UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, highlighted the University’s commitment to preserving historical memory and using it to inspire meaningful action, emphasising that institutions of higher learning must cultivate socially conscious graduates who can engage critically with the challenges facing society.

“Excellence without purpose is insufficient for a developmental university. UMP sought to develop students who have the competence and courage to ask difficult questions about persistent injustice, inequality and the absence of certain voices in decision-making spaces,” she said.

Delivering the memorial lecture, President Cyril Ramaphosa used Nokuthula’s story to reflect on the responsibility of the present generation, particularly young people, to protect and advance the gains of democracy, drawing on the role young people have played in South Africa’s history.

“The young people today have an equally important role to play in shaping South Africa’s future,” said President Ramaphosa, expressing concern about lower levels of voter registration and participation among young people.

He called on young South Africans to participate actively in democratic processes and to use their constitutional rights to bring about meaningful change. He further emphasised that constitutional rights should not remain words on paper, but must become lived realities for all South Africans.

Professor Meyiwa emphasised that institutions of higher learning must cultivate socially conscious graduates. 

Inequality, Transformation and Gender Equality

President Ramaphosa also reflected on the progress South Africa has made over the past three decades, while acknowledging that substantial economic inequalities remain, including a persistent wealth and income gap between black and white South Africans.

“Inclusive economic growth is essential to address the inequalities inherited from apartheid,” he said, highlighting opportunities presented by emerging industries, including renewable energy, electric vehicles and the digital economy.

However, significant challenges continue to affect women and girls, including school dropout rates linked to domestic responsibilities, limited access to sanitary products and the persistent scourge of gender-based violence and femicide,” he said.

President Ramaphosa's address highlighted the need for South Africa to continue confronting its past while addressing the inequalities that remain in the present.

The programme included a panel discussion.

The programme included a panel discussion titled Reconciliation vs Accountability in South Africa, featuring Professor Helen Scanlon, human rights advocate Yasmin Sooka and Jaxx Amahle.

The panellists highlighted the role of civil society, journalists, foundations and younger generations in continuing to demand justice, noting that accountability often requires sustained pressure rather than being achieved automatically through state institutions.

Historical education emerged as another key theme, with the panellists expressing concern that young people can become disconnected from South Africa’s history when the experiences of ordinary citizens are not sufficiently represented in the curriculum.

The discussion further questioned the expectation that black South Africans should simply “move on” from historical atrocities without adequate justice, remembrance and reparations.

For UMP, the establishment of the memorial lecture and the planned Nokuthula Simelane Centre represent a long-term institutional commitment to preserving historical knowledge while empowering future generations to engage critically with the past and contribute to building a more just and inclusive society.

The inaugural Nokuthula Simelane Memorial Lecture therefore served not only as a commemoration, but also as a call for continued action. It brought together historical memory, academic scholarship and public leadership to encourage a deeper national conversation about justice, accountability, reconciliation and social transformation.

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

The South Africa-Germany Bilateral Research Chair in Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems (SARChI SuReFoodS), led by Professor Lembe Magwaza, brings together interdisciplinary research, postgraduate training, technology transfer and researcher development.

The Chair forms part of the African-German Centre for Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems and Applied Agricultural and Food Data Science (UKUDLA), a collaborative initiative involving UMP and partner institutions in South Africa, Malawi and Germany, with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF) and German partners.

The initiative reflects UMP’s Vision 2030 priorities of strengthening research and innovation, developing research capacity, expanding national and international partnerships and applying knowledge to societal and sustainability challenges.

UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa said the initiative provides an opportunity for the University to ensure that scientific research responds meaningfully to societal challenges.

She emphasised the need to move beyond publications towards practical responses to rising food prices, food insecurity, climate change and environmental degradation.

“Scientific work must actively participate in improving society, rather than simply interpreting it, and the success of the initiative should ultimately be measured by its impact on human lives, student development and community well-being,” she said, adding that research will focus on areas including climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming systems, drought-resilient crops and precision agriculture. 

NRF SARChI Manager Dr Nana Boaduo said food systems are under increasing pressure from climate change, conflict and economic instability, requiring partnerships that draw on the strengths of both continents.

“Africa brings significant agricultural potential and indigenous knowledge, while Europe contributes advanced research, technology and policy expertise. The partnership is aligned with the NRF’s Vision 2030, which emphasises transformation, impact, excellence and sustainability.”

Professor Magwaza emphasised the need to reduce food losses and improve preservation.

Dr Christine Wieck, UKUDLA Project Lead at the University of Hohenheim, said the partnership aims to strengthen resilient food systems through research and applied agricultural and food data science.

