The awards ceremony, held at the Mbombela campus, recognised high-performing students while reflecting on the responsibility of graduates to contribute meaningfully to society beyond academic success.

A key message of the evening came from the Chairperson of the Legal Practice Council (LPC) in Mpumalanga, Advocate Buyile Mdluli-Raolane, who spoke about ubuntu and how graduates can translate academic achievements into ethical leadership and service to society.

She drew inspiration from the late Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, describing her as “a mother, a pioneer, a scholar and a servant of justice and jurist whose legacy continues to shape our democracy.”

She reflected on Justice Mokgoro’s contribution to South African public life through ubuntu.

“Justice Mokgoro’s greatest gift to our nation was not only her judicial philosophy. It was a single phrase she elevated into our national consciousness: Ubuntu, which translates as humanness,” she said, noting that meaningful impact should begin within communities before extending outward.

The awards ceremony honoured high-performing graduates for their academic excellence.

Advocate Mdluli-Raolane cautioned that academic success must be matched with responsibility towards others.

“Excellence without ubuntu is empty. Academic excellence means you mastered your subject, but ubuntu means your subject masters you in the service of others,” she said, urging graduates to use their qualifications to advance dignity and social inclusion.

“We do not simply need more graduates. We need graduates who care, graduates who see people, and graduates who understand that dignity is not a luxury, but a human right.”

Advocate Mdluli-Raolane further called on students to become ethical leaders capable of responding to South Africa’s pressing challenges, including inequality, unemployment and gender-based violence.

“The kind of graduate South Africa needs today is flexible in thinking, creative in problem-solving, but unshakable in values and ethics.”

Advocate Mdluli-Raolane also congratulated the University of Mpumalanga on graduating its first cohort of Bachelor of Laws (LLB) students, describing it as an important milestone in the institution’s growing contribution to legal education. She reaffirmed the Legal Practice Council’s commitment to supporting the University in developing future legal professionals.

“The Legal Practice Council remains committed to collaborating with UMP to ensure the University produces graduates of the highest calibre. We look forward to welcoming these graduates into the legal profession,” she said.

She concluded by encouraging graduates to leave a lasting impact beyond their academic achievement. “Excellence brought you here tonight. Ubuntu will take you everywhere after this. Do not just join a profession, elevate it. South Africa is waiting. The world is waiting. Go out there and make a positive impact,” she said.
UMP community members and stakeholders attended the event.

Excellence rooted in discipline and support

UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, said the awards recognise achievement grounded in discipline, focus and perseverance.

“We would not have gathered here had it not been for your hard work, excellence, perseverance and tenacity. You understood the importance of remaining focused and committed to your goals,” she said.

Professor Meyiwa also acknowledged the role of parents, lecturers, university leadership and partners in supporting students throughout their academic journeys.

“These awards remind us that excellence is possible through dedication, important partnerships and the support systems that help students succeed. Your achievements have made us the University we aspire to be.”

She praised students for their resilience in the face of academic and personal challenges.

“You braved the sunshine, the cold weather, the long walks and the hard work required to succeed,” she said.

The ceremony concluded with a photo session and networking reception, allowing award recipients, guests, staff and stakeholders to celebrate academic achievement and strengthen connections in a spirit of collaboration.

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

Receiving his qualification, Bonginkosi Hlatshwayo said the achievement is “far more than an academic milestone; it is a transformative achievement that reshapes my outlook on life and role in society”.

After completing the qualification in one year, Mr Hlatshwayo said being awarded the degree signifies resilience, perseverance, and the ability to rise above adversity, proving that challenges can be turned into stepping stones to greatness.

His research dissertation, titled: Assessing the Marketing Efforts of Nature Reserves and their Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Blyde River Canyon Nature Reserve, yielded two publications – one article already published and another manuscript accepted for publication.

He explained that the study provided valuable insights for the tourism industry and local communities. By examining how marketing strategies align with visitor expectations and sustainability practices, the study highlights the importance of effective communication in promoting responsible travel.

