The initiative forms part of the University's broader research capacity development agenda and seeks to strengthen support for emerging scholars, researchers and academic leaders.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, described the programme as a strategic intervention designed to strengthen research excellence and academic development at UMP.

“The vision is to build confident, ethical and impactful scholars who contribute meaningfully to their disciplines, communities and society. Through mentorship, publishing support, grant applications, networking opportunities and academic leadership development, we aim to strengthen the University's research culture and create lasting professional relationships,” he said.

Professor Stroebel highlighted the youthful nature of UMP's academic community, noting that more than half of the University's academics are under the age of 40, while nearly half hold doctoral qualifications. This, he said, presents an opportunity to cultivate a strong pipeline of future research leaders.

UMP Director of Research Management, Dr Naledi Nthite, shared findings from a recent bibliometric analysis, which revealed that academics under the age of 40 contribute significantly to the University's research output.

Dr Nthite said the mentorship programme aims to strengthen the research pipeline, enhance competitiveness for research funding, improve postgraduate supervision capacity, and support the development of future academic leaders. She emphasised the importance of connecting emerging researchers with mentorship opportunities at national, continental and international levels.

“The long-term vision is to create pathways for impactful research, research commercialisation and leadership development while strengthening postgraduate supervision and research productivity,” she said.

Director of Research Development at the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Mr Bheki Hadebe, highlighted the role of mentorship in addressing barriers faced by early-career researchers, including limited time, heavy administrative responsibilities and insufficient funding opportunities.

Mr Hadebe also introduced several national and international opportunities available to researchers, including digital mentorship platforms, science diplomacy programmes, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings and the Presidential PhD Programme. He encouraged researchers to take advantage of these initiatives to strengthen their academic careers and expand their international networks.

The mentorship programme aims to strengthen support for emerging scholars, researchers and academic leaders.

Ms Edith Shikumo, from the National Research Foundation (NRF), outlined the NRF's mandate to advance knowledge, transform lives and inspire the nation through research funding and support.

She highlighted various funding instruments and mentorship opportunities available to emerging researchers, including postgraduate funding, mobility grants, conference support and collaborative research programmes.

Ms Shikumo stressed the importance of mentorship in helping researchers navigate career progression, build strong publication records and access funding opportunities.

“Mentorship plays a critical role in supporting emerging researchers to develop their careers, build networks and establish themselves as leaders within their respective disciplines,” she said.

Senior Manager for Research Capacity Development and Institutional Research Themes, Dr Loquitur Maka, outlined the future direction of the UMP Mentorship Programme, explaining that the programme will follow a structured 12-month cycle, beginning with orientation and onboarding, followed by goal setting, capacity development workshops, grant development support, networking opportunities, progress reviews and a final evaluation.

“The programme is designed to be more than a mentorship initiative. It is a holistic ecosystem that brings together mentors, mentees, university leadership and external partners to empower emerging researchers to thrive, innovate and contribute meaningfully to society,” said Dr Maka.

The launch reflects UMP's ongoing commitment to strengthening research capacity and creating a supportive environment for emerging scholars. Through mentorship, collaboration and capacity development initiatives, the University aims to enhance its research impact while preparing future academic leaders to contribute nationally and internationally.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by Jb Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP

The achievement marks another significant milestone for Ms Ntshiza, who last year shared her experience of overcoming cervical cancer while completing her undergraduate studies. Alongside her academic journey, she has become an advocate for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health awareness.

"My circumstances did not define me," she says. "Education became a tool for empowerment, healing, and creating opportunities for myself and others."

Growing up, Ms Ntshiza experienced various forms of abuse, including childhood sexual abuse. The long-term effects impacted her mental health and later contributed to serious health challenges, including cervical cancer. Rather than allowing those experiences to define her future, she remained committed to her studies and to supporting others facing similar challenges.

During 2025, Ms Ntshiza served on the committee of UMP's Gender Based Violence Society, where she helped raise awareness about GBV, advocated for survivors, and supported initiatives aimed at creating safer spaces for students.

"I have shared my story publicly through platforms such as the Purple March and various mental health awareness programmes, using my experiences to inspire and encourage others," she says.