UKUDLA brings together the University of Hohenheim, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Pretoria, UMP and Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Almost 60 researchers, students and supervisors are involved in joint research, academic exchanges and postgraduate training.

Two summer schools have already been held for master’s students, with another planned at UMP, while German PhD students are also collaborating with researchers in the programme.

“Advances in data science are creating new opportunities to understand these challenges and develop evidence-based solutions,” Dr Wieck said.

The work broadens the focus from food security to nutritional security, with attention to the effects of climate change, natural disasters and environmental pressures on agriculture.

“One of the Chair’s major areas of focus will be post-harvest biosciences and reducing food losses. Instead of producing more food, we also need to preserve what we already produce,” Prof Magwaza said.

Research areas include regenerative and sustainable cropping systems, plant physiology and fundamental science, post-harvest biosciences, data science and innovation hubs, as well as capacity building for emerging scientists.

The programme will involve industry, research institutions, agricultural organisations and communities. Through a Memorandum of Understanding between UMP and the Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), approximately 30,000 hectares of land within the Matsamo Traditional Authority have been made available for research.

Professor Magwaza said the longer-term ambition is to develop the work into a centre of excellence or spin-off within five years, creating a sustainable platform for research, innovation and capacity development.

UMP Chair is envisioned to develop evidence-based responses to food system challenges.

Dean of Agriculture and Natural Sciences Professor Ndiko Ludidi said the initiative strengthens the Faculty’s contribution to food security in Africa and beyond, while creating opportunities for postgraduate students through training, technology transfer, researcher development and policy engagement.

The initiative therefore contributes to UMP’s broader efforts to build research capacity, support emerging researchers and postgraduate students, strengthen research partnerships and develop research themes and centres that respond to societal needs.

Through research, training and collaboration, the University is building its capacity to develop evidence-based responses to food system challenges while contributing to its Vision 2030 goal of creating opportunities for sustainable development through innovation.

UKUDLA is funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the National Research Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, and DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service).

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

1. Improving Communities
2. Harnessing New Technologies
3. Resource Scarcity

The inauguration recognised Professor Magwaza’s contributions to research, teaching, mentorship and the advancement of sustainable food systems, as well as his work addressing pressing global food security challenges.

UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, said that becoming a full professor represents much more than years of academic service, noting that the distinction is associated with sustained impact in knowledge creation, teaching, mentorship and the development of future scholars.

She also highlighted the importance of professors contributing to society by addressing complex challenges and advancing knowledge that responds to the realities of the communities they serve.

“Our vision as an institution is to strengthen our research ecosystem and create an environment in which scholarship can contribute meaningfully to African development,” she said, explaining the University’s ambition to transform existing research chairs into institutes and centres.

“We intend to invest in infrastructure that supports high-quality research and academic programmes, and to foster a Pan-African scholarly environment characterised by intellectual curiosity and social responsibility,” explained Professor Meyiwa.

Following the formal inauguration, Professor Magwaza delivered a lecture, titled Beyond the Naked Eye: Seeing the Future of Food Security, which brings together plant physiology, postharvest science, agricultural engineering, digital innovation, spectroscopy, imaging, machine learning and data science to develop non-destructive methods of assessing agricultural produce.

Professor Meyiwa has encouraged professors to address complex challenges and advance knowledge that responds to the realities of the communities they serve.

Professor Magwaza shared how securing sustainable and resilient food systems amid climate shocks, resource scarcity and increasingly complex supply chains is a defining global challenge; for example, more than a third of food produced globally is lost or wasted postharvest, resulting in substantial losses of nutrients, resources and economic value, while climate disruptions further intensify these losses.

“The research demonstrates how non-destructive sensors, optical imaging, and machine-learning approaches can reveal physiological and structural changes before they become visible, enabling earlier prediction and intervention to reduce food loss and improve postharvest resilience,” he explained.

Professor Magwaza's research explored circular bioeconomy approaches, including nutrient recovery and closed-loop hydroponic systems, as pathways towards resource-efficient and climate-smart food production.

“Addressing food insecurity requires moving beyond conventional, siloed approaches towards integrated, predictive, data-driven, circular, and adaptive food systems that can anticipate climate shocks, reduce losses, and sustain food security for future generations.”

The research demonstrated strong predictive relationships between imaging data and measurements obtained through conventional methods, highlighting the high predictive accuracy achieved through this work, which extends into plant physiology and climate resilience.

The inauguration recognised Professor Magwaza’s contributions to the advancement of sustainable food systems.

