• The building blocks of trust 
• Mutual respect for one another 
• Effective communication 
• Teamwork 
• Support for one another 

• We have benefitted the following from setting the right tone: 
• Campus stability 
• Brand reputation remaining intact 
• A conducive ecology in which to listen, learn and live 
• Collegiality among staff 
• Good working relationship between staff and students 

• The white hat (always ensure you know the facts and figures of what you are talking about) 
• The red hat (keep your feelings and emotions in check) 
• The black hat (always err on the side caution and be careful) 
• The yellow hat (avoid being speculative) 
• The green hat (think creatively) 
• The blue hat (control your thinking to ensure objectivity) 

One of the canvases gifted to the VC is a painted canvas, while the other is beaded with Ndebele styles. Mrs Mahlangu collaborated with Aranda blankets to produce a unique Ndebele-designed blanket that is different from the popular one.

In addition to the gifting of these items to the VC, Mrs Mahlangu and her team will also be painting selected walls at both UMP campuses with Ndebele art, as a recognition of UMP’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and languages. The paintings will be officially unveiled in September 2023, during Heritage Month.

Dr Thulisile Bhuda, Lecturer: Culture and Heritage Studies at UMP and a representative of AmaNdebele community in higher education, handed over the gifts to Professor Mayekiso on behalf of Mrs Mahlangu.

“The paintings are geometric in nature and express cultural symbolism of the Ndebele people. They serve as a means of communication and for UMP, it symbolises the institution’s years of investment in the isiNdebele language and cultural development,” said Dr Bhuda.

@ Story by UMP Communications Division. Pictures Supplied.

The competition saw learners from different schools across the country compete for prizes, including a grand prize of R1 million for STEM Laboratory Equipment. The event kicked off with learners working on their robot building projects with the help of their teachers and mentors. The two-day event culminated in a gala dinner where the winners were announced.

The winners

Ozias Dachana High School from Limpopo emerged as the overall winner, scooping the grand prize of
R1.1 million for their prototype, which was designed to deliver food and medicine to the elderly and send SOS messages. The second prize was taken by Bredasdorp High School from the Western Cape, which won R600 000 in Cyber Lab Equipment for their prototype of a fall monitor for the elderly, which will assist with the fall detection, timer for medication, temperature detection, and tracking to see if a person has wandered from their room.

The third prize of R300 000 in Cyber Lab Equipment went to Ntulabakayise Secondary School from KwaZulu-Natal for their robotic tractor, which was designed to assist the community during rainy days when travel is difficult due to poor road conditions.

The team from Bredasdorp High School took second place.

According to Dr Mncedisi Bembe, a lecturer at UMP's School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, the event was a success as it allowed learners to showcase their hard work and creativity. He added that the aim of helping rural schools to develop and enhance their knowledge in the robotics space was achieved. All participants were awarded vouchers for their contribution and an opportunity to participate in the field of robotics.

Delegates who attended the event included the Department of Basic Education, SITA, UMP School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, SABC TV, and other participants.

The competition was a step in the right direction towards promoting STEM education in South Africa, and it is hoped that more events like this will be organized in the future to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and technology.

@ Story by UMP School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences. Pictures Supplied.

One of the ways UMP addresses GBV is through collaboration with various external stakeholders. The UMP Gender Forum partners with other South African universities such as University of Witwatersrand (WITS), University of Cape Town (UCT), University of the Western Cape (UWC), and others under the motto: “Universities in collaboration against GBV and Homophobia.”

This collaboration provides opportunities for staff and students from various institutions to attend anti-GBV events and learn from each other's experiences in addressing GBV and homophobia at universities. In addition, UMP works collaboratively with local higher education institutions such as Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the TVET, and the municipalities to create safer spaces and combat GBV in the local communities.

Diversity, inclusivity and equality
In recent years, UMP has made significant strides towards achieving equality and to live up to one of its important values: Diversity. Policies have been put place to promote gender equality and inclusion.

