To think, last year this time the world came to a complete standstill. Let us be grateful for where we are, and that, perhaps, life can slowly start returning to an alternative normal. The year is already well on its way and it won't be long now until we can finally welcome students back to campus on 15 March. Campus has already been abuzz these last few weeks with examinations and re-exams being written, and especially this last week with new students lining up to register at our prestigious university. 

Our Orientation Week was a resounding success and it filled me immense pride to see so many new and hopeful, eager young faces join us on their tertiary journey. Welcome to each and every one of you. 

The 2021 Campus Representative Council and Student Representative Council were officially elected on 27 November 2020, while their official inauguration took place earlier this month. Ms Vuyiswa Carol Magagula became the first female President of the CRC/SRC at UMP. We trust that you will excel in your role as UMP student and community leaders and that we will work well together to make this year a great success. 

Serving in the SRC is an honour and a privilege. Many prominent leaders we know today cut their leadership teeth whilst serving in the SRC. Take this opportunity to learn as much as possible, and also to grow. 

The academic year is starting in earnest amidst a lot of uncertainty and it is my pleasure to welcome you as the UMP community. Make sure you manage your time appropriately and make the most if it! May I urge all of us to start right away doing all we can to stay ahead, and not be caught napping. We always lose out when we delay and we put ourselves under undue pressure, when we leave matters to the last minute. 

Starting early helps with motivation, mental health and overall wellbeing. A prepared and alert UMP community will be a resilient one. When we all start well from the blocks, our collective nerves will be settled, and we will create a kind of campus ecology that will be the envy of many. 

May you learn to adjust your sails as we embark on the 2021 academic year. 

Professor Thoko Mayekiso 
Vice-Chancellor

Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Thoko Mayekiso said it was not only a remarkable development in the leadership journey and empowerment of students at the university but also a very positive statement for gender equality.

“Let us join hands for the betterment of UMP, and the Mpumalanga Province as a whole. You are setting the tone for generations of students yet to come, during the most challenging of times. You are taking up leadership at a time like no other. COVID-19 is still hovering over us. Let us not fail to see the resilience of the human spirit,” she said.

“We at UMP will support you and empower you to be able to understand yourselves better, and to deal with the dynamic, fast-changing world with equanimity, tranquillity, grace and decorum. Understand fully and appreciate totally the unique context in which you operate: the University of Mpumalanga.”

Professor Mayekiso further went on to encourage the new leadership to work in unison  with all stakeholders to create a culture of dialogue and engagement. 

“We are passionate about student matters and that is why at UMP, the Dean of Students reports directly to the VC, unlike other universities where the Dean of Students reports to a Deputy Vice-Chancellor or the Registrar. Feel free to engage with me on matters of leadership, academic matters as well as motherly advice or guidance.” 

Leadership Goals
Professor Mayekiso added that her office and that of the Dean of Students was looking forward to working with the newly inaugurated student leadership. 

“I look forward to a great year of working together, to make UMP function at its highest and best, in line with our vision to be an African university leading in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation. We, therefore, expect you to work together with the students – leading to advance the vision and mission, and to live the principles of UMP as a values-driven institution.” 

She went on to share some successful stories and remarkable leaders of our time and the qualities they possess. 

“Think of some of the best-known champions in various sports categories: Lewis Hamilton, Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and others. Even though they are highly talented, they work hard and practice. They spend time perfecting their art,” she advised.

“You need to read and learn as much as possible about leaders who made a positive impact in the world. Countries like Iceland, under the leadership of females, have taught the world a thing or two. Search for examples of leaders on the African continent who have excelled, and see what gems you can pick up from their lives.”

The Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, echoed the Vice Chancellor’s sentiments. “The 2020 SRC elections brought a new dawn at UMP. For the first time we have a female SRC President. We also have four female members and three males.”

Dr Maminza added that the University of Mpumalanga encouraged a culture of open dialogue as the University has open communication channels and governance structures. He offered the new leadership this snippet of advice:

“Being a leader is in itself a challenge. The challenges of leadership are threefold:  external, coming from people and situations, internal, stemming from within the leader herself, and those arising from the nature of the leadership role. I want to conclude with a quote by Mahatma Ghandi when he said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow and learn as if you were to live forever.”

