• Gather and garner all the information you need so that you are fully equipped
• Grasp the content fully
• Grind and process information fully so that you are aware of every nitty gritty pertaining to your subject
• Grilled - be ready to be intensely questioned
• Grant yourself breaks to sharpen your mind
• Gratify your ambitions by doing well in the examinations
• Give yourself a pat on the back once exams are over

The ninth annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Development Trust Lecture, hosted by the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), is a platform focused on promoting ethical and moral leadership. Now a well-established tradition at the University, it encourages both the academic community and the broader public to reflect on the leadership values needed to address today’s social challenges.

The lecture aligns with UMP’s mission of driving sustainable development through innovation and ethical practices. This year’s keynote address was delivered by Ms Nonkululeko Gobodo, a renowned business leader and pioneer in South Africa’s financial sector.

Ms Gobodo is the CEO of AWAKENED Global, a social initiative. She is also the former Chairperson and founder of SizweNtsalubaGobodo, now SNG Grant Thornton, the largest, black auditing and accounting firm in South Africa. Her business and transformational insights have added depth to the ongoing conversation about leadership on the African continent

Opening the lecture, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, emphasised the importance of the lecture, noting that it has become a permanent fixture on the university’s calendar.

"This lecture promotes introspection on leadership, with a focus on the ethical and moral dimensions. It also offers students, staff, and the wider community an opportunity to reflect on the significance of ethical leadership," she said.

Professor Mayekiso further stressed the consequences of leadership failures, warning that moral lapses have inflicted irreparable harm on many nations, even endangering democracy.

"We need to be vigilant to ensure that ethics and morality remain central to leadership across all sectors." Linking this to UMP’s broader vision, she reiterated the University’s commitment to creating sustainable development opportunities through innovation and ethical practice.

She further encouraged attendees to listen attentively, learn, and apply the lessons from the lecture in their personal and professional lives. She expressed confidence that UMP’s commitment to these principles would contribute to a more ethical future for both the university and society at large.

The lecture series aims to foster dialogue on moral and ethical leadership, inspired by values of accountability, social justice, and public service.

Delivering the keynote address Ms Gobodo underscored the need for African leadership to address pressing challenges, saying, “We need to research to investigate the root causes of the issues facing Africa and find solutions to break the cycle of poverty and decline.”

She also called for a critical examination of African culture and traditions, adding, “Identify aspects of the culture and traditional religion that may be contributing to lower levels of consciousness and investigate how to evolve them.”

Reflecting on South Africa’s leadership crisis, Ms Gobodo acknowledged the progress made during 30 years of democracy but cautioned that significant challenges remain.

“We enjoy liberties and freedoms that we couldn’t before, but the sadness comes when we see poverty and inequality persist. There is a lack of intentional leadership development in the country, which has left a void and weakened key institutions."

Ms Gobodo identified corruption as one of the most critical issues undermining progress. “Corruption is like a cancer that has permeated every sector, both public and private. If we don’t address it, it will continue to grow, and one day, we will wake up when everything has exploded,” she warned.

She further highlighted the detrimental impact of corruption on education, adding, “When this corruption started to impact institutions of higher learning, that’s when I knew we were in trouble. Education is one of the strongest pillars of transformation, yet even that was not safe.”

The Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Development Trust Lecture encourages thought leadership in addressing challenges within governance, business, and civil society.

Despite these challenges, Ms Gobodo stressed the potential for transformation, asserting that the kind of leadership we need is one that can transform a country.

"If you don’t have that leadership, there will be no transformation – it’s as simple as that.” She urged UMP and other educational institutions to take a leading role in fostering ethical leadership, ensuring that future leaders possess the moral strength required to rebuild and uplift society.

In closing, Ms Gobodo challenged the audience to prioritise ethical culture in all areas of life, saying, “Our aim must be to establish an ethical culture so that all our decisions and interactions are undertaken in a way that upholds the highest standards of integrity.”

She underscored the responsibility of universities like UMP in shaping future leaders, concluding, “The products you release into the job market must be embedded with ethical values because that is the only way we will see real change.”