The university has a gender equality policy in place and has carried out its mandate by employing women in high and strategic positions. In addition, UMP has sexual harassment and sexual orientation policies, which have been developed to address instances of GBV, and to accommodate and create safe and inclusionary spaces for those who are non-gender conforming, respectively.  

To help enforce these, UMP has established committees such as the Transformation Committee, the Employment Equity Committee, as well as the Gender Forum. Furthermore, students have established the Rainbow Alliance (for the non-binary students) and GBV student societies. 

In addition to policy and collaboration efforts, UMP has also implemented practical measures to combat GBV and Homophobia. The university has launched a series of GBV training and other gender related activities. Currently UMP students are involved in a competition for the development of the institutional GBV strategy and the implementation plan.

These efforts are in response to national frameworks and policies, including the Continuing Education and Training Act, the Higher Education and Training Act, the Policy Framework for the Realisation of Social Inclusion, and the DHET's Policy Framework and Implementation Procedural Guidelines on GBV in the Post-School Education and Training System.

Significant collaborations
Despite the progress made, there is still much work to be done in addressing GBV and promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. UMP, like other HEIs, still has a challenge of Heteronormative and homophobic tendencies that continue to alienate students who are non-binary or LGBTQIA. However, UMP will continue to work with external stakeholders to create a safe and inclusive campus for all students, academics, and the community at large.

The University of Mpumalanga recognizes the importance of promoting gender equality and addressing GBV in higher education. Through strengthening collaboration with external stakeholders, enforcement of policies and practical measures, and a continued commitment to diversity and inclusion, the institution will continue in making significant strides towards creating a safe and inclusive campus for all.

While challenges persist, UMP will continue to work relentlessly towards a future where all students and staff can thrive in a welcoming and supportive environment, ensuring the human rights of all.

@ Dr Nonzwakazi Maqubela is a Sociology and Gender studies senior lecturer and Chairperson of the Gender Forum at the University of Mpumalanga.

The vehicle will support the UMP research team to continue with a collaborative research project aimed at conserving the most valuable and threatened fishes found on the East Coast of Africa, with a focus on the ecology of Western Indian Ocean Anguillid eels.

Receiving the vehicle at Wesvaal Numbi Ford in White River, Professor Gordon O’Brien, Director of the Rivers of Life Programme at the UMP School of Biology and Environmental Science, expressed his gratitude for the donation, stating that the car would assist their team  to continue conducting the necessary research.

He went on to explain that the vehicle would also help to reduce the funds used for travel and accommodation for the students working on the project.

The UMP researchers are focusing on the conservation of Southern Africa’s freshwater eels, the world's mightiest migrating fish species, swimming more than 10 000km, upstream from the Indian Ocean into the eastern-flowing rivers. Unfortunately, over-harvesting and various other issues have endangered these species.

Professor O'Brien notes, "all of our eels are threatened by habitat loss due to barrier formation, pollution, alien species and over-exploitation."

The team's preliminary data indicates that up to 60% of freshwater eel habitat has been removed in Southern Africa and up to 40% across the entire African East Coast distribution area. However, there are still viable populations that can support a recovery plan, and the team has an opportunity to contribute to the sustainable, formal use, conservation, and management of these eels in the region.

The collaborative research project, supported by the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association, involves scientists from South Africa, Mozambique, and Kenya. Professor O'Brien explains: "We have at least three years to go with our study and hope to turn it into a program dedicated to the sustainable conservation and management of the Western Indian Ocean freshwater eels."

Professor Gordon O'Brien received the vehicle on behalf of UMP and Rivers of Life Programme.

Despite the team's efforts, the research has been limited because many of the riverine habitats are in wild areas that are difficult to access, and the project was subsequently also hampered by COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021. The FWF's donation of the Ranger Double Cab 4x4 will enable the teams to reach remote areas necessary for their much-needed research.

FWF Manager Lynda du Plessis, commends the freshwater eels research project, stating that it is a fantastic collaborative initiative that not only addresses the issue of a threatened species but also the connected freshwater and marine ecology and sustainability as a whole.