“The findings show that initiatives such as conservation awareness, seasonal programming, and word-of-mouth promotion not only attract tourists but also foster inclusive economic growth (SDG 8), poverty alleviation (SDG 1), and sustainable community development (SDG 11)."

Mr Hlatshwayo further explained that the research benefits the tourism industry by offering practical recommendations, such as marketing innovations, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded entertainment activities, that can extend visitor stays and increase revenue, while communities benefit from job creation, local participation, and strengthened environmental stewardship.

“It bridges a gap in the literature on marketing innovation and sustainable development, ensuring that tourism growth contributes meaningfully to people and the natural environment." 

Breaking barriers through determination

The first in his family to attend university, Mr Hlatshwayo mentions that determination motivated him to complete his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tourism in record time.

“Completing it in a single year, I also became the first and only graduate of this programme at UMP. Along the way, I published a peer-reviewed article and prepared another manuscript, proving that excellence is possible even under difficult circumstances", he said. 

He added that the master’s qualification has enhanced his critical thinking and analytical skills and deepened his understanding of life. “It has taught me to rise above adversity and to see beyond employment alone. It has equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to create opportunities as a future leader in the tourism industry.

“The importance of this qualification lies in its dual impact: it strengthens my personal growth and intellectual capacity, while also enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the tourism sector and to inspire others facing similar struggles to pursue excellence with courage and determination.”

Mr Hlatshwayo is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Mpumalanga. 

"Today, as I continue my studies at PhD level, my journey stands as proof that with resilience, perseverance, and faith, academic excellence is achievable. It is a story I share to inspire others at UMP to pursue their dreams relentlessly, rise above challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the growth of our university and society," he said.

Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.

The collaboration, signed on 12 May 2026, will create opportunities for joint research, student internships, community engagement and innovation in addressing water, food and energy challenges. It also brings together academia and the water management sector to respond to critical issues relating to water security, climate change, food sustainability and socioeconomic development in South Africa, Eswatini and neighbouring countries.

UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, described the agreement as a historic partnership as it aligns with the University’s commitment to working with strategic partners to address societal challenges and improve communities.

She said it will open avenues for researchers, students, and alumni to contribute to solutions for water-related challenges affecting communities in the semi-arid region of Southern Africa.

“This collaboration is about ensuring the sustainable use of water for people, plants and animals while contributing towards food security and sustainability,” she said, highlighting the regional significance of the partnership, noting that it extends beyond South Africa and Eswatini, with prospects for collaboration involving Mozambique, and particularly in village and community development initiatives.

UMP’s School of Biology and Environmental Sciences, together with the School of Agricultural Sciences, will contribute research and expertise towards sustainable water use and environmental management.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, Professor Ndiko Ludidi, said sustainable water management remains a pressing priority in South Africa, given the country’s status as a water-scarce region requiring innovative and collaborative responses.

“We are well-positioned for this partnership, particularly through the School of Agricultural Sciences, because agriculture accounts for nearly 70% of freshwater use globally. Partnerships such as these are crucial in ensuring sustainable resource management for future generations,” he said.

The UMP-KOBWA partnership is expected to open avenues for researchers, students and alumni to contribute to water-related challenges, particularly in rural areas. 

Chief Executive Officer of KOBWA, Trevor Shongwe, said the agreement is a significant step towards building capacity, generating knowledge and empowering future generations to contribute meaningfully to sustainable natural resource management.

“The collaboration comes at a critical time as climate change continues to impact water systems through droughts, floods and increasing pressure on water infrastructure. We need innovative and sustainable solutions to address challenges relating to water security, environmental sustainability and energy insecurity in the region,” he added.

“This partnership would also provide opportunities for UMP students and researchers to contribute towards real-world solutions in water management and community development." 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, said the MoU strengthens the University’s regional and international outlook while creating opportunities for interdisciplinary research around the water-food-energy nexus.