Committed to Collaborate
SRC President, Ms Vuyelwa Carol Magagula, said that her leadership comprised mostly of females is committed to continue with the work of those before her. 

“We will represent students professionally, we will foster and encourage the growth of our extraordinary organization of experts, and I will personally be of service to as many as I am able. 

“I also recognize that this presidential seat as occupied by a woman may appear to be soft, but it carries with it an enormous responsibility for the nation. To take on this responsibility, I have with me the strength and the example of the VC. I open my heart to receive, at this moment, a spark of her immense energy. I am here to open doors so that in the future, many other women can also be president; so that, today, all UMP women may feel proud and happy to be themselves,” said Ms Magagula. 

She went on to say that their achievements can never be measured by the quality of speeches made, but by the vigour the student leadership put in to improve the lives of the students.  

"I'm sure that this is not necessarily a moment to celebrate, but a moment to gather more strength and drive in preparation to continue in our journey to deliver on our mission to better the lives of our students." 

Ms Magagula added that her leadership would seek to enhance students’ educational experiences on and off campus.

“As an SRC, we understand that education does not stop at the classroom door or when we leave UMP spaces – it extends profoundly into our co-curricular life. We need to make sure we contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of our students so they may reach their full potential as leaders and shapers of society,” she added. 

“Let us remain true to the authentic mission of UMP, a mission that has been nurtured and is steadily progressing us to a place of distinction and excellence. May we also forge new paths of inquiry and discover new academic opportunities.”

“Let us be cutting-edge, let us occupy with confidence those intellectual spaces that liberate us from the confinement of our narrow rooms of thought. Let us be dynamic and forward-thinking, not only distinctive but distinguished, not only excellent but extraordinary. When this great university meets its challenges head-on – with vision, courage and integrity – it will flourish beyond measure,” Ms Magagula concluded.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisPlPhoto

Dr Von Solms says the aim of the research is to train small to medium enterprises to use social media and create an Internet presence for their businesses, by using a mobile application.

"I love the influence technology has on our lives. Some of my research has even considered how technology can promote engagement with nature. Lastly, I love my teaching and I am passionate about lecturing. Not just about lecturing, but about being creative in the way I convey theory to my students and make them think critically and creatively, collaborate, and discuss the theory," she adds. 

"During my Masters of Commerce I conducted research on Geocaching and whether it could be seen as a way to promote exercise. It was then that I first recognised the link between health, technology, and tourism. I presented the research at a conference in Bali. The research pertained to how Discovery Health’s model, which rewards clients for healthy behaviours, might be linked to activity-based tourism that could assist clients in achieving health goals. I also researched how Geocaching and other technologies can be incorporated into the business model of National Parks to enhance customer experience." 

When she was doing her Masters in Business Administration, Dr Von Solms undertook research on the impact of education on students’ levels of creativity and ability to communicate, collaborate, and think creatively.

"We measured MBA students’ creativity levels and tried to determine whether the MBA programme helped to increase the creativity levels of students. I loved this research especially as I strive to make my own lecturing style creative, innovative, and original. I realised over the seven years I have lectured that there is much to be gained by incorporating unusual ways of teaching. I started reading up on the role of technology in education and the computer programs/cell phone applications out there and what researchers thought education might look like in the future," she adds. 

"The research made me realise that as a lecturer my role is not merely to convey theory to students but that I have a responsibility to equip students in order to apply theory, be creative, and demonstrate soft skills that industry will demand and appreciate. I was excited by research that could improve my lecturing and make me enjoy it even more. When I enrolled for my PhD, I planned to do it on creativity in tertiary education but ended up changing my area of research because of funding opportunities."

Career opportunities
When Dr Von Solms was awarded a bursary through the NRF to look at land use within the private wildlife sector in South Africa, it was not what she originally had in mind. However, by the time she finished her literature review, she was captivated by the subject matter.

“I conducted interviews with private game farm owners and managers as part of collecting primary data. The research involved putting together demographics on the game farm managers and owners and geographical data on where the game farms were located. This data would be used to determine the most productive land use combinations, what land use would generate the most income and what land uses were the most expensive to invest in.”