"We look forward to seeing our FWF Ford Ranger helping the team gain valuable information that is essential to protect the rich biodiversity of the region. Partnering for projects such as these reflects on Ford’s values and commitment – caring for each other and protecting the environment.”

UMP Research Director, Professor Phindile Lukhele-Olorunju, expresses her gratitude for the donation, "it is an indication and recognition of the high level of research conducted by UMP staff and students." She also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between institutions and stakeholders, stating that the vehicle will further the reach of the work they continue to do.

Relief for research students 

PhD student at UMP, Annelize van der Merwe, is one of the students who will benefit from the vehicle donation, as her research focuses on freshwater ecology, specifically on multiple stressors affecting Anguillid eels. 

"This car will get us everywhere we need to go for conducting this research. We drive around a lot for our project because eels are found all around the coast. They are born in the ocean and come up in the rivers. There are very few rivers that are still in good condition to be able to accommodate these eels because they are an endangered species, and we don't know much about them due to their charismatic lifestyle."

Van der Merwe explains that in countries such as China, eel meat is considered a delicacy, and it is very expensive. However, she added, "We need to save them because people are exploiting them at high numbers, and for us to have the populations in a sustainable way, we need to study them and ensure there is more for our children to see in the future," she concluded.

The vehicle donation will go a long way in helping the UMP team to achieve their goals of conducting research that will save the eels.

@ Story and pictures Cleopatra Makhaga. 

The Nedbank and Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition is an annual competition that has been active for over 50 years. It is considered one of the most prestigious economic competitions in South Africa, aimed at discovering young talent in economics and empowering future leaders of Africa.

The competition is open to undergraduate and postgraduate economics students from tertiary institutions across the country. The finalists are selected by a panel of judges that includes sponsors, National Treasury, the business sector, academia, and external consultants.

This year's competition focused on the challenging economic conditions facing South Africa, characterized by low economic growth over the past decade. These conditions have been attributed to factors such as regulatory and policy uncertainty, sluggish progress in implementing structural reforms, and the adverse impact of worsening power cuts on the economy.

Students were presented with the challenging task of writing an essay that delved into the economic and infrastructural challenges facing South Africa while offering potential solutions.

In particular, postgraduate university students who entered the competition were required to assess the potential impact of a proposed plan on the South African economy. They had to critically evaluate whether this plan was a game-changer that would facilitate future growth, or another plan destined to fail.

Additionally, entrants had to examine the impact of public infrastructure investment on economic growth, drawing from South Africa's post-2000 period. The essay prompt also called for a discussion on the prospects for economic growth in the medium term.

Nkamba was among the finalists selected by a panel of judges. His study found that public infrastructure investment continued to rise from the early 2000s until 2009, with public spending as a percentage of GDP sitting at 9.6%. However, from 2016 to 2020, public infrastructure investment declined each year due to larger debts and budget deficits by the government, resulting in worsened economic growth.

Finalists had to present their ideas in front of a live audience, including South Africa's Minister of Finance Mr Godongwane, which was held in Cape Town and coincided with the national budget speech. The judges evaluated each student based on their intellectual sparkle, ability to formulate and express rational arguments, and understanding and knowledge of topical global economic issues.

Nkamba explains: “Public spending remained at good levels heading into the early 2010's with the introduction with the National Development Plan and the New Growth Path. From 2016 to 2020, public infrastructure investment continued to decline each year, and this is explained by larger debts and budget deficits by the government, economic growth also worsened as a result.”

Addressing key problems

Nkamba provided possible alternatives to funding public infrastructure investment, such as a refined deficit financing technique accompanied by its own challenges, as well as an increased involvement of the private sector. He also acknowledged the establishment of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan and the Investment and Infrastructure Office, stating that such actions may lead to an upward trajectory of economic growth in the medium term.

His passion for economics began when he was doing a BCom general for his undergraduate degree, where he was able to learn about key problems affecting the country.

“I really liked the way economics helps students understand how the world around them operates. Getting to learn about key problems in affecting the country such as unemployment, inequality, inflation and related topics.”

