Beacon of excellence

For more than 11 years, the University of Mpumalanga has been considered a hub of innovation and sustainable development

From its 169 enrolments in 2014 to 11 800 this year, and an academic programme increase from three to 77, the University of Mpumalanga’s (UMP) growth has been driven by its mandate to offer high-quality education and training opportunities to students who have a passion for knowledge.

It takes that passion and moulds students into critical thinkers who are theoretically informed, and enabled to realise their potential in the full spectrum of cognitive, social, aesthetic, physical and personal dimensions, so that they can fully participate in a democratic environment.

PARTNERSHIP EMPHASIS
Vice-chancellor and professor Thoko Mayekiso places great value on partnerships, collaborations, linkages and networks, to ensure the UMP responds to the challenges that both the university and its students face in a contemporary world. ‘These partnerships are both drivers and enablers in achieving our core values, which include excellence, integrity, diversity, collaboration, relevance, adaptability and inspiration,’ she says. ‘We currently have 36 such partnerships across the globe, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.’

These are regions in which UMP students have been granted opportunities to participate in international forums, in many cases actually presenting at those, informing attendees of the UMP’s unique programmes. One such, Grow Your Own Timber – which is a term used to demonstrate how students are provided with opportunities to become teachers through mentorship from seasoned teachers – has resulted in four of the 15 students in the first cohort of the Academic Talent Stewardship Fellows (ATSP), being appointed as lecturers.

‘Fifty-eight percent of our academic staff have doctoral degrees, and this is something we are rather proud of,’ she says. ‘We are strongly focused on the holistic development of students and providing them with a life-changing academic experience through high-quality curricula and co-curricular programmes that promote the principles of excellence, free enquiry and academic integrity.’

Thoko Mayekiso, vice-chancellor and professor, University of Mpumalanga

CAMPUS AND FACULTIES
The UMP has two campuses – Mombela and Siyabuswa – as well as a four-star conference centre, which are recognised for their design integration into nature, offering a peaceful environment of water features and evergreen plant life.

Within the two campuses are three faculties and eight schools. Under the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences are schools that cover agricultural sciences, biology and environmental sciences, chemical and physical sciences, and computing and mathematical sciences.

The Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences presents schools covering hospitality and tourism management, development studies, and social sciences. The Faculty of Education has one school, offering early childhood education.

These faculties and schools respond to the needs of the country, for the development of students that can take their place in leading communities once they graduate. ‘Once they do leave us, they are certainly enabled to address pressing global challenges and offer practical solutions to challenges that we all face,’ says Mayekiso.

ENVIRONMENT
Nestled in the heart of the capital city of Mpumalanga, UMP’s Mbombela campus is strategically positioned to cater for students’ needs, be that access to cultural, recreational or professional events. State-of-the-art facilities are broadly spread across the modern architecture of the university, including lecture halls, laboratories and libraries.

This attractiveness has resulted in a vibrant student life, says Mayekiso. ‘We have a wide array of clubs, societies and events so that students can explore their interests, develop new skills and build lasting connections. This aspect also serves to foster a sense of belonging and encourages active participation in campus life.’ Alongside are dedicated staff and resources to ensure that students have access to tools and support they need to succeed, from academic advice to mental health services, which ensures their well-being.

STUDENT LIFE
The UMP’s embrace of multiculturalism attracts students who want to immerse themselves in academic engagement without sacrificing their needs for social interaction outside of the university’s perimeter. The province itself is a hotspot for tourists, local and international, who flock to experience the natural beauty of the region, amid huge tracts of agricultural production.

UMP CREATION
It was this landscape that psychology professor Mayekiso looked upon, when she chose the tract of land – previously a golf course – and took on the challenge of turning it into the university campus. One of the ways she realised her vision was by collectively bringing together disparate educational programmes, scattered throughout the region, under the UMP’s umbrella. She thus gained much recognition for the creation of one of only two universities founded since democracy.

‘Has a better opportunity ever been offered to anyone to contribute to the development of their own country?’ was Mayekiso’s comment to Daily Maverick. ‘I would do it over and over again.’

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This drive, strong will and need to immerse oneself in development has certainly permeated the university and its students. It is one of the reasons why the UMP is so strongly focused on research and innovation. Its Siyabuswa campus is such an example. It is innovative from the perspective of social cohesion by focusing strongly on pedagogy and community engagement.

‘Siyabuswa campus emphasises community outreach and development. Our students and faculty members collaborate on projects that address local needs, which fosters a spirit of service and responsibility,’ says Mayekiso. ‘This commitment to community engagement underscores UMP’s broader mission of creating opportunities for sustainable development.’

GROWTH
The UMP is intent on expanding its academic offerings, as it has done over the past 11 years. It hosts breakfasts and other engaging seminars and lectures that also pull in crowds of non-academic attendees. They are exposed to innovative thinkers and stimulating discussions that open minds to possibilities.

‘The emphasis is on our inter-connectiveness,’ says Mayekiso. ‘And that is not purely about teaching and learning, but also how we engage as communities. That we have already seen a surge in applications for 2025 is indicative that we are providing exactly what people need, be that students or individuals, for their personal growth.

‘We continue with our quest to be recognised as a high-performing university, guided by strategies that achieve the UMP’s vision and mission and values.’

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