"The study resulted in findings that could be used to advise game farm owners how to best utilise their land sustainably, profitably and productively. This information is now being used to advise industry on how to make changes after the prices in the wildlife industry have collapsed. Those game farmers can now consider alternative land use forms and will have a better knowledge of what other land uses they can explore."

Her career highlights includes being invited to attend the London International Conference on Education (LICE), which coincided with a conference on Special Needs Education.

"Remarkably, some of the ways that special needs educators use to overcome obstacles are also applicable to tertiary education lecturing. Gathering with people who are passionate about education and listening to them enhanced my lecturing even further."

Another career opportunity was in 2018 until beginning 2020 when Dr Von Solms taught marketing and other short learning programmes to SAFCOL (South African Forestry Company Limited) Entrepreneurs.

"I am currently involved in the CFERI (Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator) centre at the university. Usually, in my teaching I am primarily concerned with finding a way to get students to understand theory and apply it. During the SAFCOL course, however, I encountered adult students who have their own businesses and industry experience," she says.

"I believe that SAFCOL was the starting point for my research collaboration with the University of Johannesburg, which aims to use technology to assist SMEs with marketing. Currently I hope to incorporate the research within the CFERI programme at the University of Mpumalanga."

Though there have been many highlights and accolades throughout her career, she rates winning the Faculty Teacher of the Year award for 2019 as one of her top moments.

“I realised that incorporating creativity in my lectures worked and is recognised. COVID-19 forced me to teach creatively in a different way, as there were no physical classes. I had to channel my creativity by using online teaching platforms. It is good to know that UMP recognises my passion for quality teaching and the fact that I have assisted other lecturers with Moodle.”

She adds that getting her PhD was also another major highlight in her career.

"Managing to complete it between work and personal commitments just made the accomplishment so much bigger. I realised that although research takes up a lot of time, if you work hard and in a smart way, it doesn’t have to take up all of your time. Learning that in itself I count as a highlight and an accolade." 

@ Story and Pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga.

Students were also informed about the various support services offered on and off campus, and were provided with the necessary tools to empower them to make solid decisions on how to succeed at university. Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso congratulated the learners on making it thus far and choosing to study at UMP.

“We will provide you with an environment that is conducive for studying and learning, and help you to take responsibility for your own development. It will be our responsibility to create a supportive environment that nurtures your enthusiasm and guides you to success. Our institution has done its utmost to invest in the latest technology, so that online learning can be optimized, and that you as students can enjoy the full benefit of all cyber platforms.

Professor Mayekiso added that the university has formed strong collaborations with other institutions of higher learning in neighbouring Eswatini and Mozambique, which enables UMP to offer its students unique opportunities.

“Great universities do not just happen – they are created by individuals who are always working at being better than they were yesterday. Thank you for choosing to be part of our remarkable learning community and pioneering journey.”

President of Student Representative Council, Ms Carol Magagula emphasized that UMP puts students at the centre of everything it does.

“Your experience here at UMP and your success is important to each and every member of staff and student leaders. Your arrival at university marks a new chapter in the story of your life As you start this long journey, remember that your parents or guardians and sponsors have invested a lot financially, materially and emotionally. They look forward to seeing you succeed. Society at large, expects even more,” she said.

Ms Magagula went on to explain that we live in a challenging world and that in order to succeed, we need to stand out from the rest; we need to be one step ahead of the game.

“UMP must produce captains of business, leaders of government and stewards of civil society who should find solutions to challenges of governance, poverty, hunger, malnutrition, civil strife, climate change, environmental degradation and more,” she continued.

“The time when universities were ivory towers preparing offices for ready-made blue collar jobs and offices are gone. There is no employment waiting. No one even knows what jobs will come up in 2030 and their requirements. Be prepared, therefore for careers that do not exist. We are thus preparing you for and unknown future.”

Teaching and Learning 
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning Professor Shirley Mthethwa Sommers shared several survival tips for making it through the first year at university. 

“There is a high failure rate amongst first year students, simply because they are unable to adapt to university life and the different pace it has to being in high school. There are a few basic things you can do to help you succeed in this new environment.”

SLEEP: “For many of you, this is going to be the first time away from home. It's going to be the first time in your own space with people who are your peers. The temptation is there to stay up all night socializing, meeting new people. But your brain is still developing and actually will not function properly if you do not get at least 8 hours of sleep. Sleep is vital to the brain.”