Entering the competition was not initially on Nkamba's list of things to do, but his economics lecturer encouraged him to participate.

“My lecturer encouraged me to enter the competition. Then I was intrigued by the competition question of public infrastructure investment in South Africa as well as its relevance in the present day. I then proceeded to enter the competition as it was a topic of my interest,” says Nkamba.

Encouraging emerging economists

The Budget Speech Competition is an excellent platform for economics students to challenge themselves, gain exposure to the industry, and contribute to solving South Africa's economic and infrastructural challenges. UMP is proud of Nkamba’s participation and encourages students to enter this year’s competition, which closes on 30 June 2023.

Each year, the competition poses challenging economic scenarios to participants, which they need to research and explore. The competition requires students to provide interesting insights and offer solutions to the economic and infrastructural challenges and opportunities facing South Africa.

The competition not only provides students with the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills in economics but also offers them the chance to network with leading economists and industry professionals. Winners of the competition receive substantial cash prizes, and finalists are often scouted by leading companies in the financial sector.

Interested students can find the entry link here: https://budgetspeechcompetition.co.za/questions/

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Picture design @Nedbank.

The three-day engagement, which was a partnership by African higher education and research institutes, viz. the University of Mpumalanga (UMP – lead by Dr Zakheleni Dube), North-West University (NWU – lead by Prof Driekie Fourie) and the Agricultural Research Council (lead by Prof Mieke Daneel) as well as the multinational agricultural company Syngenta (Mr Stefan van Zyl).

The workshop was attended by nematologists, early-career researchers, academics, students, agricultural extension workers, farmers, government officials, representatives from industry and representatives from African countries, Europe, and North America.

Panema was established as an initiative of the NEMEDUSSA project which is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and VLIR-UOS from Belgium. The NEMEDUSSA project has been initiated and is managed by nematologists at the Gent University, Belgium. The Panema initiative aims to promote networking and academic exchange between nematologists working in Africa. Partial sponsoring of the workshop by Syngenta Seedcare made this event possible in South Africa.

Some of the topics presented at the workshop included sustainable crop production.

The focus of the Panema workshop is on sharing good educational practices, creating and strengthening networks between higher education institutes (HEIs), stakeholders, and providing additional educational opportunities for those working in agriculture and nematology.

The workshop strived to have a good balance between seminars and hands-on practice in the field and lab, to enhance life-long learning and create opportunities for interactive discussions and networking between stakeholders.

In opening and welcoming participants to the workshop, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (FANS) at UMP, Professor Moses Mbewe highlighted the progress that UMP has made since its establishment in 2013.

"It is an honour for UMP to host the 2nd Panema workshop. UMP has been able to build state-of-the-art infrastructure which includes lecture venues, laboratories, and computer labs to create a conducive environment for the academic project to thrive. We trust that you will have meaningful and productive engagements to advance the work of PANEMA, " he said.

“We are a young institution and if you look around here, you wouldn't think this is an almost eight, nine-year university in terms of its existence. We ought to be doing it better because we are a university that was built in democracy.

We pride ourselves in delivering our projects on time and within budget allocations. And whatever we don't use is accounted for in the reserves and many others. We are a source of pride amongst universities in South Africa,” said Professor Mbewe.

The conference was attended by delegates from 13 different African countries, with Europe and North America participating virtually.

The guests were also welcomed by the Chief Director for Research and Training, Dr Mantwa Kgapola, of the Department of Agriculture who explained the relationship the department has with UMP since the time it was an agricultural college where she was a principal.

"We welcome our international guests, our guests from South Africa, and ourselves as the farming community of the province. We are always interested in new information in our sector because we are the custodians of the sector. And many times, the buck stops with us, we are the main decision makers and workshops like this where we can associate with people like you is essential for us to allow us to make sound decisions."

Syngenta personnel from Basil Switzerland, Dr Brigitte Slaats (Technical Ezpert EAME) and Dr Steve Maund (Head of R&D Sustainability) enlightened the participants of the workshop by providing innovative ideas on how to ensure sustainability within the context of root and soil health.