From Produce to Food Systems

Looking ahead, Professor Magwaza plans to integrate advanced technologies more deeply into agricultural production and food-quality assessment. One project is developing a prototype conveyor-belt system that combines infrared spectroscopy, hyperspectral imaging, laser profiling and ultraviolet illumination.

“The project has attracted approximately £780 000 in funding and aims to combine these technologies for a comprehensive assessment of agricultural produce,” Professor Magwaza said.

He also highlighted research on regenerative agriculture, plant-environment interactions, organic fertilisers, remote sensing, soil health and genomics.

These projects demonstrate how his research has expanded from analysing individual fruit characteristics to understanding and strengthening entire food systems.

The future of food security depends on replacing isolated approaches with integrated, predictive, data-driven, circular and adaptive food systems.

“It is how scientific knowledge and digital innovation can work together to tackle climate shocks, water scarcity, food loss and complex agricultural supply chains,” he said.

Professor Magwaza’s inaugural lecture underscored the need to look beyond the immediately visible and use science, technology and data to anticipate challenges before they become crises.

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

Dr Sebake has extensive experience in higher education student affairs. In this role, he will advance UMP's commitment to strengthening students' welfare and development, creating a positive life outside lecture rooms.
 
Before joining UMP, Dr Sebake served as Dean of Student Affairs at the Central University of Technology in the Free State, where he reconfigured Student Affairs to provide high-impact support and expose students to the rapidly changing world of work.
 
His previous roles include Student Development Practitioner at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Director for Student Governance and Development at Nelson Mandela University (NMU), and Head of Department for Student Governance and Leadership Development at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
 
Earlier in his career, he served as Student Development Manager at Technikon Pretoria, now Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where he spent seven years building his career in Student Affairs and Services. He also participated in workstreams that supported the merger leading to TUT's establishment, particularly in policy development and systems that helped shape a new institutional identity.
 
Dr Sebake is a known scholar and political analyst in the niche areas of public administration, governance, policy, student services and youth development. He is currently the Secretary General of the South African Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SAASSAP).
 
"We are pleased to welcome Dr Sebake to UMP. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will contribute to promoting our students' wellbeing and support their development," said UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa.
 
 The University of Mpumalanga welcomes Dr Sebake.

Story and picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.

Professor Forssman received the NRF Public Engagement with Research Award, which recognises outstanding contributions to public engagement with science and celebrates individuals who make their research, science and technology accessible, relevant and meaningful to society.

“Receiving the award shows me that my work as an archaeologist, both in South Africa and internationally, is gaining recognition, and that means a great deal to me,” he said.

Professor Forssman, an NRF-rated researcher, said his work is driven by a passion for understanding the past and exploring how archaeology can contribute to contemporary society.

His research interests include forager-farmer interactions, forager economies, trade dynamics and landscape archaeology. He also runs the Thulamela Archaeological Research Project, through which he and his team investigate the rise of Thulamela, a hilltop palatial settlement occupied in the mid-second millennium AD, and how these histories can help shape current and future challenges.

“Archaeology has the potential to confront challenges in the present and help us make decisions as we move forward. It gives us a uniquely long-term perspective on how societies have responded to environmental change, including which strategies enabled resilience and those that increased vulnerability. If we can learn from this, we can make better-informed decisions moving forward,” he explains.

Exploring Africa’s Archaeological Heritage

Professor Forssman is also an established author, with previous publications including Bushman Rock Art: An Interpretive Guide (2012), Beyond the Dripline: Later Stone Age Changes on the Greater Mapungubwe Landscape (2013), and Foragers in the Middle Limpopo Valley: Trade, Place-Making, and Complexity (2020).

His latest book, published by Springer Nature in 2026, is titled Archaeology in Africa: Why the Past Matters. The book explores the development of archaeology on the African continent and examines how changing approaches, theoretical frameworks, local politics and global systems have influenced perceptions of Africa’s past.

Professor Forssman hopes his latest book will help broaden conversations about archaeology and its role in modern society.

“I wanted to write a book that pushed me a little outside of my comfort zone and into a topic that would have pan-African appeal. Although archaeologists deal with history, the past is, in many ways, a reflection of the present. I wanted to examine this from an African perspective,” he said.

Professor Forssman said the book highlights the historical use of archaeology and heritage as tools of power, noting that colonial approaches often disconnected people from their heritage and reproduced biases.

“The book also challenges colonial and Eurocentric narratives that have shaped perceptions of Africa and its history. Revisiting colonial narratives, as well as Eurocentric perspectives, allows us as scholars to challenge problematic constructions of the past and remove some of these biases from our understanding of history,” he explains, emphasising the importance of communities and different knowledge systems in developing richer understandings of Africa’s archaeological heritage.