The event concluded with the announcement of the winner of the essay writing competition that is held in conjunction with the annual lecture. The theme of this year’s competition was A Decade of Excellence in Ethical and Moral Leadership. The winner of the essay competition received a R1 000 book voucher.

Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures by ChrisplPhoto. 

HEFMA conference serves as a platform for facilities management professionals within higher education, bringing together representatives from universities and TVET colleges to exchange knowledge and expertise. This was the first HEFMA conference that took place with the full participation of TVET colleges following their infusion into HEFMA earlier this year.

The four-day event, held at the Mbombela Campus, revolved around the theme: “Sustainable Campus of the Future,” inspired by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, with speakers from the UK, Australia and across Africa.

Since the 2007/08 financial year, South Africa's higher education sector has invested more than R28 665 billion in new infrastructure development for universities. The HEFMA conference provided an opportunity for delegates to exchange best practices, benchmark with peers, and explore sustainable infrastructure solutions for the sector. 

Opening the conference, the Dean of Students at UMP, Dr Paul Maminza, highlighted the importance of empowering facilities managers to build and maintain high-quality infrastructure.

“This conference aims to shape the future of campus management by equipping facilities managers to navigate the evolving higher education landscape and respond effectively to emerging challenges. Understanding the future requires us to anticipate the changing needs of students and institutions," he said.

This was the first year the panel discussions featured the participating universities' Vice-Chancellors as well as the TVET colleges' principals.

HEFMA President, Mr Lindokuhle Mzolo, stressed the role of the Department of Higher Education and Training in supporting infrastructure development across South African universities.

"Through the infrastructure and efficiency branch, introduced during the 2007/08 financial year, we have been addressing challenges in university infrastructure. There is a pressing need for sustainable, smart campuses, which aligns with this year’s theme. Collaboration with key stakeholders will help us explore effective solutions to these challenges,” he said.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation by Mr Ian Grimes, Director of Estates at the University of Hertfordshire and Chair-Elect of AUDE, on the role of facilities management in achieving carbon neutrality. Grimes emphasised the importance of three strategic principles: Electrify, Insulate, and Control.

He shared the University of Hertfordshire’s ambitious target of reducing carbon emissions by 100% by 2050, underscoring the significant investment required. “We have embarked on a 25-year journey, with £104 million allocated to system upgrades and infrastructure. This includes an annual investment of £2.5 million towards electrification and the integration of heat pumps,” Mr Grimes said.

Mr Grimes also noted that educating staff on carbon reduction is vital. “Many still don’t fully grasp the importance of cutting carbon emissions, but we’re making progress through controlled energy use and automation in facilities management,” he added.

During a panel discussion on the role of operational excellence and resilience in campus sustainability, UMP's Executive Director of Operations, Mr Richard Flame, shared insights into building a sustainable organisation.

Delegates were consistently engaged throughout the conference, with some of the key take homes being the essence of data-driven digitisation, the optimisation of utilities consumption, and the reduction of costs to improve institutions' self-sufficiency.

He stressed the importance of continuous improvement, aligning facilities management with sustainable business models, and fostering partnerships and innovation.

“We draw inspiration from COP27, which emphasises the need for organisations to adapt to climate realities. Assessing and improving supply chains is essential to ensuring comfortable living and operational resilience,” Mr Flame said.

He further outlined the three pillars of sustainability – environmental, social, and economic – and underscored the role of leadership, strategic planning, and performance evaluation in creating resilient and sustainable campuses.

Reflecting on architectural excellence and sustainability at UMP, Acting Director: PIMD at the University of Witwatersrand, Dr Ludwig Hansen, delivered an insightful presentation (titled: A Reflection on Growth and Future Plans) on the architectural design and development of the University of Mpumalanga, mentioning the establishment and growth of UMP. 

Dr Hansen emphasised the strategic integration of stakeholders and the challenges faced during the development, including land assembly and infrastructure upgrades.