SAFETY: “We may be on Level One, but that does not mean the threat of the virus no longer exist. It is always there. Keep yourself safe. Keep your peers safe and keep our UMP communities safe. Wear your mask at all times, sanitize and keep your social distancing.

HEALTH: About 60% of your body is comprised of water. Make sure you drink enough water every day. Your brain needs it, as does your body! Eat balanced meals. You are away from home and no one is going to be telling you to eat your fruits and vegetables. You have to do it on your own

ENGAGE AND PARTICIPATE: “Engage in your classes. Ask questions. Don't suffer in silence if you don’t understand something. Raise your hand and ask a question.”

TIME MANAGEMENT “You have to schedule your time. You have to have time to sleep. You have to have time to eat. You have to have time to socialize. Use your time wisely!

Lastly, and most importantly, prof Sommers emphasized the importance of attending lectures and classes. “No one ever succeeds without attending classes, you have to attend classes, and you have to stay! I'm going to repeat this: You have to prioritize attending classes. That's the reason you came here.”

Living and Learning
The Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza and his team presented the development services offered by UMP, including the: Love My campus campaign and the university's compliance when it comes to COVID-19 protocols (social distancing, mask up, washing of hands and mostly avoiding overcrowded gatherings).

The university also offers screenings and testing. The new student were also equipped with information regarding student wellness and health programmes offered by UMP, which includes a variety of primary health care services to help keep students healthy. 

“I am privileged and honoured to serve you with the support of my fellow staff members in the Student Affairs Division. We commit to focus our leadership and energy on creating a healthy, safe, inclusive and vibrant environment where we promote a quality student life experience. We commit to create opportunities where you can maximize your personal potential while pursuing your educational dreams,” he said.

“We are committed to the provision of an environment that is conducive to the holistic development of students. As such we have consciously taken a decision to be a student centred division focussing on the holistic development of students through the provision of an environment that promotes an effective student governance system; vibrant sports and recreation services; and student-centred health and wellness services.”

“We are here for you if you encounter any unexpected obstacle along the way. It's our responsibility to help you to seize, reflect upon and integrate your diverse UMP experiences. I invite you to read more about our division and the available services that we have for our students.”

Some of the presentations were from Library and Information Services Centre, which aims to support and serve student's study needs. 

The week-long programme included presentations on the university’s rules and regulations. Registrar, Mr Sello Legodi, shared with first-years what they should know to enjoy a swift and successful academic journey with the university. Academic Staff Development Professional, Mr Trust Nkomo, also empowered with tips on how to succeed at university. This included information about exams, life on campus, the importance of attending classes, and time management when writing assignments. The orientation was rounded off with virtual tours of campus (CRC and Mentors). Moodle Training (Mentors and Tutors). The orientation programme also included guided tours of campus (CRC & Mentors) Moodle/ Basic Computer skills.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

Prof Moses Mbewe originates from the Nkomazi region of the Province of Mpumalanga. He holds a 4 Year BSc in Biology from Texas Southern University, USA and PhD in Microbial Genetics from the University of Cambridge, UK. After an extensive academic career at various institutions and organisations, he assumed his duties at the University Mpumalanga as Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences in 2016. He is currently serving as Chairperson of the National Task Force for the Containment of Polio in Labs (NTF), a ministerial advisory committee for the National Department of Health, and Council on Higher Education (HEQC) as Programme Evaluator. He also serves as a Councillor and EXCO member of the University of Mpumalanga Council.     

What does your role as Chair of the National Science Deans Forum entail?
The role of being chair of the National Science Deans Forum concerns organising meetings and discussions for all the higher education institutions in South Africa on how to better perform our duties. We discuss common factors that are affecting the teaching and learning of Science in universities in South Africa and the students we teach. We also cover a number of aspects, including the effective management of faculties in SA and SADC.

You had your first meeting as Chair earlier this month. Can you share with us what it was like?
UMP hosted the meeting, which in itself was a great honour. We covered a great number of aspects. Some of these included discussions around the Department of Science and Technology (10-year plan), which is now combined with Higher Education, and their long-term plans, as well as what they have achieved thus far. The CEO of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) presented proposed policy for accreditation of new programmes which he wanted the Deans of Science to consider.