“Communities possess their own oral histories and memories that can add dimensions to the past that we cannot access through archaeology alone.

By working together and drawing on different sources of knowledge, we can build much richer and more detailed accounts of the past that also possess greater meaning in the present.”

Professor Forssman hopes the book will contribute to wider conversations about the relevance of archaeology in contemporary society and its potential role in shaping the future.

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

The two-and-a-half-day challenge allowed students to experiment with artificial intelligence (AI) and develop solutions to challenges in sectors such as mining, agriculture and public administration.

Held under the themes of innovation, entrepreneurship and responsible AI, MAISH aimed to equip students with the skills and mindset to move from technology consumers to creators of technology-driven solutions.

Only 100 students were selected from hundreds of applicants, providing participants with an environment that simulated aspects of the professional workplace. The challenge focused on three core pillars: addressing pressing societal challenges, empowering people through technology and exploring entrepreneurial opportunities.

Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences (FANS), Professor Ndiko Ludidi, emphasised the importance of understanding the human problems that technology seeks to address.

Encouraging students to prioritise critical thinking, teamwork, problem definition, testing and effective communication, Professor Ludidi said, “Technology alone does not solve problems; its value depends on the people who design it, how they use data, the values they bring to the process and whether they remain focused on the needs of their communities.”

Encouraging Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Head of the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at UMP, Professor Ntombovuyo Wayi-Mgwebi, highlighted the need for students to look beyond traditional employment pathways and explore opportunities to become innovators and entrepreneurs.

“Students need to move from being job seekers to becoming innovators and entrepreneurs,” she said, emphasising the role of technology in addressing challenges such as youth unemployment and food insecurity.

The challenge also required students to make quick decisions, manage setbacks, present their ideas and defend their solutions. Mr Mashitishi Phurutsi from TUT said the event simulated aspects of the modern IT workplace, where professionals are required to collaborate, prioritise tasks, make decisions under pressure and continuously adapt to changing technologies. 

The winning teams developed solutions addressing challenges in mining, the public sector and agriculture, demonstrating the potential of student innovation to respond to real-world needs.

Following an intense competition featuring innovative ideas and practical AI-driven solutions, four groups emerged as the 2026 MAISH winners. They were:

• First place: MineLink
  Solution: AI-Powered Safety and Health for Underground Mine Workers.
• Second place: SignSure
  Solution: AI-Powered Identity Verification for Digital Signatures in the public sector.
• Third place: AgricShield AI
  Solution: AI-Powered Market Recovery in agriculture.
• Fourth place: MineGuard
  Solution: Intelligent Mine Safety and Early Warning Platform.

The competition provided a dynamic environment in which students could challenge themselves, collaborate and explore the possibilities of AI. It also highlighted the value of creating opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, respond to societal challenges and strengthen their technical and professional skills.

For UMP, MAISH contribute to developing graduates who can think independently, act with integrity and contribute meaningfully to society through knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship.

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

Hosted by the University of Lodz, TSRG brings together 20 students from seven universities across South Africa, Germany, Poland, Vietnam and Lithuania to engage in shared research through diverse cultural and academic perspectives.

Ms Lukashe, a second-year PhD candidate in Economics, participated in the week-long research trip as part of TSRG 2026, an international research and cultural exchange programme focused on “Transculturalism in Times of Rising Authoritarianism and Polarization: A Case Study-Based Approach.”

Students were placed into four-member transcultural groups and tasked with developing case studies under the broader theme. The programme included workshops, discussions, simulations and constructive feedback, while encouraging students to engage with the cultural differences that shaped their research.

For Ms Lukashe, the experience “Exposed me to the political, historical and socio-cultural dimensions through which global challenges can also be understood. It was a valuable reminder that growing as a researcher sometimes requires stepping beyond the familiarity of one's own field," she said.

Learning Through History and Cultural Exchange

The activities included an interactive workshop and tour at the Marek Edelman Dialogue Centre, focusing on the history of the Lodz Ghetto, reconciliation and Polish social history. The visit connected the group's academic focus on polarisation with the lived experiences of communities affected by conflict, division and historical trauma.

“Coming from the University of Mpumalanga, an institution where collaboration, diversity and adaptability are valued, I found myself drawing on these values throughout the research week,” she says. 

“Working with students from different countries meant encountering perspectives and ways of thinking that were sometimes completely different from my own, while still having to work towards a shared research goal.”

Her research focuses on the impact of climate change on agri-trade balance and food systems in sub-Saharan Africa, with her development as a researcher shaped by the guidance and support of her supervisors, Dr Rachel Nishimwe-Niyimbanira and Prof. Andrew Maredza.