“Our approach focused on connectivity, sustainability, and the flexibility of implementation strategies, all while ensuring diversity in architectural design. Looking ahead, UMP is preparing for the next phase of campus development, which includes a major project on the West Campus, featuring the construction of a Great Hall and two academic buildings," he said.

The conference had engaging delegates and some key take homes included, the essence of data-driven digitisation, operationalising ESG framework for sustainability, optimisation of utilities consumption and reduction of costs to improve the self-sufficiency of institutions, and the global journey to Net Zero Carbon emissions.

The conference explored a range of key topics, including:

• Achieving Net Zero in Post-School Education Campuses
• Sustainable Utilities Management (Green Energy, Water & Waste Solutions)
• ESG Frameworks in University and College Facilities Management
• Integrating Sustainability into Master Planning
• Facilities Management’s Role in Sustainability, Resilience, and Adaptability
• Smart and Sustainable Campuses
• Sustainable Soft Services (cleaning, hygiene, gardening, groundskeeping, etc.)
• Scenario Planning for Sustainable Higher Education Institutions
• Sustainable Maintenance Practices

HEFMA conference concluded with a session on Sustainable Campus: A Student Accommodation Perspective, presented by Mr Pieter Kloppers, President of ACUHO-I, followed by a campus tour. Delegates then enjoyed an afternoon outing to the Kruger National Park.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures JB Cinema Creative.

Dr Dalu was invited to speak at the Fall 2024 instalment of the series, hosted by LSU’s Department of Biological Sciences. The seminar provides a platform for distinguished experts in systematics, ecology, and evolution to present cutting-edge research.

“I was invited to present at LSU as part of their 2024–2025 seminar series, which traditionally features US-based speakers. I am proud to be one of only four guest speakers this year and the first international presenter,” said Dr Dalu.

His presentation, titled: “Salinisation and Warming Impacts on Trophic Interactions in Temporary Wetland Systems,” showcased his pioneering research on how environmental stressors – particularly salinity and rising temperatures – affect biodiversity and the functioning of temporary wetlands. The topic is highly relevant in light of climate change and human-induced environmental impacts, which pose significant threats to ecosystems worldwide.

His research focuses on how climate-related changes impact species interactions in wetlands, which are critical ecosystems for maintaining biodiversity and providing essential services.

“This work specifically targets temporary wetlands, which undergo cycles of drying and re-flooding, creating a fragile and dynamic environment,” he explained.

Dr Dalu's inclusion in the LSU seminar series marks a significant achievement for African scholars in Environmental Science.

Key Research Findings

Dr Dalu’s research highlights the profound effects of environmental changes on wetland ecosystems, home to a variety of species, particularly crustaceans, which rely on dormant egg production for their survival.

His findings show that salinity levels above 2.5 parts per thousand (ppt) significantly reduce both species richness and abundance. Two taxa, Spinicaudata and Ostracoda, were found to be especially sensitive to elevated salinity levels.

In addition to decreasing species richness, increased salinity also disrupted hatching dynamics. Under saline conditions, most species experienced reduced hatching success over time. However, Dr Dalu observed that Cladocera – a key group of crustaceans – displayed an unusual response: their hatching rates peaked 20 days after inundation, in contrast to other groups, which showed declining hatchability.

Temperature also played a complex role in his findings. While rising temperatures typically boosted predator feeding rates, the combination of high temperatures and increased salinity led to unexpected outcomes.

“Higher salinity suppressed the temperature-driven increase in feeding activity, resulting in significant alterations to the food web and trophic interactions within these ecosystems,” Dr Dalu explained.

He warned that the combined effects of salinisation and warming are likely to reduce species recruitment, alter predation pressures, and disrupt food web dynamics. “These changes threaten the stability of ecosystem services and could lead to cascading effects on biodiversity,” he noted.

Global Recognition of African Scholarship

Dr Dalu's inclusion in the LSU seminar series marks a significant achievement for African scholars in Environmental Science, highlighting the growing recognition of their contributions to global research.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.