“The impact component of this MoU for universities is far-reaching. It broadens prospects for research, student exposure, innovation and meaningful engagement with communities and stakeholders,” he said, adding that the partnership would also support the development of emerging researchers and position water impact and management as part of UMP’s future institutional research themes.

The MoU is expected to drive collaborative research projects, internships, community engagement initiatives and knowledge-sharing programmes that strengthen sustainable water resource management. Through the partnership, UMP and KOBWA aim to develop practical solutions that support water security, environmental sustainability and long-term regional development.

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

In this role, Professor Magwaza will lead the SARChI SuReFoodS programme, which is embedded within the African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA), funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

The UKUDLA initiative at UMP is led by Professor Ndiko Ludidi, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences. The Chair positions UMP as a leading hub for interdisciplinary research addressing climate change, food security, digital agriculture, and sustainable agrifood systems.

Professor Magwaza, an NRF-rated researcher, is an internationally recognised plant scientist and postharvest technology expert, strengthening UMP’s growing research profile in sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food systems innovation.

Professor Magwaza is widely recognised for his contributions to postharvest physiology, digital agriculture, sustainable horticulture, and resilient food systems. His research focuses on understanding plant–environment interactions and developing practical technologies that reduce postharvest losses, improve food quality, and strengthen climate resilience across agricultural value chains.

Over more than 25 years, he has pioneered the application of sensor technologies, machine learning, chemometrics, and high-throughput phenotyping tools within horticultural systems.

His work has contributed to innovations in edible coatings, hydroponic nutrient systems, circular agriculture, and resource-efficient crop production, with applications in commercial farming, breeding programmes, and supply-chain optimisation.

Professor Magwaza has extensive experience in curriculum transformation, research collaboration, and international capacity building. He contributed to the redesign of Agricultural Sciences curricula at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and has supported the development of academic programmes and research partnerships across Africa, Europe, and Asia.

His international engagements include work within the Clean Cooling Network, agricultural degree accreditation initiatives in Benin, collaborative programmes with Jiangsu University in China, and curriculum development within Cranfield University’s Food Systems and Management programme.

He has also supervised and mentored numerous postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists who now hold positions across academia, industry, and policy sectors.

Professor Magwaza is a Senior Fellow of Advance HE (SFHEA). He serves as Associate Editor for Frontiers in Plant Science (Crop & Product Physiology) and is an Editorial Board Member for Foods. He is affiliated with the Academy of Science of South Africa, the Southern African Society for Horticultural Science, the International Society for Horticultural Science, and the Clean Cooling Network.

Story and picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.

The Olympiad brought together students, policymakers, entrepreneurship support organisations and strategic partners on a collaborative platform focused on innovation, business development and leadership. The programme is designed to turn African youth-driven ideas into practical solutions and sustainable enterprises through structured engagement, mentorship opportunities and access to innovation support networks.

“The role of universities is not only to produce graduates, but to create opportunities, partnerships and innovation ecosystems that empower young people to shape a different Africa,” said UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa.

A key highlight of the Olympiad was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Mpumalanga Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator (UMPCEFERI) and the Young African Entrepreneurs Institute (YAEI), aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship development, youth empowerment and innovation collaboration across Africa.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of YAEI, Mr Risuna Maluleke, described the partnership as a shared commitment to expanding opportunities for young entrepreneurs and student innovators. The agreement will extend beyond the Olympiad to include student and staff exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, capacity-building activities and broader continental partnership development.

“The agreement represents a declaration of shared intent to strengthen entrepreneurship development, expand access to opportunities and support student innovators,” said Mr Maluleke, encouraging students to adopt solution-driven thinking in addressing societal challenges.

The StartUpAfrica Innovation Olympiad is currently implemented in 47 African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and provides structured platforms for idea development, mentorship, investor engagement and cross-border collaboration.

President and Chief Executive Officer of StartUpAfrica, Mr Erastus Mong’are, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting and connecting young innovators across the continent.