As her research has evolved, so has her understanding that global challenges cannot be fully addressed through a single discipline or perspective. This has encouraged her to seek opportunities that broaden her intellectual horizons beyond her familiar academic space, a mindset further strengthened by the guidance of her mentor, Ms Confidence Ndlovu.

As an aspiring academic, she aims to become a transformative leader in academia, with a commitment to empowering underrepresented voices through education and inclusive knowledge.

“The opportunities I have encountered at UMP have continually shown me the transformative power of education in creating spaces where ideas and perspectives can travel across cultures and disciplines,” she says. 

Ms Lukashe's participation in TSRG 2026 provided an opportunity to strengthen her research skills, engage with international peers and gain a broader understanding of how academic work can be informed by different cultural, historical and disciplinary perspectives.

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

On 19 September 2026, UMP former students gathered at the Mbombela Campus for the election of the Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter Executive Committee.

The Chapter provides a platform for former students to remain connected with the University, build professional networks, share experiences and support one another beyond graduation.

The newly elected Executive Committee comprises:

• Chairperson: Mr Prosper Chiloane
• Secretary: Mr Ben Langa
• Treasurer: Mr Lucky Mbuyisa
• Additional Member: Ms Sanet Ndwandwe

The Executive Committee will support the Chapter's activities, strengthen alumni engagement and foster lasting relationships between graduates and UMP.

Speaking after the elections, newly elected chairperson Mr Chiloane outlined three key focus areas for the Chapter. 

These are maintaining connections between UMP and its graduates, ensuring that the Chapter functions as an active alumni body, and creating meaningful benefits for graduates through networking, mentorship, opportunities and a sense of belonging.

“The Chapter should keep us connected to the institution that shaped us, so that UMP and its graduates grow together, not apart,” he said.

He said the Chapter should fulfil its role as an active and functioning alumni body, rather than simply exist as a title.

The newly elected Executive Committee of the Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter.

“It must be a structure that meets, plans and delivers,” said Mr Chiloane, who also emphasised the importance of ensuring that graduates benefit from their continued association with UMP.

“The Chapter must ensure that graduates actually benefit from its existence, whether through networking, mentorship, opportunities or simply a sense of belonging to something that works for us." 

Mr Chiloane called for active participation from graduates in building a functional alumni structure.

“For too long, alumni structures like ours risk becoming names on paper rather than living, functioning associations. That must change under this leadership. I will need every graduate here to hold this leadership accountable, to participate and to help us rebuild this Chapter brick by brick.

Our commitment to you is to build a Chapter that graduates can point to with pride; a credible and effective association, run with discipline and consistency." he said.

The Mpumalanga Alumni Chapter brings together former students who share a connection with UMP and provides opportunities for networking, collaboration and continued engagement with the University community.

UMP congratulates the newly elected Executive Committee and looks forward to working with the Chapter to strengthen connections and create opportunities for its alumni community.

Story and Pictures by Cleopatra Makhaga. Copyright © UMP.

Named in the Technology and Innovation category, Dr Mongwe was recognised for work that uses technology, artificial intelligence and digital solutions to address complex challenges and improve lives.

For Dr Mongwe, the recognition reinforces his commitment to bridging modern scientific research and African traditional medicine, drawing on his expertise as both a chemist and a registered traditional healer.

“This gives a projection of how education, perseverance and research can contribute to societal development,” he says, adding that the recognition motivates him to inspire young people, particularly those from rural communities, to pursue ambitious educational and scientific careers.

“I see it as an encouragement to continue developing innovative solutions that address South Africa’s challenges while inspiring the next generation of scientists and traditional healers or medicinal users.”

Dr Mongwe’s academic career is rooted in a passion for chemistry, education, research and community development. He began his academic career at the University of Limpopo, where he obtained a BSc Honours in Chemistry. 

He later worked as a high school teacher at Seageng Secondary School in Soshanguve before progressing to the University of the Witwatersrand, where he completed an MSc in Chemistry cum laude in 2018, focusing on carbon nanomaterials and photovoltaic devices, and subsequently completed a PhD in Chemistry in 2021, specialising in carbon–metal oxide nanocomposites and gas-sensing applications.

Research, Outreach and Innovation

Dr Mongwe later joined UMP as a Chemistry lecturer, where his contributions extend beyond teaching to curriculum development, research, postgraduate supervision and academic mentorship. He was awarded UMP’s Emerging Teacher of the Year award in recognition of his impact in science, following his recognition by the Hope Givers Foundation in 2025.