This achievement reflects the team’s consistent commitment to service excellence and dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences. UMP’s Director of Hotel and Catering, Dr Tenson Nkosana, expressed gratitude for the recognition:

"We are honoured by this accolade and grateful to our valued guests for their continued support. Our team’s hard work and dedication have paid off, and we look forward to exceeding expectations in the future," he said.

The hotel’s consistent 4-star rating highlights its relentless pursuit of excellence. In 2022, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) awarded Tfokomala Hotel a 4-star rating in the Formal Accommodation category.

These ratings are crucial indicators of quality, helping customers make informed decisions. For Tfokomala, maintaining high standards of service is key to building trust and ensuring guest satisfaction.

The hotel provides outstanding service and exceptional dining experiences.

Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre is more than a hospitality establishment; it serves as a teaching hotel, offering students practical, hands-on experience across key operational areas, including the restaurant, kitchen, and various hotel departments.

Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre Facilities

The 4-star hotel offers 25 well-appointed rooms and an upscale conference facility that accommodates up to 150 guests. Tfokomala Hotel and Conference Centre provides:

• Luxurious accommodation
• Exceptional dining experiences
• State-of-the-art conference facilities
• Outstanding service

Located strategically, the hotel serves as a gateway to major attractions such as the Sudwala Caves, the Panorama Route, and the Kruger National Park.

Story by Lisa Thabethe. Pictures supplied.

ASSAf serves as the official national science academy, representing South Africa within the global community of science academies. Each year, ASSAf elects new members, and induction is regarded as a high honour, conferred in recognition of exceptional scholarly achievement. Members, who represent a broad range of scientific disciplines, contribute their expertise voluntarily for the benefit of society.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP, Professor Ludidi, is an NRF-rated researcher (C2), with specialisation in plant molecular biology, plant physiology, and biochemistry. He holds an Extraordinary Professorship in Biotechnology. 

He is also a member of the Management Committee for the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Food Security (CoE-FS), where he led the Technological Innovation Programme for the Climate-Smart Regenerative Agriculture project. With extensive experience teaching at the university level, his expertise spans biochemistry, plant biotechnology, and plant physiology.

Professor Mlambo is a Professor of Animal Science within the School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences at UMP. His research focuses on animal nutrition and associated fields, including nutritional physiology, meat science, and animal welfare.

His studies have included work on cattle, sheep, goats, broilers, layers, indigenous chickens, Japanese quails, and fish. Professor Mlambo also explores innovative alternatives to in-feed and therapeutic antibiotics in livestock, particularly the use of bacteriophages to promote sustainable animal production systems.

Professor Mlambo serves as an editor for the Animal Feed Science and Technology Journal (Elsevier) and holds Associate Editor positions at the South African Journal of Animal Science and the Botswana Journal of Agriculture and Applied Sciences.

The University acknowledges the longstanding contribution of Professor Thoko Mayekiso, UMP Vice-Chancellor, who has been an ASSAf member since 2004.

About ASSAf Membership

ASSAf is a self-perpetuating organisation, with new members elected annually by the existing membership to further the Academy’s objectives. Candidates must be nominated by four members, at least two of whom must have direct personal knowledge of the nominee. The election follows a secret ballot, with the primary criterion being notable achievement in advancing and applying science or scholarship at both national and international levels.

Key Objectives of ASSAf

• Promote scientific collaboration: Use the shared foundation of scientific knowledge to overcome barriers and foster intellectual development.
• Inspire excellence: Encourage and recognise outstanding achievements in science and technology.
• Inform public policy: Conduct investigations and report on matters affecting society, either independently or upon request by government or civil society organisations.
• Foster scientific literacy: Promote science education and cultivate a culture of scientific inquiry among the broader population.
• Maintain independence: Engage with other organisations and experts widely, while preserving the Academy’s autonomy.
• Build international relations: Strengthen connections with local and international scientific bodies.
• Pursue additional actions: Take any necessary steps to achieve the Academy’s mission and objectives.

Story and pictures supplied.

This event marked a significant milestone for both the University and the province, as the students pledged their commitment to the ethical standards and responsibilities of the social work profession.