"My message has always been simple: your circumstances do not define your future. Survivors of abuse, GBV, mental health challenges, or life-threatening illnesses are capable of achieving their goals and building meaningful lives."

Inspired by her own healing journey, Ms Ntshiza has also turned her passion for healing and empowerment into an entrepreneurial venture by developing a Trauma Journal to support people who have experienced trauma through guided reflection and personal growth.

"I realised that many people carry invisible wounds and often do not know where to begin their healing journey," she says. "I hope the Trauma Journal will become a valuable resource that helps people reflect, heal, and rediscover their strength."

Beyond her studies, Ms Ntshiza contributes to small business development through Street Legacy, a non-governmental organisation that supports entrepreneurs and emerging businesses, while continuing her advocacy for mental health awareness.

Reflecting on her time at UMP, Ms Ntshiza says the University provided opportunities that shaped her academic and personal growth.

"I remain deeply grateful to the University of Mpumalanga for creating an environment where I could grow, learn, and discover my purpose," she says. "The support, opportunities, and experiences I gained have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today."

Ms Ntshiza is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Business Management at UMP and hopes to become a university lecturer specialising in entrepreneurship and financial management.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.

The appointment was made by the Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, in accordance with Section 6(1)(a) and 6(6) of the General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Act, 2001 (Act No. 58 of 2001).

In her letter of appointment, Minister Gwarube expressed confidence in Dr Madiope’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the work of the Council, noting that she brings the requisite knowledge, experience and skills to support the continued execution of Umalusi’s mandate in line with the Act.

The Umalusi Council is responsible for maintaining and promoting standards in general and further education and training in South Africa. The Council plays a critical role in assuring the quality of qualifications, monitoring and evaluating education and assessment standards, and safeguarding the credibility and integrity of the national education system.

Dr Madiope’s appointment reflects her extensive expertise and sustained commitment to educational quality, teaching and learning excellence, and institutional development. Her contributions to higher education – particularly in student success, academic development, curriculum innovation and quality enhancement – have earned recognition within and beyond the University.

The University community congratulates Dr Madiope on this achievement and expresses confidence that she will make a valuable contribution to strengthening quality assurance and educational excellence at the national level. 

We wish her every success as she undertakes this important four-year term of service to the nation.

Story and picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.

Originally from Nzhelele in Venda, Limpopo, Mr Mphephu is using his experiences to inspire youth, especially from his hometown, to pursue their goals and make the most of educational opportunities. Recalling his humble family background – his father worked as a general worker while his mother took on occasional jobs as a helper to support the family. 

"Sadly, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought unexpected hardship when my father lost his job. The experience became a turning point in my life,” he said.

Witnessing his father’s struggles motivated Mr Mphephu to make the most of every opportunity available to him. “From that point onward, I focused on one goal: making my parents proud and creating a better future for my family through education,” he said.

Mr Mphephu enrolled for a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology at UMP in 2023. However, his academic journey was not without challenges.

During his first year, he experienced financial difficulties after only receiving funding in June 2023, although he had begun his studies in February. For several months, he relied on support from family members who themselves had limited means.

“There were times when my meals consisted mainly of rice and soup because that was all I could afford,” he recalled.

Rather than allowing these circumstances to derail his studies, he remained focused on his goals and consistently excelled academically across modules that included software development, networking, databases, mathematics and emerging technologies.

His dedication was recognised at the 2026 UMP Academic Excellence Awards, where he was honoured with a prestigious award: Best First Degree in the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences: Best Degree Across the University, and Best Graduate Across All University Qualifications.

“My first reaction was disbelief. Throughout my studies. I never imagined that I would be the person to receive that recognition,” he said, adding that receiving the award reinforced an important lesson.

“It made me realise that many of the limits we place on ourselves are not real. The experience taught me that with hard work, consistency and determination, achievements that seem impossible can become reality.”

Mr Mphephu credits his family and community for supporting him throughout his academic journey.

“My parents are proud because they witnessed the sacrifices, hard work and dedication that went into my studies. I also believe this achievement has inspired my younger brother by showing him that anything is possible when you remain committed to your goals." 