His current work includes investigating carbon nanoparticles and carbon–metal hybrid nanomaterials as potential compost additives and nanofertilisers, as well as exploring nanomaterials for environmental monitoring and remediation.

“I also have an interest in emerging green-energy materials such as perovskites and carbon nanomaterials,” he adds.

Dr Mongwe is involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Innovation (STEMI) outreach programmes, with a particular focus on inspiring school learners and expanding access to science education. 

According to him, his research and academic work should not only contribute to publications, but also produce solutions that are relevant to South Africa and the broader African context.

Beyond research and teaching, he contributes through curriculum development, innovative chemistry pedagogy, assessment design, research collaboration, student development, academic leadership and STEMI community engagement. 

Dr Mongwe's academic career reflects a commitment to using chemistry, education and innovation to address African challenges and create opportunities for communities and future generations.

Story and pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.

Advocate Madonsela delivered a Public Lecture under the theme “Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo", as part of the University of Mpumalanga's (UMP) Asixoxeni–Asicocisane Roundtable Discussion Series, a platform that brings together academics, policymakers, community leaders and thought leaders to stimulate meaningful dialogue.

She reflected on the history of women’s resistance in South Africa and the broader connection between women’s freedom and human freedom, arguing that no individual or group can experience true freedom while others continue to face injustice, inequality and deprivation.

“Women who participated in the march were from different racial, political, religious and socio-economic backgrounds united in resistance against discriminatory legislation."

Advocate Madonsela reminded delegates to distinguish between being in a position of power and actually having power. Representation matters, but what matters even more is whether women can influence decisions and change the institutions in which they serve. 

Professor Meyiwa mentioned that universities have an important responsibility in advancing conversations.

Decolonisation of Teaching and Learning

Speaking on the persistent challenges facing women, including Gender-based violence, unequal access to land and structural poverty, Advocate Madonsela noted that social grants provide an important safety net for many households but welfare support alone cannot address the underlying structural inequalities that continue to affect women.

While acknowledging the progress made in women’s representation in public institutions, she cautioned that representation should not be confused with meaningful power.

“The presence of women in positions of authority does not automatically mean that women have the influence required to transform systems and decision-making processes.

She called on institutions, particularly universities, to decolonise knowledge and dismantle stereotypes to move women beyond being tea makers to becoming consequential leaders. 

For Advocate Madonsela, consequential leadership means more than occupying prestigious positions. It requires leaders who are willing and able to transform institutions and address the systemic challenges that prevent society from reaching its full potential.

She proposed a long-term roadmap for accelerating progress, anchored around three key milestones: 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals; 2056, marking the centenary of the 1956 Women’s March; and 2063, aligned with the aspirations of Agenda 2063 and the broader Pan-African vision.

“These milestones should serve as opportunities to measure progress and ensure that commitments to equality translate into tangible change,” she added.

"Creating a genuinely equal society requires more than removing formal barriers. It requires institutions and the state to actively address the conditions that prevent people from reaching their potential. The state has a constitutional responsibility to actively promote equality,” she said.

Advocate Madonsela highlighted persistent challenges facing women, including Gender-based violence.

Transformative Dialogue

The Lecture provided an opportunity for students, academics, staff and stakeholders to engage with the historical and contemporary realities of women’s leadership and resistance, while reflecting on the role each sector has to play in advancing gender equality.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, emphasised that universities have an important responsibility in advancing conversations that challenge stereotypes and contribute to meaningful social transformation.

“It is through dialogue, knowledge and education that we can challenge the structures that continue to reproduce inequality. As a university, we must ensure that our scholarship and our institutional practices contribute to building a society where women can lead, participate and thrive,” she said.

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

The award recognises substantial growth over a period in research management capacity, research outputs and research funding, initial success in innovation and technology transfer, the establishment of research entities, and the broad-based professionalisation of research management at a university in the SADC region.

The SARIMA Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations that advance research and innovation management across Africa. The award highlights UMP’s progress in developing its Research Management Office and strengthening its research support framework.

SARIMA brings together research and innovation management practitioners to strengthen these disciplines and institutional capabilities across the SADC region. The association also provides thought leadership and advocacy, promotes and facilitates best practices, and champions efforts to build and strengthen institutional and individual capacity and capabilities.

The UMP Research Management Office was established in 2015 with two staff members and grew to eight by 2026, reflecting the University’s growing commitment to research management and institutional development.

Through the Research Management Office, UMP has recorded growth in research outputs and external funding, including a 45.09% increase in the 2024 awarded DHET research output units, on external research grants; a 30.22 % increase in 2024, and a further 15% increase in 2025.