UMP’s Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, highlighted that the holistic development of students is a core focus of the University’s Student Affairs division, with the Bachelor of Social Work programme aligned to this goal.

“This exercise, and what lies ahead of you, fits perfectly into the broader concept of Student Affairs. The University equips students to excel academically, and we expect that, after graduation, they will lead with integrity and embody UMP’s values.

At graduation, we celebrate academic excellence, whether through those who graduate cum laude or otherwise. But we also want to ensure that our graduates leave here ready to make a tangible impact in the communities they will serve,” Dr Maminza said.

The event was significant for students officially recognised by the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, explained that the BSW programme was designed to address key social challenges within Mpumalanga and the country as a whole.

“The University of Mpumalanga is deeply aware of the social dynamics and challenges our province faces. These include poverty, inequality, and unemployment, as well as high rates of HIV infections and limited access to essential services,” she said.

“We did not develop this programme by chance. Our goal is to train future social workers who not only understand their context but also empathise with the communities they serve and are prepared to respond to critical challenges within Mpumalanga, South Africa, and across the African continent.”

Professor Davhana-Maselesele urged the students to embrace their roles as emerging social workers and advised them to seek guidance from mentors and supervisors when facing challenges.

“We have laid the foundation during your first year. As you move into your second, we are confident that you are ready to engage with communities and tackle the challenges ahead. You will not be alone - you will have the support of mentors, supervisors, and lecturers. But always remember: integrity is essential.”

This ceremony marks an important milestone for the University and students.

The students who participated in the oath-taking ceremony reflected on the personal and professional significance of the event. Ncedile Mnisi shared that the oath symbolised his commitment to social work principles.

“The ceremony represented my dedication to upholding the values and principles of social work. I recognise the trust placed in me to serve vulnerable populations, and I have vowed to maintain ethical standards and integrity,” Mnisi said.

For Suzan Nkosi, the event underscored the importance of challenging injustices and promoting equality.

“This journey has been both humbling and transformative. Being part of UMP’s first social work cohort feels like a true privilege. I am honoured to lay the foundation for future generations of social workers, and this experience has shaped my personal and professional growth in ways I never expected,” Nkosi said. 

The ceremony concluded with the students reading their oath by candlelight, symbolising their formal commitment to the social work profession.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by ChrisplPhoto.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to address the stigma surrounding mental health issues. In recent years, particularly following COVID-19, mental health has gained significant attention due to its growing prevalence both globally and nationally.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines mental well-being as “a state of well-being in which an individual realises their abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and contribute to their community.” A white paper by the Medical Research Council on the state of mental health in South Africa revealed that 25.7% of South Africans experience at least one or more episodes of mental health illness. Institutions of higher learning are not exempted from these challenges, with a substantial number of students experiencing mental health issues during their studies.

A 2023 study across 17 universities found that 21% of students exhibited symptoms of clinical trauma. Similarly, employees in these institutions often face stress, depression, anxiety, burnout, and mental fatigue. These statistics call for greater mental health awareness, along with targeted workshops, training, and institutional policies to address the crisis.

Mental Well-being as a Foundation for Academic Success

Mental well-being is essential for academic achievement and productivity, as students and staff must function fully mentally. When students enjoy positive mental health, they tend to develop higher self-esteem, maintain a positive mindset, and make meaningful contributions to their peers and the broader university community.

Similarly, employees face the challenge of balancing multiple roles, such as teaching, administrative duties, meeting tight deadlines, community engagement, and personal life. These pressures can take a toll on their mental health.

There is a strong link between mental well-being and productivity. Mental health challenges can diminish energy levels, concentration, decision-making abilities, self-esteem, and optimism, ultimately affecting performance. Additionally, mental illness can harm physical health, increasing the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hypertension.

Creating a supportive environment that promotes mental well-being requires collective action from institutional leadership and the wider university community. Regular mental health training and awareness campaigns are crucial to fostering an open and supportive culture. Students and employees must feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear or shame.