He said sustained collaboration between institutions is key to building strong innovation pipelines and expanding opportunities for African youth.

The event formed part of ongoing efforts by UMP to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems and equip young Africans with the skills, networks and support needed to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s future economy.

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

Held on 23 May 2026, the event featured a range of mainstream sporting codes, including football, netball, volleyball, basketball, rugby, athletics, and tennis. Indigenous games such as morabaraba, diketo, encuva, and chess also formed part of the programme, highlighting the University’s commitment to cultural inclusion and holistic student development.

Director of Housing and Acting Dean of Students, Dr Nomvula Twaise, described the event as an opportunity to celebrate teamwork, sportsmanship, and unity among students and staff. She encouraged participants to embrace healthy competition and reminded them that the value of sport extends beyond winning.

Dr Twaise also thanked UMP management for its continued support in promoting both academic and co-curricular excellence.

The Mbombela women’s team emerged victorious on the day. Speaking after the event, Advanced Diploma in ICT student and team captain, Ms Kgatishi Thaba, credited the achievement to the team’s hard work and preparation throughout the year.

“The competition was tough, but everyone gave their best. These results reflect the dedication and commitment our team has shown since the beginning of the year through training and preparation,” she said.

Adding excitement and entertainment to the event were the UMP cheerleaders, who delivered energetic performances featuring choreographed routines, stunts, jumps, and dance sequences.

The Sports Day is aimed at promoting teamwork, wellness, and campus unity through sport and recreation.

Bachelor of Arts student and Chairperson of the UMP Cheerleaders, Ms Unami Songelwa, said the inclusion of the Mbombela cheerleading squad in the Sports Day programme was a significant moment for the team.

“We are grateful to have been part of the event. Many people think cheerleading is only about entertainment, but it also requires discipline, training, and teamwork. It is a sport that allows students to express themselves, relieve stress, and stay active,” she said.

UMP employees also took part in friendly competition during the Sports Day, using the event to strengthen teamwork and build camaraderie across campuses and departments. Once again, the Mbombela team claimed top honours.

AV Technician Mr Dibate Thobejane, who represented the Mbombela staff team, said the event helped foster unity beyond the sporting field.

“It feels incredible to win after weeks of preparation and friendly matches. All the training and effort were worth it. There is also a real sense of pride in representing your campus and staff team, and hearing colleagues cheering from the sidelines made the experience even more special,” he said.

The day forms part of the University's ongoing efforts to create a vibrant student experience.

Mr Thobejane said the event also created opportunities for staff members to build relationships across departments and campuses.

“It is not only about winning, but also about building relationships and creating friendly competition that helps break down silos between departments and campuses. Events like these encourage an active lifestyle, while also strengthening camaraderie and a shared sense of belonging across the University,” he said.

The Sports Day formed part of the University’s ongoing efforts to create a vibrant student experience by encouraging participation in sport, recreation, and student life activities.

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

The dialogue brought together researchers, policymakers, district municipalities, traditional leaders, government departments, and other stakeholders to explore research on urbanisation processes in former homelands, land ownership, food security, governance, and economic development within the province.

Director of Research at UMP, Dr Naledi Nthite, said the platform aimed to showcase research on urbanisation in former homelands while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between researchers, government, and communities.

“We invited different stakeholders to engage with the research findings and better understand how the studies can help shape policies that improve the lives of people in the province, particularly as much of the research focused on Mpumalanga,” she said.

Discussions on the day also explored how municipalities, communal leaders, and traditional authorities can work together to support economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and equitable land distribution in communities across the province.

Professor Philip Harrison from Wits, whose research formed part of the broader study, spoke about the importance of influencing policy development and improving livelihoods in Mpumalanga communities.

One of the key case studies presented focused on the Moloto Corridor. Dr Ngaka Mosiane from the Gauteng City-Region Observatory highlighted the corridor’s role in shaping urban development and mobility within the region, revealing that approximately 50 000 commuters and more than 500 buses travel through the corridor daily, demonstrating its economic and social significance. 