These discussions were so fruitful that we decided to have a separate further meeting around those ideas alone. There was also a presentation about the online teaching of Science during the Covid-19 era. Two experts from the University of Bristol (United Kingdom) presented ways in which practicals could be taught online and how better to equip our students, to prepare them and get them to engage before they go to class. These were incredibly valuable. Other than that it was just one of our annual meetings and there will be two more this year that I have to chair or be chaired by one of the other executives

What are your responsibilities as the Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP?
I make sure the faculty runs and operates smoothly, while placing a particular focus on making sure that we offer quality teaching. Much of our teaching and learning has had to happen online; it was and is vital that being on an online platform, these conditions do not lower our standards or the standards we expect from our students.

It is also my responsibility to make sure we have the highest qualified academic staff teaching the best programmes in the country, and also doing research in the most relevant areas. I look at all these areas together to ensure that our faculty, which is the largest at UMP, delivers on all fronts.

How does your Faculty rate, compared to older and more well-established in Faculties in other institutions
in South Africa?
We have a very high number of National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers on our teaching staff. The rating system developed by the NRF is a valuable tool for measuring the quality of South African researchers against the best in the world. The high number of rated researches and teaching staff bears witness to our excellent standard in research and our ability to offer our students as good, if not a better tertiary education as any in the world. I am comfortable with our development trajectory which compares very well. 

Where does UMP excel in particular?
We are good at a number of areas including nature conservation – very few universities offer it as a course or programme of study. We’re also very good in agronomy, and ecology. We also excel in ICT (Information and Communications Technology). When it comes to community, engagement is very important that we play our role. Our students can only engage if they are equipped to do so. Which is why our CoLab focuses on training and computer literacy or computing for the greater community as part of the Faculty engagement activities.

Our Faculty strives to be relevant by embracing research and engagement programmes that address current problems using latest technologies through the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences (SCMS). The School’s research focus is on Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable Development (ICT4SD) through diverse specialities, such as Internet of Things (IoT), data science, networking, cybersecurity and  information technology for education.

You’re on several committees and advisory boards. Tell us about your role in some of these.
I chair PETAFF (Provincial Education and Training in Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries) in Mpumalanga and was appointed by the MEC of Mpumalanga Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs(DARDLEA). We deal with the popularising and teaching of agriculture in the entire province.

Then there is the National Task Force for the Containment of Polio in Labs, of which I am also chairperson. It's an advisory committee to the Minister of Health. We do various things to ensure that polio remains eradicated in South Africa especially prevention of re-introduction from research laboratories. I’m also in the National Health Research Committee, which is another advisory committee to the Minister of Health; it determines the agenda of what we do research on in health nationally in South Africa.

What advice would you offer students aspiring to be like you?
Thomas Edison famously said: “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Nothing is achieved without hard work. You don't perspire doing nothing. Unless you are prepared to work hard and perspire, people will never know that you are a genius. Why? Because genius appears when you are busy working hard! Work hard from 

@ Story and Pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga.

In her address at a Seminar held at Mbombela Campus Professor Ngqondi presented how ICT4D can be the vehicle that transforms lives. CT4D is an initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide (the disparity between technological "have" and "have not" geographic locations or demographic groups) and aiding economic development by ensuring equitable access to up-to-date communications technologies. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) include any communication device – encompassing radio, television, cellular phones, computer and network hardware and software, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services and applications associated with them, such as videoconferencing and distance learning. The United Nations, through its UN Development Programme, actively promotes ICT4D as a powerful tool for economic and social development around the world.

Professor Ngqondi said: "ICT4D is paramount when it comes to transforming lives. Just think back to when the pandemic started, and where we would have been, had it not been for ITC and our ability to continue teaching and learning during the first wave of the national lockdown. We would have been stuck in one place without the ability to progress or find solutions. 

We used ICT during the lockdown to stay in touch with our families, we used it to safely shop from home and we used it to continue our studies, amongst others. ICT is something everyone uses and has access to, albeit in varying degrees. From my grandmother at home in her village to the CEO of a big corporate. We all use ICT to improve our lives, even when we are not consciously aware of doing it.”

