-economic development has focused on teaching digital skills and basic computer skills programmes, training individuals by assisting them with improving their computer literacy.

“I was granted the opportunity to be involved in the CoLab as a part-time assistant from December 2019 under the cyber security e-Skills CoLab division. It was a great experience to work with other young people. I had the opportunity to share the little information I had and changing their lives as some of them felt that the training that I was conducting was worth their time,” he says.

Makome says that his highlight was going out to communities to train different people.

“It was overwhelming yet exciting to help people from different age groups. During my community outreach in the NYDA offices, I met mostly young entrepreneurs seeking computer skills that would improve their businesses. I gained expertise in conducting workshops, training and administrative work.”

Last year Makome took part in the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) programme where he represented Relevant Technologies, an IT company he co-owns. Makome made it to the regional entrepreneurship competition after being selected amongst those who will be representing UMP during the regional rounds.

“The competition has shown me the intensity of young individuals’ hunger and desire for success. Most young people today are always seeking opportunities but lack of access to these opportunities because of issues like funding and other more basic things like knowledge. At an event like this, those with the knowledge can share the best offer they have to offer and help those seeking it,” he adds.

“I have also learnt that to be registered as a student is not limited to textbook and examinations but you have to continuously take initiative and seek opportunities. This active seeking tool becomes an advantageous skill when beginning the journey of seeking active employment but also establishing your opportunities in the form of business and preparing yourself for any challenges that lie ahead.”

Makome joined UMP in 2016 after working in operations and productions management. He took on the Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development course. He says that his journey has been cultivated by support from family and friends, some he met at UMP.

“My personal growth has been aligned with the UMP ICT programme as the course administrators taught me about the importance of teamwork, the establishment of personal interests within the courses and developing them into career prospects. This journey has allowed me to look for opportunities – open my business – participate in community projects,” he says.

Mokome is currently involved in a graduate programme as an Infrastructure engineer for an IT company, Megatech AI, which is based in Gauteng.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Ms Jiyane's research interest addressed complex educational challenges, especially those faced by developing regions in South Africa. These issues include poor performing teachers, poor work ethics, poor support for teachers and low levels of accountability.

“The education sector is ever-growing and there are so many new trends that we have to learn to stay relevant. It was a privilege to be mentored and guided by very strong managers. Their leadership not only made me comfortable in my day-to-day job but also inspired me to grow.”

She adds that education is continually evolving and that in pursuing her Master’s Degree, she was able to keep abreast of new trends and learn new ways of teaching and learning.

“Obtaining a Master’s Degree means that I will have more research opportunities and be able to participate in lifelong learning. As someone who values education, and who believes in the importance of learning, I decided to obtain a Master’s Degree and expand my knowledge in my field of education.”

“The degree will assist me to gain specialised knowledge to advance my career. It will also build on my current abilities, gain new skills and even transition to leadership positions.”

Ms Jiyane joined the University of Mpumalanga in January 2007 as the Teaching School Developer and Work Integrated Learning Coordinator. She says her journey at UMP has assisted her to grow as a professional and an individual.

“In the last few years, I’ve made good friends and have met charismatic leaders (when they address a team, they help you get the spark back and motivate you to do your best). I consider myself fortunate enough to have encountered inspiring and enthusiastic leaders such as Dr du Plessis and Prof Ric Bernard.”

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of Pretoria, a B-Tech from Tshwane University of Technology and a Diploma in Education from the Transvaal College of Education.

She started working as a school educator specialising in isiZulu, English and Life Orientation. “My duties were to ensure that effective learning and teaching took place in accordance with the prescripts of the Department of Education and Training.

“I was also afforded the opportunity of being a Gauteng Primary Language and Mathematics Strategies Coach in the Foundation Phase where I supported and coached teachers in First Additional Language (English), isiZulu and Mathematics. I had to monitor their daily work and ensure that the approved methodology was used,” she says.

“I also worked as a Teaching School Developer at the University of Johannesburg, where I developed in-service teachers at the teaching school (Mareleng) to be mentors to student teachers. I have subsequently gained much experience lecturing Qualitative Research to Honours students for the Distance Education Department at the University of Pretoria." 

@Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.