Her presentation also showed challenges related to safety, infrastructure, and economic opportunities along the corridor, with calls for improved planning and greater support for local entrepreneurship.

Professor Jennifer Robinson from University College London and Professor Sarah Charlton from Wits presented with a focus on Bushbuckridge Local Municipality as a site of rapid urbanisation, highlighting the municipality’s significant population growth and increasingly urban character despite ongoing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and infrastructure backlogs.
Discussions explored ways for municipalities and communities to work together in support of economic growth and job creation.

UMP Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Dr Thembelihle Makhanya, emphasised the need for improved public transport infrastructure and collaborative land-use management to address urbanisation challenges and improve service delivery.

Ms Devashree Naidoo, Lecturer in Sociology at UMP, spoke on the importance of social justice and indigenous knowledge systems in development and urbanisation processes. She emphasised the need for inclusive and context-specific policies that recognise local governance traditions and community-based knowledge systems.

Representatives from the three district municipalities in Mpumalanga, the Office of the Premier, and several provincial departments attended the dialogue to engage with research-driven solutions and explore how evidence-based policy can contribute to sustainable development and improved service delivery.

Lecturer in the School of Development Studies at UMP, Ms Confidence Ndlovu, presented research on communal land and local food systems in Mpumalanga, which highlights the challenges faced by small-scale farmers, including limited agricultural support services, low incomes, and gender disparities in land allocation.

The dialogue emphasised the need for integrated urban development strategies and the recognition of Bushbuckridge as an emerging metropolitan region rather than a collection of isolated rural settlements.

The workshop concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of research-driven dialogue in shaping policies that respond to the realities faced by communities in Mpumalanga while strengthening partnerships between academia, government, and local stakeholders.

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

A united front of political parties and civic groups took to the streets of Durban calling for tighter immigration controls and the large-scale removal of undocumented migrants.

The scramble for Africa during the 1884 and 1885 Berlin Conference, in Germany, remains intact to this day despite decades-long initiatives to address such issues.

The purpose of the conference was to ensure that Africa's future was decided as a supplier of resources and raw materials to the West.

After this, every possible initiative and media became unleashed to rattle Africa's image and prospects. It was the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (now the AU) in 1963 in Addis Ababa, which became not only momentous but also gave hope to Africans.

The formation of the OAU sought to promote Pan-Africanism and maintain the sovereignty of African states. In essence this was to ensure the addressing and advocating for the reversal of colonial decisions, as they were meant to paralyse Africa for good.

At the centre of this decolonial project was the ideological debate of presidents Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, which has been forgotten. This debate should be resuscitated to become a regular feature in our reflections if Africa Day celebrations are to be meaningful.

These reflections put us in a position of hindsight over Nkrumah and Nyerere. I do not think we have taken full advantage of this hindsight, but instead it seems we have become way too comfortable to contend with the chaos of poverty, inequality, economic migration, exclusion and youth unemployment, among other things.

This comfort position continues to delay the prosperity and competitiveness of Africa even more on a global scale.

So, Nkrumah's position regarding the need for an immediate united Africa with a continental government needs revisiting, especially considering geopolitical issues that are currently shifting in favour of the global South and China in particular.

His position was also propelled by his own mobilisation of the West African nations support to reverse what I consider to be the colonial agenda to conquer, divide and exploit Africa for eternity. This position was always going to ruffle the feathers of colonial powers, as it represented a radical change that was going to require resilience, courage and sustained efforts.

This is now an opportune time for Africa to revisit this position in an intentional and concretised manner.

The article was first published in the Sowetan Newspaper.

The roadshow aimed to expand awareness, participation, and partnerships among institutions of higher learning across the Indian Ocean region, while also strengthening engagement with the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) network.