Activating ICT for development
"The aim, however, is to make this a conscious process and to actively use ICT to improve lives and livelihoods. From being able to shop online, teach and learn via e-learning platforms and being able to work from home – ICT is the centre of all of our activities, be it within communities, within our homes, in the village or at university.

In terms of economic development, ICT can be implemented successfully to improve livelihoods, firstly by ensuring equitable access to it and by making sure it addresses social and economic needs within communities – not just big corporates and businesses. The best example of this is how ICT has been used to improve education. “Had it not been for ICT, most schools and universities would have shut down completely. Imagine a country with no education? A country with no education is doomed, but because of ICT, we managed to actually deliver our mandate and make sure that education continued.”

“The whole purpose of ICT4D is for us to be able to make sure that you can bring change in our communities, and we can move forward and improve lives. For this to be a success, we need full participation from all involved: information and communication technology cannot work in isolation, it needs all of us. It needs communities. It needs the private sector, it also needs industries, which is why you see government investing so much in training people to up their ICT skills.”

“We have to understand how ICT would present sustainable development, how information technology can actually enable, for example, agriculture to produce and sustain itself without affecting the livelihoods, without affecting jobs. We empower people in respective fields of study to understand how they can use ICT to produce more quality products, to improve their current strategies and methods.

Enabling effectiveness through collaboration
One of the founding principles of UMP is improving our offering through collaborative efforts. It is the same with ICT. “The effectiveness of ICT4D is informed by collaborative efforts through discipline and interdisciplinary participation. I cannot do anything in agriculture if I cannot participate with someone from agriculture. I cannot do anything in economics, if I cannot participate with someone in economics. Then we need to come together and say how we can present solutions from our own perspectives to those who will use this information to better the lives of everyone. This process and engagement is not static, and everyone can benefit.”

Dr Makgaleng's research field is about mathematical knowledge developments during transitions. His study focused on: The Political, Economic, Cultural dimensions of the mathematics knowledge during transition; and the concept of Matheracyas a new approach to mathematics intervention programmes.

"I intend to contribute to the development of new knowledge in the mathematics education space. My contributions should assist the continent of Africa to unlock African knowledge to the world, thus becoming one of the best continents in mathematics, science, and technology education," he says.

The road to his PhD was not easy. It consisted of uncomfortable windings but through perseverance and hard work he managed to finish his studies in record time. He says there were instances where he felt like giving up, but was always guided by his inner strength. 

"I was also supported by a remarkable supervisor, Prof Mwakapenda. I will always feel indebted to him. He believed in me and motivated me to remain positive and enthusiastic about completing my studies. I have been supported by the research office through continued research writing workshops to assist on how to write a proposal to writing of a thesis. I would like to extent my words of gratitude of my first year students in plant production and their lectures for participating in the study. Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Prof Thoko Mayekiso for giving me clearance to conduct the study using UMP students and the lecturing staff in plant production," he says. 

With a teaching career spanning several decades, Dr Makgaleng joined UMP, which he describes as his home away from home, in 2016. After completing matric in 1993, he enrolled for a Senior Secondary Teachers Diploma (STD) at Naphuno College of Education in Tzaneen.

"I started teaching in 1997 and have 20 years’ teaching experience in secondary Mathematics and Physical Sciences in the FET phase. I also worked as a project coordinator for Maths Centre Incorporating Sciences responsible for primary school teachers’ development in mathematics, amongst other roles.”

With his extensive experience and a formidable track record in his field, Dr Makgaleng has the following advice not only for students and scholars of maths, but for anyone wishing to advance their tertiary career.

“Always have your dream as your vision. There is no easy road to success academically. You need to be self-disciplined, enthusiastic and committed. You need to work hard and have a positive mind-set. There will be challenges every step of the way and those challenges will be different for each individual. Have a strategy to balance work and studies.”

Dr Makgaleng grew up in the dusty rural area of Apel (Mankotase Village) in Limpopo. Though mostly taught by under-qualified teachers who were not professionally trained, he has always had a love for mathematics.

“During the apartheid system of education, our schools were not adequately resourced with learning and teaching materials. We used to learn mathematics under the trees as classrooms. We used to be taught mathematics without any textbook to refer to. Despite these unbearable learning and teaching conditions, I prevailed and mathematics has always been my first love.”

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures McJoelington.