The University also secured 38 internationalisation agreements across four continents, initiated two Research Chairs in 2025, and gained inclusion in major international programmes focused on food security and food systems.

“This is a significant achievement that reflects the collective effort, commitment, true leadership, and dedication of the entire research support ecosystem at UMP, including the faculty leadership of the Deans, the Head of Schools, researchers, and support staff,” said Professor Aldo Stroebel, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation.

UMP previously received the NRF Accelerator Award in 2023 and the CEO Special Recognition Award in 2024 for advancement in research management.

The latest recognition acknowledges the continued development of research management at UMP and the collective contribution of the University’s research community and support structures towards strengthening its research and innovation environment.

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This was among the key issues explored at the Southern African Folklore Society (SAFOS) Conference, held from 16 to 18 September 2026 at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in Mbombela under the theme Orality in Transformation: Preserving Heritage, Innovating Futures.

The conference brought together scholars, researchers, postgraduate students and heritage practitioners to examine the changing relationship between oral traditions, folklore, Indigenous Knowledge Systems and emerging technologies.

Traditionally transmitted through storytelling, songs, praise poetry, rituals, ceremonies and intergenerational teaching, oral traditions have long served as repositories of community memory, identity, values and knowledge. 

From gatherings around the fireplace, oral traditions are increasingly finding space on podcasts, social media platforms, radio, television, digital archives and other online platforms. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also creating new possibilities for recording, translating, analysing and sharing cultural and linguistic heritage.

While these developments create opportunities for preservation and wider access, they also raise questions about who owns cultural knowledge, who has the authority to interpret it, and how communities can be protected from the distortion or appropriation of their heritage.

Speaking on Orality and Research Impact, UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, emphasised that technological advancement must be accompanied by ethical engagement with the communities whose knowledge is being preserved.

The conference speakers examined the changing relationship between oral traditions and emerging technologies.

He noted that digital tools could provide unprecedented opportunities to document oral heritage and make it accessible to wider audiences, while Indigenous Knowledge remains vulnerable to disappearance, distortion, commodification and appropriation.

“Researchers should move away from simply researching ‘on’ communities and instead research with communities, recognising them as partners and co-creators of knowledge,” said Professor Stroebel, further emphasising that research should produce knowledge that responds to real-world problems, informs policy, empowers communities and contributes to the sustainable development of South Africa.

National Heritage Council CEO, Dr Thabo Manetsi, explained that while history is primarily concerned with factual accounts of the past, heritage can encompass stories, legends, emotions and moral values.

“Heritage is therefore not simply something inherited from the past, but something that present generations actively decide to preserve and pass on to those who come after them,” he said, adding that communities and knowledge holders are central to safeguarding living heritage.

He also mentioned that the transformation of oral traditions should not be understood as an abandonment of traditional practices. Rather, transformation allows cultural expressions to evolve and remain relevant as social, cultural and technological environments change.

 Postgraduate researchers had the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing scholarly conversation.

Creating Space for African Knowledge

Conference discussions also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in ensuring that technology serves heritage preservation responsibly. Partnerships between the humanities, social sciences, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence and cultural institutions can create new ways of documenting and engaging with African knowledge systems.

For universities, this raises an important question: how can Indigenous languages be recognised not merely as subjects of academic study, but as active languages through which knowledge is created, shared and understood?

For UMP, this conversation is particularly relevant given its location in a province rich in linguistic and cultural diversity. Connecting research to the communities and heritage of Mpumalanga creates opportunities for scholarship to contribute to the preservation and continued development of local knowledge.

The conference further emphasised that African knowledge systems should be viewed as intellectual resources for the future, rather than being treated solely as remnants of the past, and provided a platform for postgraduate researchers to contribute to the ongoing scholarly conversation.

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

The conference brought together academics from 26 South African universities, international delegates, students and emerging researchers. The programme covered a broad range of geographical disciplines, including human and physical geography, environmental management, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, agriculture, food security, tourism, mining and conservation.

Opening the academic conference was SSAG President Professor Zarina Patel addressed delegates before keynote presentations examined the changing landscape of geographical scholarship and the need for innovative approaches to complex societal and environmental challenges.

The first address was by Postcolonial Geographer, Professor Patricia Noxolo, focusing on Quantum Theory and the rise of Generative AI, followed by Professor Sifiso Xulu who presented GIS and Remote Sensing. 

Professor Patricia Okolo from the University of Birmingham explored the intersections between human geography, quantum theory and generative artificial intelligence, while Professor Fiso Kulu from the University of South Africa focused on remote sensing and contemporary environmental challenges.