The event provided a platform for dialogue on collaboration, innovation, and inclusive academic engagement, with a particular focus on supporting emerging scholars and Early Career Researchers (ECRs).

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, said the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group plays an important role in advancing academic collaboration and strategic partnerships across the region.

UMP DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel speaking during the event.

He highlighted the importance of multilateral engagement, innovation, and supporting the development of ECRs, adding that African scholarship should remain central to conversations shaping the future of the Indian Ocean region.

“The strategic conversations we are having today are about access, representation, innovation, and the future of African scholarship within the Indian Ocean region,” said Professor Stroebel, stressing the importance of strengthening engagement networks for postgraduate students and ECRs, while supporting initiatives such as the Africa Australia University Network’s formal ECR network.

"UMP’s research focus areas align closely with the objectives of IORA, particularly in sustainability, climate resilience, food systems, innovation, blue economy development, and inclusive knowledge production," he said.

Hosted as part of UMP’s growing research and internationalisation agenda, the roadshow also explored how institutions outside South Africa’s traditional coastal and metropolitan centres can contribute meaningfully to global conversations on sustainability, indigenous knowledge systems, agriculture, food security, climate adaptation, entrepreneurship, maritime economies, and community-centred innovation.

Discussions created opportunities for networking and collaboration among emerging scholars, postgraduate students and future leaders.

Key focus areas included opportunities for academics, researchers, and students to participate in projects related to marine safety and security, fisheries management, disaster risk management, and the blue economy.

The event reaffirmed UMP’s growing role as an emerging intellectual hub in the region, contributing perspectives from Mpumalanga to international academic discourse while creating opportunities for young researchers to participate in regional and global knowledge networks.

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

The celebration featured cultural exhibitions, country presentations, traditional performances and discussions centred on Pan-Africanism, African identity and the role of higher education in advancing the continent’s development.

The keynote address at the Mbombela campus was delivered by Ras Sipho Gideon Mantula, a South African human rights lawyer and Pan-Africanist scholar, and Professor Major General Solly Mollo shared his insights at the Siyabuswa campus.

Speaking under the theme: Showcasing our Africanness, the speakers emphasised the importance of cultural diversity and African-centred education in universities across the continent.

Staff and students celebrated Africa Day with vibrancy.

Students represented different regions of the African continent through cultural demonstrations and presentations. Participating countries included Algeria representing North Africa, Burkina Faso from West Africa, Comoros and Madagascar from East Africa, Angola from Central Africa and South Africa representing Southern Africa.

Addressing guests at the Mbombela and Siyabuswa campuses, respectively, UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa highlighted the significance of Africa Day as a celebration of resilience, unity and shared responsibility across the continent.

She reflected on Africa’s historical journey, including the formation of the African Union in 1963 and the inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela, while calling on Africans to reject xenophobia, tribalism, corruption, inequality and violence.

Professor Meyiwa encouraged students and young people to embrace innovation, compassion and solidarity in shaping Africa’s future, emphasising the importance of African languages, indigenous knowledge systems and cultural identity within higher education institutions.

UMP Community showcased different African cultures. 

The event also included friendly competition between the participating countries, with judges evaluating presentations, performances and displays across both campuses.

Siyabuswa Campus winners:

• First place: South Africa
• Second place: Burkina Faso
• Third place: Madagascar

Mbombela Campus winners:

• First place: South Africa
• Second place: Burkina Faso
• Third place: Comoros

The celebrations provided students and staff with an opportunity to engage with different African cultures and reflect on the role universities can play in preserving and promoting African identity and knowledge systems.

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

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed on 27 May 2026, establishes a framework for collaboration in lexicographic development, terminology expansion, and language resource management in line with national language policy and constitutional imperatives.

The signing coincided with the induction of the newly reconstituted Silulu SeSiswati National Lexicography Unit, led by PanSALB’s Mpumalanga office under the leadership of Mr Lufuno Ndlovu.