Dr Slaats also elaborated on Syngenta’s approach in developing technology for sustainable agriculture. Another renowned nematologist emeritus Prof Richard Sikora (Bonn University, Germany) and external adviser of the NEMEDUSSA project shared his view and experience on sustainable crop production and food security in Africa.

Another interesting, applicable and practical contribution by Hans van de Water (owner of the Belgian company The Floor is Yours) intrigued participants by informing them on how to translate one’s research or project into a clear message that is tailored to the specific audience.

Assistant coordinator of the NEMEDUSSA project and the International Master of Agro and Environmental Nematology at Ghent University, Dora Scott, said NEMEDUSSA is a project sponsored by Erasmus + the European Commission and assists partner universities across Africa to develop their nematology capacity.

“We assist with making connections, giving them lab equipment, and also training people in different techniques for nematode identification, molecular work, nematode management, joining them on different kinds of nematode-based social and scientific platforms, and the aim of the project is really to educate people and to help them help themselves.”

She further explained that the aim of this project is to create awareness about nematodes so that they can improve crop production and quality.

“One of our aims is to bring people with different backgrounds together and give them an opportunity to learn from one another. We also have expert booths, where people can select what is interesting for them and what they want to learn more about.”

Scott said that “everyone could select topics to learn more from a variety of options provided. We're happy that we are creating the opportunity to be able to help people who otherwise don't have access to information about nematodes, and giving them the opportunity to talk to other people facing the same problem, but maybe with a different background and a different experience.”

UMP lecturer Dr Zakheleni Dube and NWU Prof Driekie Fourie during the first session of the workshop demonstrated that working together across Higher Education Institutions is important and valuable by doing an interactive, combined presentation about student research: current status, challenges and the future. This contribution was particularly focused on the status of this topic in Africa.

Students Experience

UMP Master's student Charles Ngwenya said that he learned about the integration and collaboration of different stakeholders, and the importance of engaging with different communities in the marginal areas, extension officers and farmers as a nematologist.

“What I have also learned about this workshop is the fact that nematology is still an emerging field on the African continent, including South Africa and there is a limited number of nematologists, especially among the younger generation. I also see a need to do research to improve the current status of nematology research.

“This workshop has impacted me very positively, my research focuses on the host sensitivity and the host status in Bambara groundnut seeds in three geographical location such as KwaZulu Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. The workshop has helped me to get more motivated in gathering information for my master’s research.”

Julius Bulus from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria, the PI who is overseeing the activities under the NEMEDUSSA project in Bello University and also works with the department of Agriculture and the department of Crop Protection, presented on ‘Enhancing compost application rate in nematode management’ where he aims to investigate the efficacy of using locally produced compost in the management of plant-parasitic nematodes.  Alternatives to nematicides are necessary since these products are expensive, and many of them will be or already have been withdrawn due to their toxicity to the environment.”

A PhD student from Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology in western Kenya, Janet Atandi, said the conference has been going on for the past three days and he believed it has been a successful event and was well organized.

“My highlights of the conference were interacting with people from different backgrounds, farmers, and getting to really understand the nematode problems. I have learned the most about entomopathogenic nematodes because they're not in my line of experience.”

Other topics that were covered during the three-day workshop included the Scientific communication for better nematode awareness, enabling of sustainable crop production and food security in Africa, and the discussion on the status of nematology across different sectors: a One Earth Approach.

The workshop also provided practical hands-on sessions on an enzyme esterase protocol and other molecular techniques to identify root-knot nematode species, use of morphology to identify both plant-parasitic and beneficial nematodes, application of methods to rear and use entomopathogenic nematodes.

Hands-on coaching of students by expert Hans van de Water on how to improve and present one’s research results in an innovative way was another popular and valuable contribution.