The conference also provided an opportunity to engage with issues particularly relevant to Mpumalanga, including mining, tourism and conservation. Five parallel sessions enabled academics to present research across different geographical fields, encouraging dialogue and knowledge exchange among researchers from different institutions.

A key focus of the conference was the need to move beyond disciplinary boundaries. In her keynote address, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Director of the One Ocean Hub at the University of Cape Town, Dr Philile Mbatha, highlighted the importance of integrative and transdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental and social challenges.

She noted that issues such as biodiversity loss and climate change cannot be adequately addressed by treating human and physical geography as separate fields. Instead, she emphasised the importance of understanding social and ecological systems as interconnected.

Dr Mbatha also examined the growing importance of the ocean as a frontier for economic development through the Blue Economy, where sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy and mining compete for marine resources.

She highlighted the need for governance approaches that bring together government, industry, researchers, civil society and local communities. She further emphasised the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and local knowledge in environmental decision-making, particularly in communities that have historically experienced exclusion from coastal resources and decision-making processes.

The discussions reinforced the role of geographers in producing knowledge that can contribute to policy, sustainable development and more inclusive decision-making.

The programme extended beyond academic presentations, with delegates participating in field trips to locations including the Kruger National Park and Capsey Woop. These activities provided opportunities to connect geographical scholarship with real-world landscapes and communities.

Participants were encouraged to use the society as a platform for professional development and collaboration.

Supporting Emerging Researchers

The fourth day focused on the SSAG Student Conference, providing a dedicated platform for Honours, Master’s and PhD students and other emerging researchers.

Held under the theme Geography and Geographers in a Changing Environment: Emerging Trends and Challenges, the student conference encouraged young researchers to present their work, receive constructive academic feedback and engage with established scholars and fellow students.

Chair of the Local Organising Committee for the student conference, Mr Sakhile Nsukwini, said the event was particularly important for emerging researchers who may be presenting their research formally for the first time.

The programme covered areas including human geography, physical geography, environmental management, environmental science, GIS and remote sensing, while also emphasising professional networking and future research collaboration.

Welcoming students to the conference, SSAG President Professor Onisimo Mutanga encouraged participants to use the society as a platform for professional development and collaboration. He emphasised the importance of knowledge exchange and building relationships beyond students’ immediate institutions, encouraging them to engage with researchers from universities across South Africa and internationally.

Professor Mutanga also highlighted the value of developing scientific communication and publication skills. Students were encouraged to participate actively in discussions, make use of SSAG writing workshops and take part in activities such as three-minute presentation competitions to strengthen their ability to communicate research effectively.

He further encouraged emerging researchers to embrace transdisciplinary approaches, noting the increasing importance of collaboration between academia, government, industry and non-governmental organisations in developing research that responds to societal needs.

The student conference therefore provided more than a platform for research presentations. It created opportunities for young geographers to build professional relationships, exchange ideas and become part of a wider geographical community.

The programme was supported by the SSAG Council, UMP leadership, the Local Organising Committee and various partners, including the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency and Israel-South Africa.

The conference provided an opportunity for established academics and emerging researchers to examine how geographical knowledge can respond to changing environmental and socioeconomic realities. For UMP, it also created a platform to connect geographical scholarship with the distinctive environmental, social and economic contexts of Mpumalanga, while contributing to broader national and international conversations within the discipline.

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

The CHPC Student Cluster Competition is one of South Africa’s leading high-performance computing initiatives, where undergraduate students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at universities are trained to apply their knowledge and practical skills in key areas of advanced computing, including:

• Linux system administration
• Parallel programming
• Artificial intelligence and data science
• Networking
• Scientific computing

Through real-world computational challenges, the competition helps develop the next generation of high-performance computing specialists while encouraging innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving.

The UMP team secured its place at the national finals after an impressive performance during the regional selection rounds at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, where they competed against universities from across the country.

Representing the University of Mpumalanga at the national finals will be Ms Rendani Ramaphosa, Mr Phathutshedzo Mamagau, Mr Olerato Phafane, and Mr Siyabonga Ndhlovu.

The team is mentored by Mr Tshifhiwa Samuel Mphephu, who was named Best Promising Male in the same competition in 2025. The students are also supported by Ms Issah Ngomane and the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.

The students’ qualification reflects UMP’s commitment to nurturing highly skilled graduates with advanced digital, computational, and problem-solving capabilities. Their achievement also contributes to South Africa’s growing research, innovation, and high-performance computing ecosystem.

The University of Mpumalanga congratulates the students, mentors, and the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences on this remarkable accomplishment.

Story and Picture supplied. Copyright © UMP.