National Lexicography Units were established to preserve, develop, and standardise indigenous South African languages through the compilation of dictionaries and other language resources. The Silulu SeSiswati NLU is tasked with developing important language resources, including monolingual Siswati dictionaries aimed at strengthening the use and status of the language.

“As an African university, we value African epistemology and the development of African languages such as Siswati and Tshivenda, which reflect our cultural and traditional roots.

The launch of the lexicography unit presents an opportunity for researchers, academics, and students to actively contribute towards the development and enhancement of African languages through teaching, research, and scholarship,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashudu Davhana Maselesele. 

She added that the availability of study guides, bibliographies, and terminology in Siswati could help students better understand complex academic concepts and contribute positively towards student success.

The launch presents an opportunity for academics and students to contribute towards the development and enhancement of African languages.

Director of Academic Support Services at UMP, Dr Maria Madiope, said that the partnership aligns with broader national objectives of decolonisation and the Africanisation of knowledge systems through collaboration between academia, government, language practitioners, and communities.

UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, highlighted the importance of language in shaping identity and belonging.

“Language gives people dignity, identity, and a sense of belonging,” she said, reflecting on the importance of recognising and advancing indigenous languages such as Siswati and isiZulu, " she said adding that institutions need to remain intentional about language development.

"Institutions need to ensure that language, history, and identity are integrated into knowledge systems," added Professor Meyiwa.

Acting PanSALB Chief Executive Officer, Mr Julius Dantile, said the core mandate of the dictionary unit is to develop the language, ensure that it is properly recorded, and make it accessible for use within and beyond the institution.

He added that the development of monolingual Siswati dictionaries represents an important step in strengthening African languages as independent languages of learning, scholarship, and communication.

The initiative reflects UMP’s continued commitment to multilingual scholarship and the Africanisation of knowledge systems through partnerships that support indigenous language development.

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

The event highlighted the growing partnership between the two institutions following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2024 to strengthen collaboration in biodiversity conservation, research, training and human capital development.

The partnership has already created workplace training opportunities for UMP students while enhancing research collaboration between university academics and SANParks scientists.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UMP, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, highlighted the importance of biodiversity in sustaining human wellbeing and livelihoods, noting that the event aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 on Climate Action, SDG 15 on Life on Land, SDG 4 on Quality Education, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

“The 2026 International Day of Biological Diversity theme, Acting Locally for Global Impact, is both timely and urgent. Biodiversity is not separate from humanity; it is central to our wellbeing and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.

UMP-Oppenheimer Chair in Biodiversity Conservation and Associate Professor at UMP, Professor Daniel Parker, said the event reflected a collective commitment to bringing together voices from science, society and spirituality to explore biodiversity through different perspectives.

He explained that the celebration aligns with the global call of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which advocates a “whole-of-society” approach to safeguarding natural systems and ecological sustainability.

“We need to mobilise whole-of-society action for safeguarding the natural systems on which all life, livelihoods and future sustainability on this planet depend,” he said.

The event attracted researchers, academics and students.

Professor Parker also highlighted the significance of hosting the event during the centenary year of the Kruger National Park (commemorated on 31 May), describing the park as one of Africa’s most iconic conservation landscapes.

“The Kruger National Park has evolved from a protected reserve into what can truly be called a living laboratory that has shaped conservation science, ecological monitoring, environmental education, and evidence-based management across the continent,” he said.

Speaking about the transformation of national parks from colonial game reserves into protected conservation areas, former SANParks Chief Executive Officer, Professor David Mabunda, reflected on the importance of preserving biodiversity while contributing to tourism, education and community development.

“The establishment of national parks reflected the values of society and the importance of protecting landscapes, wildlife, and ecosystems for future generations,” he said.

“Kruger National Park has become a living laboratory for conservation science and ecological monitoring, supported by evidence-based management interventions.”

Through presentations and dialogue, the programme underscored the interconnectedness between people, nature and sustainable futures, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration and partnerships in protecting biodiversity for future generations.

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