Building Support Systems for Mental Health

Awareness and training can also help build strong social support networks to manage academic pressures and stress. Maintaining good mental health is further supported by regular exercise, sufficient sleep, breathing exercises, professional counselling, and a healthy diet.

October serves as an opportunity for self-reflection on our mental well-being. It is essential to seek professional help when needed and to acknowledge that maintaining mental health is an ongoing process.

It is encouraging to see that institutions of higher learning in South Africa are increasingly recognising the importance of mental well-being. Most universities now offer mental health services through dedicated centres, reflecting a positive shift towards supporting student and staff mental health. However, with increasing student enrolments, the demand for mental health services must continue to grow to meet the needs of these communities.

This is an opinion article by Dr Rudzani Mhlari, a Psychology Lecturer at the School of Social Sciences, University of Mpumalanga. 

The event focused on challenging heteronormative structures within educational institutions and promoting safe spaces for all, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

Bachelor of Arts Honours student in Gender Studies, Mr Siyabonga Shongwe, explained the event’s purpose: breaking down assumptions about gender and normality.

“In too many cases, campuses are structured around heteronormative assumptions - assumptions that reinforce traditional gender roles and relationships as the standard. These norms, often subtle and embedded in institutional practices, curricula, and social interactions, marginalise LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff, making them feel invisible or unsafe,” said Shongwe.

Safe spaces initiatives align with broader social movements promoting mental well-being, gender equity, and freedom from discrimination. 

Transgender activist and Director of Be True 2 Me, Siya Hlongwe, highlighted the persistent challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, despite the progress made since South Africa’s democratic transition.

“While significant strides have been made - especially in uplifting women - entrenched patriarchal systems and cultural norms continue to exclude diverse gender identities.

“Challenges such as unequal pay and ingrained patriarchal structures still hinder true gender equality. To achieve a truly inclusive society, we must transform our cultural systems, policies, and social interactions to accommodate and respect all gender identities. The freedom to express one’s gender identity is fundamental.”

Drawing on her personal experiences, Hlongwe underscored the urgent need for institutions and communities to support marginalised individuals.

“I’ve slept under tables and faced multiple instances of homelessness during my academic journey,” she shared. “Even though many companies claim to be inclusive, I encountered barriers in the job market.”

UMP also integrates safe space efforts into its broader student programmes, such as gender equality campaigns, health and wellness activities, and LGBTQ+ support. 

Hlongwe emphasised the transformative power of education, urging attendees to view their qualifications not just as a means of securing employment but as tools for uplifting their communities.

“Education isn’t just about getting a job; it’s about becoming a leader, an entrepreneur, and creating opportunities for others,” she said, encouraging participants to see challenges as steps towards personal growth.

Action points from the event included initiatives such as sharing job and scholarship opportunities with a WhatsApp community of over 1 500 people, partnering with NGOs and government to drive systemic change, and encouraging participants to use their skills and ideas to make a positive impact on their communities.

The event discussions were tailored to address issues such as gender-based violence, LGBTQ+ rights, and student mental health, promoting understanding and collective growth.

UMP Senior Lecturer and Chairperson of the Gender Forum, Dr Nozwakazi Maqubela, stressed that fostering a safer and more inclusive environment is a shared responsibility. “UMP remains committed to creating spaces where everyone feels safe and valued. We look forward to continuing this essential work,” said Dr Maqubela.

The event opened with a powerful march against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the symbolic signing of UMP’s GBV Pledge. Participants left their painted handprints on a communal banner, signifying solidarity and a commitment to ending gender-based violence.

The day concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony and a moment of silence to honour the victims of GBV.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by ChrisplPhoto.

The workshop, themed Cultivating Entrepreneurship Qualities for Enhanced Innovation and Productivity, sought to create a motivated and mission-driven workplace where academics contribute insights for social innovation.

Vice-Chancellor and Chairperson of the CFERI Advisory Board, Professor Thoko Mayekiso, reaffirmed UMP’s commitment to promoting responsible entrepreneurship, innovation, and excellence, highlighting the importance of building a collaborative workforce.