He hopes his story will encourage young people from rural communities such as Nzhelele to pursue their goals and make the most of educational opportunities.

Following the completion of his undergraduate studies, Mr Mphephu joined a graduate programme as a Software Engineer in December 2025. After receiving funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF), however, he decided to continue his academic journey and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology Honours degree.

Passionate about software engineering, cloud computing, DevOps, platform engineering and emerging technologies, Mr Mphephu hopes to contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and support South Africa’s growing digital economy.

“I hope to build systems and technologies that improve people’s lives, create opportunities for young people and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s digital economy,” he said.

Mr Mphephu’s achievement reflects the value of perseverance, dedication and educational opportunity in unlocking potential and creating pathways for future success.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by Supplied. Copyright © UMP.

Mr Ubisi's first qualification was among those recognised during UMP's Special Graduation Ceremony, which provided an opportunity for graduates whose graduation celebrations were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to be formally recognised in person. For him, the occasion marked the completion of two important chapters in his academic journey. “It felt like two different chapters of my life meeting in the same moment,” he said.

His academic journey began in 2016 when he enrolled at the Vaal University of Technology to study Mechanical Engineering. However, he soon realised the field did not align with his interests and career aspirations. In 2017, he changed direction and enrolled at UMP to pursue Agricultural Extension.

“I later joined UMP, where I completed my Bachelor of Agriculture in record time in 2019. After graduating, I entered the working world through internships in the sugarcane production sector from 2020 to early 2023,” he added.

“The journey within the working environment allowed me to notice and learn multiple things about myself. Serving people remained at the forefront, although I felt unfulfilled working with crops."

Following difficulties in securing permanent employment, Mr Ubisi decided to return to university and pursue a new academic path. He enrolled for a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Industrial and Organisational Psychology as a major.

“It was a shift from working with crops to working with people, and ultimately, toward purpose,” he said, adding that he credits his family, spiritual mentors, lecturers and academic leaders for supporting him throughout his academic and professional journey.

“All this is inspiration for me to keep going and encourage others to keep believing, for it is possible to achieve beyond what we imagine, only if we dare to believe,” he said.

Mr Ubisi's journey demonstrates that career paths are not always linear and that embracing change can create new opportunities for growth and achievement.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.

The NRF rating system is a peer-reviewed evaluation of a researcher’s standing and output. A C-category designation recognises established researchers with a sustained publication record and active engagement in their field. A C2 rating indicates consistent national-level recognition, with peer reviewers in agreement that the researcher demonstrates a strong and credible research track record.

Dr Wokadala is Programme Leader for the Advanced Diploma in Postharvest Technology (ADPPHT) and the Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Production Management (ADPAPM) at UMP. His work focuses on food science and applied food analysis, with particular emphasis on improving the utilisation, safety and nutritional value of underutilised crops.

He previously held research positions at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), where he contributed to work on food safety, mycotoxin detection and the beneficiation of traditional African food systems.

His research explores the structural, nutritional and functional properties of plant-based food resources, including indigenous species such as Trichilia emetica (Natal mahogany) and Trichilia dregeana (forest mahogany). He also investigates the functional and health-related properties of unripe banana flour, particularly its resistant starch content and potential applications in blood sugar regulation and metabolic health.

In addition, his work includes the characterisation of plant protein concentrates, assessing their amino acid profiles and functional properties as potential sustainable alternatives to conventional protein sources such as soy.

Key research focus areas include:

• Functional properties of starch-rich and plant-based ingredients, including unripe banana flour.
• Nutritional and structural analysis of underutilised indigenous crops and tree seeds.
• Application of advanced analytical techniques, including chemometrics and multi-elemental profiling, in food quality assessment.

Dr Wokadala holds a PhD in Food Science and has developed internationally recognised expertise in starch-based biopolymers and applied food characterisation. He is also Associate Editor of the Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization published by Springer Nature.

His work continues to bridge fundamental food science with practical innovation aimed at strengthening food security and supporting the development and commercialisation of indigenous African crops.

Story and Picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.

For Mr Nkosi, graduating was not only the completion of a qualification, but also an important personal milestone that marked progress for him and his family. His journey reflects how perseverance, discipline and education can open pathways beyond early life circumstances.

Today, the Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics and Business Sciences graduate works as an Assistant Manager at a major retail store and is overseeing the construction of a six-bedroom family home.

Born into a family of nine children, Mr Nkosi’s early life was marked by significant loss. His father passed away in 2002 when he was four years old, followed by the passing of his mother four years later. The family relied on foster care support, and daily life was often defined by limited resources and financial pressure.

Despite these circumstances, Mr Nkosi remained committed to his education and worked consistently to improve his academic performance. In 2017, he was elected school president and achieved top academic results across all Grade 12 classes at his school. After matric, he completed a Skills Development Programme in Fashion Design in 2018 and later studied Building and Civil Construction at White River Technical College between 2019 and 2020.

In 2021, he was admitted to the University of Mpumalanga and received NSFAS funding to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics and Business Sciences.

“I chose to study a Bachelor of Arts in Development Economics and Business Sciences because I have always wanted to become a businessman and eventually start my own business,” he says, explaining that graduating between 2021 and 2023 was a defining moment in his life.

“Graduating from UMP restored something I had lost; it made me see a way forward in life and a way to improve my situation. It showed me that nothing is impossible when you work hard and stay committed." 

He believes his qualification has played an important role in his current career path, stating, “My qualification is business-related and has provided me with knowledge that I now apply in my daily work. It also opened doors.”

A multi-tasker, Mr Nkosi is also overseeing the construction of a six-bedroom family home, a project he describes as deeply meaningful as it will exist for future generations. “It means a lot to me because we grew up with very little space and many challenges. 

Being able to change the situation at home makes me proud. I believe my parents would be proud, too. They wanted a better life for us, and now their house is becoming a home,” he said.

Mr Nkosi encourages current and future students to remain focused despite challenges. “Everyone has a story to tell. Never give up because of hunger, financial difficulties or personal challenges. Focus on your studies and keep pushing forward. Education can change your life and create opportunities not only for you, but also for your family and future generations,” he said.

From early loss to professional growth and family transformation, Mr Nkosi’s journey reflects the long-term impact of education and determination in shaping opportunity.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.

During UMP's Academic Excellence Awards ceremony, Ms Sibiya received the Best Advanced Diploma, Postgraduate Diploma and Honours Award for the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Siswati. The awards recognise top-performing students across the university, including first-year and graduating cohorts.

Now a Foundation Phase teacher at Ndlemane Primary School in Nkomazi, Ms Sibiya described her graduation as the fulfilment of a long-held dream.

"Graduation was more than just receiving a qualification; it was the fulfilment of a dream built on resilience, determination and an unwavering passion for education. Graduating Cum Laude and receiving an Academic Excellence Award remind me that success comes through consistency, discipline and determination," she said.

Her academic success reflects years of perseverance. Having struggled academically in her early years, Ms Sibiya credits the encouragement and support of lecturers, including Dr Andries du Plessis, Dr Masalesa and Ms Mkhwanazi Malilensha, for helping her realise her potential.

"I was one of those learners who struggled academically in the early years, but my lecturers never gave up on me. Their guidance shaped my professional development and motivated me to strive for excellence," she said.

While pursuing her studies, Ms Sibiya also built an impressive sporting career. She represented UMP in netball for six years and competed at University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournaments. She later served as captain of the UMP netball team while balancing training, mentoring, tutoring and her academic responsibilities.

"Netball provided a healthy balance to my academic life. It helped me develop leadership skills, build meaningful friendships and represent the university with pride."

Through opportunities provided by UMP, Ms Sibiya also obtained First Aid certification and an umpiring qualification while developing leadership, teamwork, discipline and resilience.

Inspired by the influence teachers have on shaping young minds, Ms Sibiya pursued a career in Foundation Phase Teaching. She believes UMP's strong emphasis on practical teaching experience equipped her with essential skills in lesson planning, classroom management and learner development, preparing her well for the classroom.

"Success is not only about academic achievement. It is also about personal growth, perseverance and making a positive difference in the lives of others," she said.

From overcoming learning challenges to graduating Cum Laude while excelling as a student-athlete, Ms Sibiya's journey demonstrates the rewards of perseverance, hard work and determination.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.

UKUDLA is an African – German collaborative centre that seeks to transform food systems research in Africa through interdisciplinary research, knowledge transfer and capacity building. Bringing together expertise in agri-food systems and data science, the initiative supports applied research and provides advanced training opportunities for African postgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and early-career researchers.

Held at the University of Hohenheim under the theme Data Science for Sustainable Food Systems: Facing Climate Change, the 2026 Summer School brought together participants from across the UKUDLA partnership to examine the relationship between food systems, sustainability and data science. 

The programme included symposium sessions, technical training, field visits, stakeholder engagement and collaborative project work, with participants documenting their experiences through daily learning diaries.

Professor Magwaza presented his research at the Summer School.

A key feature of the programme was the Agroecology, Climate Resilience, and Indigenous and Underutilised Crops: Rethinking Value Chains for Sustainable Food Futures (ACRIUC) Symposium 2026, which featured presentations from experts in agronomy, plant breeding, agroecology and international development organisations.

Discussions highlighted several challenges affecting sustainable food systems, including limited research funding, how consumer preferences can shape research priorities and funding decisions, and barriers to the wider adoption of indigenous and underutilised crops. 

Delegates emphasised the need to strengthen collaboration between natural, agricultural and social scientists, alongside policymakers and industry stakeholders, to better integrate these crops into existing agricultural systems. The importance of adapting entire agricultural value chains to support sustainable food production was also underscored.

Professor Ludidi, UKUDLA Co-Project Leader and Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP, chaired the session on plant breeding and climate resilience. Professor Magwaza, South Africa – German Bilateral Research Chair in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems (SARChI SuReFooDS), presented research titled: The Double Role of Underutilised Crops for Climate Resilience and Protein Supply, highlighting the potential of neglected crop species to strengthen food security while improving resilience to climate change.

Professor Ludidi chaired one of the sessions at the Summer School.

Throughout the Summer School, researchers, breeders and representatives of international organisations also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in conserving seeds and managing gene banks to safeguard agricultural biodiversity and strengthen future food security. 

The discussions reinforced the value of bringing together researchers from different disciplines and countries to share knowledge, develop practical solutions and build partnerships that can help create more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Adapted from an article first published by UKUDLA South Africa https://ukudla-coe.ac.za). Pictures: Theo Sammet/UKUDLA.

Hosted at the Nelson Mandela University George Campus, the five-day workshop focused on stakeholder engagement, project planning, governance, and implementation to advance socio-ecological systems education and natural resource management.

Key activities included discussions on sustainability challenges in Southern Africa, alignment of project work packages, development of implementation and quality assurance plans, and a field visit to the Garden Route Biosphere Reserve.

A significant milestone was the signing of the consortium agreement, which formalised the roles and responsibilities of all project partners. Participants highlighted the project's potential to strengthen sustainable education, enhance natural resource management capacity, and promote socio-ecological resilience across the region.

Looking ahead, consortium partners will convene for a curriculum development and capacity-building workshop from 28 September to 02 October 2026 at the UMP Mbombela Campus, followed by the FUTURE21 Student Challenge from 04 – 11 October 2026.

These activities will further strengthen collaboration among project partners while providing students with opportunities to develop innovative solutions to sustainability and environmental management challenges. The workshop concluded with agreement on dissemination strategies, project timelines, and next steps, laying a strong foundation for collaboration and project implementation.

Story and picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.

Ms Langa describes the achievement as the result of years of discipline, perseverance and growth while helping to establish a new programme.

“Graduating Cum Laude as part of UMP’s very first LLB cohort is an honour that I will always cherish. Beyond the academic achievement itself, it represents years of dedication and personal growth that I never imagined possible when I first arrived at the university,” she said.

As part of the inaugural cohort, Ms Langa says students carried both personal academic responsibilities and the added task of contributing to the development of the programme.

“As the inaugural cohort, we were not only focused on our own success but also on contributing to the foundation and development of the programme. I am proud to have been part of a cohort that established a legacy and set a standard that others can build upon,” she said.

She credits UMP’s academic environment and practical exposure opportunities for shaping her understanding of the legal profession, including vacation work at law firms, court observations and engagement with senior legal practitioners.

“With the support of our lecturers and university management, we were afforded opportunities to attend vacation work at law firms around Nelspruit, observe court proceedings, and learn from distinguished legal professionals such as former Judge President Legodi,” she explained.

Ms Langa says these experiences strengthened her academic grounding and prepared her for professional practice, while reinforcing the value of student support within the institution.

Outside the classroom, she served as a mentor and tutor, which she says contributed significantly to her personal development and leadership skills.

“Being a mentor and tutor was one of the most rewarding aspects of my university journey. It challenged me to step into leadership roles and taught me the importance of effective communication, patience and leading with empathy,” she said.

Working with students from different backgrounds strengthened her appreciation for diversity and taught her valuable lessons that she plans to carry into her legal career.

“Seeing fellow students grow and succeed was incredibly fulfilling, and it inspired me to carry that same commitment to guidance, understanding and service into my future legal career." 

Currently serving her Articles of Clerkship as a Candidate Attorney, Ms Langa hopes to qualify as an Attorney of the High Court and ultimately pursue a judicial career.

“My passion for the law is deeply rooted in promoting fairness, justice and equal access to opportunities. Through my legal career, I hope to empower individuals with knowledge and contribute to a more informed society,” she said.

“The small, consistent efforts you make every day can have a significant impact over time. Most importantly, surround yourself with people who share your vision and aspirations. Those are the people who will challenge you to do better and inspire you to keep striving for excellence,” she advised.

Ms Langa’s journey as part of UMP’s pioneering LLB cohort reflects both individual achievement and the development of a new academic programme at the University.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.

Graduating with a Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching, Mr Phuti achieved an average of 74.73% and earned 22 distinctions. "Every module was important to me because it contributed to becoming a better Foundation Phase teacher. I followed study schedules, participated in study groups and attended classes consistently. Most importantly, I never forgot why I started this journey," he says.

Receiving the award was a proud moment and a reminder that the effort he invested throughout his studies had paid off. "I was overwhelmed with gratitude and a bit of disbelief. It felt like confirmation that all the late nights, assignments and sacrifices were worth it."

Originally from Polokwane in Limpopo, Mr Phuti says his passion for teaching was inspired by one of his former teachers, Mam Moshupya, who changed the direction of his life.

"I was naughty both at school and at home. I was always getting into trouble, not focusing on my studies and making poor decisions. Everything changed when Mam Moshupya came to our school.

"She changed my perspective on life and inspired me to take my education seriously. Because of her influence, I became one of the top learners at school."

Inspired by the difference his teacher made in his life, Mr Phuti decided to pursue Foundation Phase Teaching because he believes the early years of education play a critical role in shaping a learner's future.

"The first years of school build the foundation for a child's entire educational journey. I wanted to be part of that foundation and help learners develop confidence and a love for learning from an early age," says Mr Phuti, mentioning that UMP's emphasis on practical learning and community engagement influenced his decision to study at the University.

Throughout his studies, Mr Phuti balanced family responsibilities, personal commitments and academic demands while remaining focused on his goals. He credits his family, lecturers and fellow students for supporting him along the way.

"My mother played a huge role in keeping me motivated, especially during difficult times. I am also grateful to Dr Rademeyer, Dr Jiyane, Prof Eurika and Dr Linet, whose guidance helped me grow academically and professionally. My study group also kept me accountable and encouraged me to keep striving for excellence."

Following graduation, Mr Phuti is teaching Grades R to 3, while working towards leadership roles in education. "I want to create classrooms where learners feel safe, valued and excited to learn. No child should leave my classroom believing they are not smart. I want to help learners build confidence and discover their potential."

Reflecting on his journey, Mr Phuti says the experience taught him the value of perseverance. "This achievement reminds me that perseverance pays off. Success is not about being the smartest person in the room; it is about staying committed even when things become difficult."

He encourages fellow students to remain focused, build supportive friendships and make the most of their university experience.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.