In addition, interactive sessions on nematology in agricultural extension, the role of women in nematology teaching and career choices, practical and sustainable approaches to manage nematodes, basics about interactions between nematodes and other plant pathogens, how to identify and look for nematode symptoms in crop plants, how to set up a private diagnostic nematology laboratory, use of entomopathogenic nematodes as biocontrol agents of economically important insects, how to ensure the ‘survival’ of the discipline of nematology and application of innovative tools to use nematodes as bioindicators contributed to the success of the workshop.

The formal program of the workshop was concluded with 10-minute oral talks and 3-minute oral poster presentations by students and partners of the NEMEDUSSA project. It was wonderful to see how the students applied the knowledge they gathered from Hans van de Water to improve and present with power!

A delightful and vibrant gala dinner at UMP’s stylish Tfokamala Hotel was the final activity where all participants enjoyed themselves, either on the dance floor or just chatting to their peers.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures Supplied.

As a passionate teacher, he lectures several undergraduate courses including cell biology, African mammalogy, African vertebrate ecology, and conservation biology, with an emphasis on both theoretical understanding and practical application of knowledge.

Having been recently re-evaluated as a C2 rated researcher by the NRF and recently appointed as a full professor, Professor Parker's research career has centred around developing a theoretical grounding in ecology by incorporating a diverse range of ecological skills and techniques.

Initially, his research concentrated on the interactions between plants and animals using giraffes and elephants in the Eastern Cape as his animal models. However, he has now broadened his area of interest to encompass the biology of large carnivores and terrestrial biodiversity.

“Since my research career began, I have managed to develop a sound theoretical grounding in ecology by incorporating a diverse range of ecological skills and techniques into my research.

Although my formative research focused on the plant-animal interactions of giraffes and elephants in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, I am also particularly interested in large carnivore biology and terrestrial biodiversity,” he says.

Teaching beyond the classroom

For his PhD, Professor Parker investigated the effects of elephants in four vegetation types and the cascade effect on three associated taxa and two ecosystem processes at five sites with elephants and five paired sites without elephants in the Eastern Cape province, between April 2005 and July 2007.

“In my study I concluded that, at their current densities, elephants do not (in most cases) negatively affect plant and animal communities or ecosystem processes in enclosed reserves. However, elephants had only been present at each site for a relatively short period and so their impact will likely be cumulative, increasing over time.”

Professor Parker also heads the Wildlife and Reserve Management Research Group (WRMRG) at UMP, which aims to promote postgraduate education and skilled personnel creation through postgraduate research management at UMP.

“The group also assists protected-area managers by undertaking research directed at relevant problems and questions, and contributes to conservation efforts by conducting fundamental research,” Professor Parker explains.

Beyond his teaching and research, Professor Parker is the immediate past president of the Southern African Wildlife Management Association, and Editor-in Chief of the African Journal of Wildlife Research. He has supervised over 35 Masters and PhD students, served on the committees of several professional organizations, authored over 150 scientific articles, technical reports, and conference presentations, and led some key partnerships for UMP.

As a young institution, building partnerships is crucial to UMP's success, and Professor Parker hopes to continue championing such partnerships to grow the university's teaching and research footprint.

“I have been lucky to be involved in some the first MOUs (Memorandum of Understanding) that have been signed between UMP and several conservation-related agencies. I hope to continue to champion these partnerships going forward, and carry on to fly the UMP flag high and grow our teaching and research footprint.”

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

Dr Shongwe's research and social responsibility aim to establish strong interdisciplinary networks and collaborate with researchers across disciplines to provide leadership in research that contributes directly to the economy of South Africa.

“The world is complex and moving forward – there is a need for more inter-disciplinary work. In the future I hope to establish strong networks and to collaborate with researchers across disciplines. Coupled with stakeholder engagement, I aspire to provide leadership in research that directly contributes to the economy of South Africa.” 

He is also concerned about poverty and hunger in Africa, particularly in the face of climate change, and sees an opportunity in the relatively high youth unemployment rate in South Africa.

“Poverty and hunger are still widespread in Africa. As someone in the agricultural sector, food security issues – especially when coupled with climate change – provide a complex challenge. South Africa has relatively high youth unemployment rate and this against a food insecure Africa, provides an opportunity,” he notes, adding that academic institutions must offer attractive and innovative agricultural training options to the youth to address these issues.

“The government, industry players and training institutions have critical roles in such. I am of the view that academic institutions must be agile and provide attractive agricultural training options to the youth, for example specialised short courses. Again, this should be innovative and in line with the times.”

Dr Shongwe joins UMP after leaving his position as lecturer in Farm Power and Machinery in the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at the University of Eswatini. He hopes to contribute to the growth and success of the University of Mpumalanga by improving the quality of graduates through teamwork and collaboration.

“UMP is a relatively new institution and that affords me a chance to engage in a lot of things that otherwise, I would not have experienced in established institutions. More importantly, I am also here to learn. I am of the view that through teamwork UMP will move up the University Rankings and become the first-choice institution, especially for the people of the province. Of course, this will be through improving the quality of the graduates.”

Dr Shongwe completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Eswatini (formerly known as the University of Swaziland) and then earned an Honours and a Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering at the University of Pretoria.

He returned to the University of Eswatini as a Lecturer in the Department of Land Use and Mechanisation, from where he also completed his PhD in Bio-resource Systems through the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2019.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures Supplied.

Nkosi, who hails from Barberton in Mpumalanga, chose to study social work to help her community and to make a positive difference. She aims to advocate for individuals struggling with social issues and connect them with resources to improve their quality of life. Mnisi, from Pienaar kaDaantjie, also wants to enhance human well-being and assist those in need.

Sharing where her desire to make the world a better place comes from, she says, "Growing up in a disadvantaged home, where we could barely make ends meet, it has always been in me to help others so that they don't go through the same situation similar to mine."

Nkosi adds, "I’m making huge sacrifices – waking up early and having late nights, studying, trying to adjust to university life. I’m doing all this to become a better person because it’s not only me who will benefit, but also my community will be alleviated when I become a social worker. Remember, changing an individual's life can have an impact on the whole family. So imagine what might happen if you are able to impact five people from different households."

Nkosi also aspires to change other people's lives, "I want to be a heroine. I want my name to appear in the history books for all the good things I would have done."

Addressing societal ills

The programme, introduced in 2023, focuses on sociology, psychology, and social work modules in the first three years of study, while the fourth year exposes students to practical and professional components. The course prepares graduates to work as registered professional social workers with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

Nkosi wants to be a catalyst for change.

Graduates can work in various sectors, including public services, human resources, and non-governmental organizations. They may work as employee assistance programme officers or be employed in the corporate world to improve employee welfare and benefits. In non-governmental organisations, social workers design, implement, monitor, and evaluate intervention programmes.

Once she graduates, Nkosi aims to address gender-based violence (GBV) and substance abuse, which are causing harm to her peers. She emphasizes the seriousness of the issue, stating that victims of gender-based violence often turn to substance abuse as a way to escape their reality. Nkosi believes that having more social workers would provide people with more resources to solve their problems with professional help.

“GBV is a very serious dilemma, and it has destroyed thousands of lives around the world. Victims of GBV tend to abuse substances because they believe that it is the best way to escape the reality of their lives,” she says.

Similarly, Mnisi chose to study social work to enhance human well-being and help individuals, families, groups, and communities solve complex problems.

Mnisi wants to focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. Growing up she witnessed a lot of suffering and believes that as a social worker, she can improve societal conditions.

“During my childhood years I witnessed a lot of people and families suffering and some young people being abused. Being a social worker, would allow me to improve the conditions of society. I particularly want to focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and the ones living in poverty,” she says.

Both Nkosi and Mnisi stress the importance of having more social workers in the country, to address the rising rates of GBV, increase support for families and individuals suffering, and promote social justice. Mnisi also aims to create a programme to support abused women and teach young girls about their bodies and rights.

“We need more social workers because GBV seems to be increasing and also the number of families and people who are suffering. Lastly, we need more social workers to promote social justice in all populations and groups,” says Mnisi.

@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.