“The workshop equips staff with the skills to unlock students' creative and entrepreneurial potential, advancing the university’s goal of fostering a culture of problem-solving and innovation.

“Entrepreneurship is a vital source of change, and we are committed to preparing our students to make meaningful contributions to society. Our staff must nurture students, encouraging them to engage actively with their entrepreneurial potential,” said Professor Mayekiso.

She also reflected on UMP’s core values: “These values are at the heart of everything we do, guiding the University’s vision of becoming an African leader in creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.”

The workshop was aimed at equipping staff with the skills to unlock students' creative and entrepreneurial potential, advancing the university’s goal of fostering a culture of problem-solving and innovation.

Collaborative Research and Entrepreneurial Solutions

In a session titled Collaborative Research for Social Change: Engaging Communities for Entrepreneurial Solutions Addressing Local Challenges, Dr Naledi Nthite, Director of Research Management at UMP, emphasised the importance of research partnerships.

“Collaborative research means not working in isolation. You gain new skills and knowledge from others, even outside your immediate environment. It’s essential to engage with community organisations and the private sector to conduct research that addresses real-world problems.”

Dr Nthite further stressed the importance of impact-driven research:

“Our research must go beyond academic publications and conferences. It should address societal challenges, influence policy, and create tangible solutions. We need to translate research into social and entrepreneurial interventions that can be scaled for broader application.”

Professor Chux Gervase Iwu, Chair of the ISBDG at the University of the Western Cape said entrepreneurship education must be extended to fields such as engineering and agriculture.

Mr Billy Bokako, Senior Manager at SEDA, highlighted the importance of creating an environment that nurtures innovation, creativity, and autonomy among employees.

“Encourage autonomy by giving employees the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their projects. This builds confidence and problem-solving skills while fostering a culture of innovation, he adds advocating for initiatives that inspire creativity," he added. 

“Regular brainstorming sessions, hackathons, or innovation challenges can inspire new ideas. Continuous learning through workshops, courses, and mentorship programmes is essential for professional development.

Celebrate risk-taking, and treat failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Leadership must model entrepreneurial behaviour – diverse perspectives lead to innovative solutions. It’s also crucial to create safe spaces where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and have the necessary resources to bring them to life.”

Staff and academics are encouraged to host brainstorming and innovation challenges to inspire new ideas. 

Embedding Entrepreneurship Across Disciplines

Professor Chux Gervase Iwu, Chair of the ISBDG at the University of the Western Cape, emphasised the need to integrate entrepreneurship into education to address both academic and practical challenges.

“Entrepreneurship education should not be limited to business programmes. It must extend to fields such as engineering and agriculture, preparing graduates to think entrepreneurially, whether they start businesses or seek employment.”

He highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurial thinking from an early stage:

“An entrepreneurial mindset equips students to make meaningful contributions to society and the economy. Continuous improvement, regular feedback, and collaboration with other institutions are essential to advancing entrepreneurship education.”

In his closing remarks, Professor Iwu urged universities to adopt differentiated curricula and teaching methods that promote practical problem-solving and innovation, ensuring that entrepreneurship education remains relevant and impactful across all disciplines.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema.

Mr Jiyana, a lecturer in isiNdebele, African Languages Teaching Methodology, and Culture and Natural Environment, is one of 10 members nominated by the public to join this distinguished committee, established under Section 8(8) of the Pan South African Language Board Act, 1995 (Act No. 59 of 1995).

The MPLC plays a pivotal role in advising PanSALB on language matters relevant to Mpumalanga. This appointment is a notable step towards promoting and preserving indigenous languages in the region.

“The appointment means a lot to me,” says Mr Jiyana. “It reflects recognition by the linguistic community of my passion for developing and promoting isiNdebele in different spheres. It also provides an opportunity to ensure that our historically marginalised languages, Siswati and isiNdebele, officially recognised by the Mpumalanga Provincial Language Act, are given room to grow and flourish.”

As a committed linguist, Mr Jiyana advocates for increased support from the provincial government. He stresses the importance of better resource allocation and enhanced collaboration between UMP and other Higher Education Institutions to protect and promote isiNdebele.

His vision includes the effective implementation of the Mpumalanga Provincial Language Act through practical measures, such as multilingual signage in public spaces and the translation of municipal bills into indigenous languages.

“The preservation and intellectualisation of African languages require the engagement of all stakeholders and users. People should have access to information in their native languages without fear or favour,” he adds.

Mr Jiyana commends UMP’s commitment to language preservation through academic programmes such as the BEd Foundation Phase and BA programmes. “The University of Mpumalanga plays a key role in preserving these languages. I am proud that we, as an institution, are fully committed to promoting their use in academia and research.”

He also highlights the importance of digitisation and terminology development, underscoring the need for collaboration with scholars and experts from diverse fields. Beyond his teaching role, Mr Jiyana serves on various committees, including the UMP Task Team for Language Policy Development, and participates in research projects with Stellenbosch University’s Child Development Node. He is also pursuing further studies, focusing on Digital Humanities in education.

During his tenure, Mr Jiyana and the other committee members will engage in the full range of MPLC activities, advising PanSALB on language-related issues affecting the province.

A passionate advocate of traditional stories in language teaching, Mr Jiyana believes that these narratives hold the potential to transform education. “Reviving indigenous stories can make a significant difference in our children's learning,” he explains. “This is particularly important given recent statistics showing that students in basic education are struggling with reading skills.”

Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied.

Global and local food production plays a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action). Food systems are closely tied to SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at UMP, Professor Mzuyanda Christian, reflected on the food-related challenges that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the right to food as a collective responsibility to eliminate hunger.

Professor Christian pointed to alarming rates of food wastage due to post-harvest losses, emphasising the need for science-based solutions. He underscored the importance of indigenous crops in achieving food security through local production.

“There must be greater collaboration among producers, distributors, consumers, and researchers to ensure food security, particularly in the face of a growing global population. We must not only produce more food but also ensure that it reaches those who need it most,” said Professor Christian.

Dr Maanda Dagada, Chief Director of Producer Support and Development Services at the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs (DARDLA) said food security involves availability,  affordability and accessibility.

Chief Director of Producer Support and Development Services at the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs (DARDLA), Dr Maanda Dagada, stressed the importance of focusing on indigenous crops to alleviate hunger.

Dr Dagada noted that 50.8% of South Africans live below the poverty line, while 58.4% of youth are unemployed. He explained that food security involves not only availability but also affordability and accessibility.

According to the discussion, only 18% of Mpumalanga households engage in agriculture, with 83.6% of these households producing food solely for their consumption. The Mpumalanga International Food Market was highlighted as a key initiative to improve market access for local producers.

“Indigenous crops such as sweet potatoes and maize, which are resilient to climate change and require fewer inputs, are not only vital for food security but also for economic sustainability. We need to build awareness and demand for these crops, establish reliable supply chains, and integrate them into government programmes and broader markets,” said Dr Dagada.

Attendees learnt more about indigenous crops and how they require fewer synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, reducing costs for smallholder farmers. 

Head of the School of Agriculture at UMP, Professor Fonso Kutu, addressed the global food security crisis, citing alarming statistics: 783 million people go to bed hungry, and 2.8 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet. He highlighted that 10 million tonnes of food are wasted annually in South Africa, worsening the hunger crisis.

Professor Kutu also discussed the impact of climate change and conflict on food systems. “Climate shocks and global conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis, have disrupted food supply chains, aggravating food insecurity worldwide. In Africa, droughts and environmental stresses continue to affect agricultural productivity.”

Professor Kutu called for community initiatives to reduce food waste, noting that the average South African wastes 79kg of food per year. He proposed introducing advanced diploma programmes in post-harvest technology to reduce food losses and address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including land access issues.

The event concluded with a call for collective action to uphold the right to food and address the challenges that affect food availability, affordability, and sustainability in South Africa and beyond.

Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema.