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“Wathint’abafazi Wathint’iMbokodo!”

UMP CELEBRATESWOMEN’S MONTH

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IN THIS ISSUE...2ND EDITION - NOVEMBER 2015

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PROMOTING INTELLECTUAL ENGAGEMENT ON HIGHER EDUCATION

UMP PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES

THE BENEFITS AND ROLE OF RESEARCH IN ACADEMICS

THE UMP RESEARCH SEMINAR

USHERING IN OF THE NEW STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL

THE SRC/CRC GALA DINNER

As part of the 2015 University of Mpumalanga (UMP) Women’s Month Celebrations, UMP Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, hosted the UMP Women’s Breakfast.

As I was reflecting on what to share with you this morning, I decided to focus on excellence. As you may

be aware, excellence is one of our values as UMP.

Creating Opportunities

Addressing the women in attendance, Prof Thoko Mayekiso said it was an honour and a privilege to get the opportunity to speak to them, that she believed that each person, within their own uniqueness, can raise the bar, and make sure that they excel, that excellence requires effort and not a cut and paste exercise.

“Deepak Chopra reminds us that: ‘If you focus on success, you will have stress. But if you pursue excellence, success will be guaranteed’.

The women of UMP at the UMP breakfast hosted by Prof Thoko Mayekiso as part of the Women’s Month Celebrations at UMP

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The aim therefore, should be to pursue excellence, and the rest will fall into place. To raise the standard, and to realise that the biggest room there is, is the room for improvement for all of us.”

The Vice-Chancellor further shared and emphasised the five thoughts that she believes are the key to success. The law of favourability, commitment, execution, taking decisions and carrying them out and the ten most important Qs.

Some of the women of UMP attending the Women’s Breakfast Prof Thoko Mayekiso addressing the audience at the UMP Women’s Breakfast

Promoting Intellectual Engagement on Higher Education

UMP PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES

Prof Sipho Seepe addressing the audience at the 2nd UMP Public Lecture

The second UMP public lecture took place at the university’s Siyabuswa Campus on August 21, 2015 with Prof Sipho Seepe delivering a paper titled “Higher Education Transformation: Ensuring Equal Opportunities for All”

In her welcoming speech at the event, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, said UMP is an African University that embraces, celebrates and upholds African Values.

“UMP recognises, affirms and entrenches the African experience and context in the academic project and leadership management process.”

The lecture is the second in the series to promote intellectual engagement on issues related to Higher Education. The first lecture of the series took place in May 2015 at the UMP’s Mbombela Campus and formed part ofthe Africa Week Celebrations at the institution.

Prof Seepe’s lecture attracted students, learners, teachers from local schools and individuals from various public institutions.

Prof Mayekiso closed by encouraging the women to have high expectations of themselves, this she said will lead to others having high expectations of them and that this is how one succeeds in the workplace.

For the full VC’s UMP Women’s Breakfast Address, visit www.ump.ac.za/events_pages/events_28August_celebrating_womens_month.html#.ViebnEomym4

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The benefits and role of research in academics

THE UMP RESEARCH SEMINAR

Some of the academics and postgraduate students attending theResearch Seminar

The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) hosted the Research Seminar for emerging researchers and staff registered for postgraduate studies. The seminar focused on research in various fields, benefits thereof and the role of academics in research.

The event was organised by the Director of Research Management at UMP, Prof Phindile Lukhele-Olorunju, in a bid to provide support for both staff members who want to engage in research and those registered for postgraduate studies. The seminar was run by Prof Mammo Muchie andDr Abiodun Egbetokun.

Day one of the seminar started with a presentation by Prof Muchie on Research in South Africa in particular and Africa in general. He explained the need for research in various fields, benefits thereof and the role of academics in research. This was followed by a discussion on research conceptualisation. Steps followed in conceptualisation were well explained. There was active engagement between staff and the presenters. Some staff members also contributed to the discussion by sharing their experiences, perceptions and ideas on both research conceptualisation and implementation.

Dr Egbetokun’s presentation was on proposal writing. He went through all the steps of proposal writing. For each step he presented specific questions which a researcher should ask himself/herself to ensure that he/she is doing the right thing at a particular stage. He gave examples which made it easyto understand.

Dr Egbetokun also explained the importance of use of simple language in writing either the proposal itself, a paper or a report. He gave guidelines which one could use to ensure that his/her writing is appealing to the reader. The presentation by Dr Egbetokun can simply be summed up as “proposal writing made easy.” The whole process was explained so clearly that even beginners would proceed with little or no difficulty at all.

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Day two saw staff members going one on one with both Prof Muchie and Dr Egbetokun for consultation. Lecturers sought advice and direction regarding their proposals and other work in progress. Each of those who consulted was very happy with the feedback they got from the two renowned research mentors.

“As staff members of the University of Mpumalanga we are very grateful for having had this kind of seminar as well as having had to create a relationship with these two leaders in the field of research. We are quite inspired by the wealth of knowledge displayed by the two and their willingness to avail themselves to us for the benefit of research. Continued interaction with them will help us to fulfil our mandate to conduct research in addition to our teaching and learning engagements. We are also very grateful to our Director of Research, Prof Phindile Lukhele-Olorunju for paving the way.It is everyone’s hope that the candle lit at this seminar will be kept burning by all.”

Higher education faculty administration challenges

2015 ANNUAL HEFAF CONFERENCE AND AGMThe Higher Education Faculty Administrators Forum (HEFAF) held its annual conference and AGM on May 21-22, 2015, at the Elangeni Hotel & Conference Centre, in Durban.

The theme and focus for this year’s event which was attended by representatives from all of South Africa’s Public and

Private Universities as well as FET Colleges, was “A First Year Students Challenge should be in the Classroom and not in the Administration Process - Enhancing Service Delivery”. Speakers from the various universities presented papers and motivational talks aligned to this year’s theme.

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The first day of the event saw various speeches on higher education faculty challenges. A paper presented by Deputy Director of Academic Administration at the University of Pretoria, Ms Cita Myburgh, mainly focused on the student perspective.

The second day of the annual HEFAF Conference and AGM had the Head of Faculty Administration at the University of Johannesburg, Lizette Hollander, present a paper titled “Leadership qualities required from heads of academic administration in South African Higher Educational Institutions”.

The delegates were also afforded the opportunity to listento motivational speakers such as Author of “An eclipse ofthe son”, Mr Kenneth Milanzi and other speakers such as Head of Student Housing at the University of Pretoria,Ms Sisanda Machi.

The speaking and presenting sessions were followed by the election of the new HEFAF Management Committee. UMP Academic Administrator, MR Mbongeni Mahlangu was elected Deputy Chairperson of HEFAF Management Committee.

The UMP delegation also included, from Academic Affairs, Mr R Koroma, Deputy Registrar, Ms N Shongwe and PA to the Registrar, Ms J Nkosi.

As part of forging partnerships with other higher education institutions, the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) visited the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) on September 2, 2015.

The visit which took place at the University of Mpumalanga’s Mbombela Campus, was to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the two institutions.

The MoA is to forge a strategic partnership between the two institutions in order to promote collaboration and cooperation in teaching and learning, research, engagement and facilities. This collaboration presents an opportunity to mutually benefit both institutions.

A Steering Committee was established which comprises of eight members, four from each institution. The first meeting was held before the signing of the MoA.

Prior the visit, there was a sitting of the Steering Committee to engage and explore means of collaboration as highlighted on the MoA.

UMP Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, said that this was a great opportunity for both institutions.

“Being such a young University means we have no history and that we are in the position to start afresh and create our own future. We are also privileged to learn from other well established institution and take the best practice from others”.

TUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Lourens van Staden’s, sentiments were that it is a well-known fact that the need for higher education far exceeds the availability.

“Young people often have to leave their home town to go study. This often leaves a void in the local economy and job market, since these young people tend not to return there to work”

He said by combining resources and skills from both institutions, Mpumalanga province can become a gatewayfor youth to enrol for studies and address the specific needs of the environment.

Building Relationships

TUT VISITS UMP

Mid Front Row: (L) UMP VC, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, (R) TUT VC and Principal, Prof Lourens van Staden signing the MoA between UMP and TUTBack Row: Steering Committee members from both UMP and TUT

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The University of Mpumalanga’s (UMP) Student Representative Council (SRC) and Committee Representative Council (CRC) hosted their annual Gala Dinner to welcome the new SRC leadership to take the reins for the 2015/2016 academic year.

Addressing the student organisations at the dinner whichtook place at the Bundu Inn on October 14, 2015, UMPVice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, thanked the outgoing representatives for the leadership they have shown during their tenure.

“Thank you for the exemplary leadership you have provided to your fellow students. From the time UMP came into existence you all were ready to fulfil your purpose as representatives of the students of this institution. In the chronicles of the history of UMP, you will always be on record as the Fist UMP SRC and CRC, this status of pioneering leadership will remain permanently yours.”

Prof Mayekiso also welcomed the newly elected representatives and encouraged them to carry on thelegacy of the outgoing members.

“As you take on your new responsibilities as representatives of the students of UMP, know that we as the university’s management will always have the best interests of the students at heart, but more importantly, our commitment is in upholding the Values of UMP in a professional and dignified manner. Our hope therefore is that as the new representatives you will ensure that alignment to this commitment never wavers.”

Dean of Students, Dr Paul Maminza, also addressed the students saying that the whole of the student affairs department had only good things to say about the outgoing representatives.

Ushering in of the new Student Representative Council

THE SRC/CRC GALA DINNER“We were impressed with how the outgoing SRC and CRC displayed integrity, political tolerance and respect for other’s views though different or conflicting to theirs.”

He further expressed that he hoped that the collaborative relationship that was had with the outgoing SRC /CRC would continue.

The Vice-Chancellor closed the gala dinner by expressing that she was looking forward to working with the new SRC and CRS. She encouraged them to be solution seekers and to rise to the occasion of upholding the UMP Flag High.

“I would like to close with the Seven Pillars of Excellence from the book “In Search of Excellence” by author Tom Peters. Enthusiasm, Energy, Execution, Engagement, Empathy, Emotions and Excellence.

The outgoing president of SRC, Mr Muzi Khoza, made his farewell speech and encouraged the new SRC and CRC to be ambassadors of UMP and to demand 100% commitment from university management when it comes to making students a priority and that nothing concerning students can happen without the involvement of students.

Mr Khoza quoted words of advice to the new members from Prof Sipho Seepe’s lecture “To raise Issues in a diplomatic manner and not resort to violence”.

Some of the other UMP personnel in attendance at the dinner included; Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Prof Richard Bernard, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Institutional Support, Prof Rachmond Howard, Coordinator: Stakeholder Liaison Communication and Marketing, Prof John Shongwe, Registrar, Mr Sello Legodi, Executive Director HR, Mr Leonard Mavuso and Executive Director Finance, Mr Kevin Pather .

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Prof Thoko Mayekiso and some Management Committee membersNewly elected SRC/CRC representatives at the annual UMP SRC/CRC Gala Dinner

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Celebrating 125 years in business

HL HALL GOLD MEDAL AWARD LAUNCHIn celebration of their 125th birthday, HL Hall and Sons, a sub-tropical fresh produce business based in Mpumalanga, presented a grant to the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in acknowledgement of their support and partnership.

A special donation handover ceremony was held at the UMP’s Mbombela Campus Great Hall on August 20, 2015.

The integrated donation handover of R125 000 to the UMP also heralded the launch of the HL Hall Gold Medal award. This prestigious annual award is proudly sponsored by HL Hall and Sons and recognises the top students in both the B.Agric and BSc (Agric) programmes.

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Prof Thoko Mayekiso receiving a donation from HL Hall representatives

Encouraging further education

UMP SCHOOLS TOUR 2015

Prof Thoko Mayekiso addressing learners at the 2015 UMP Schools Tour

University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in conjunction with the Mpumalanga Department of Education invited 200 Grade 12 learners from various local high schools to visit the university as part of the UMP/Department of Education’s School Tour 2015.

The schools invited for this year’s tour were from Coronation Secondary School, Witbank High School and Pine Ridge Secondary School.

During the visit , the UMP Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso, imparted some words of motivation to the learners. “As an African University we look forward to providing you with leadership in knowledge”.

She also wished the learners the best of luck with their impending matric exams.

The visit forms part of the strategic plan by the department to encourage further education as well as motivate the learners to think about their academic future.

Some of the learners and other attendees at the 2015 UMP Schools Tour

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Living a healthy lifestyle and HIV education

STUDENT WELLNESS DAY To remind students of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, the University of Mpumalnga (UMP) hosted a Student Wellness Day. on August 6, 2015. The event which took place at the University’s Marapyane Site of Delivery.

One of the activities of the event was the health talk for the students given by the Department of Health. Students were given information on health as well as an opportunity to ask questions during the session.

The session also included a brief presentation from New Start and the Department of Health on pre-and post-counselling on HIV and AIDS. New Start is South Africa’s largest non profit HIV prevention programme and offers a comprehensive package of HIV counselling and testing; medical male circumcision and health communications. During the New Start and the Department of Health session, students had the opportunity to check their HIV status.

The event was certainly a success with a great number of students actively looking for information and eagerly participating in the event’s activities. Some of the students who attended the wellness day event

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Tools for a healthy financial future

SANLAM FINANCE LECTURE The event which was mainly about educating students about good financial management was hosted by the UMP at the university’s Mbombela Campus on September 8, 2015.

This included advice on what information was required by the students, where they could go for assistance with their finances and how to save money.

Some of the students commented that they found the lecture both enlightening and entertaining.

Steers vouchers were given to the students as a token of appreciation for attending the lecture.

Some of the students who attended the Sanlam Finance Lecture

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Mr UMP• Mncedisi Mdaka (Mr UMP)• Bernard Ofentse Mmotong (1st Prince)• Boipelo Mphake (2nd Prince)

Miss UMP• Nobuhle Nkosi (Miss UMP)• Busisiwe Sibiya (1st Princess)• Sandra Sono (2nd Princess

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Mbombela Campus(Main Campus)Private Bag X 11283, Mbombela, 1200c/o D725 and R40, Riverside, Mbombela, South Africa, 1200 Tel: +27 13 002 0001

General enquiries(Switchboard)Tel: +27 13 002 0001Email: info@ump.ac.zaWeb: www.ump.ac.za

Siyabuswa CampusBheki Mfundo Drive, Siyabuswa,South Africa, 0472Tel: +27 13 590 0590

Creating Opportunities

The King and Queen of UMP

MR AND MISS UMP 2015UMP hosted the MR and Miss UMP 2015 Pageant. Attended by some of the UMP management staff, the following were the crowned Mr and Miss University of Mpumalanga 2015.

The 2015 Mr and Miss UMP pageant

Showcasing sporting talent

FLOATING TROPHY 2015Showcasing sporting talent

FLOATING TROPHY 2015The first Floating Trophy Athletics sports day took place on September 12, 2015 at the University of Mpumalanga’s (UMP) Siyabuswa Campus sports ground.

The event which is aimed at promoting and encouraging students to partake in sports activities, gave students a chance and a platform to showcase their athletic talents. The three UMP teams who participated in this year’s event took part in various athletic activities. These were the Mbombela Campus, the Siyabuswa Campus and the Marapyane Campus.

Also participating at the event were UMP staff members including the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Thoko Mayekiso.

Some of the students who participated in the Floating Trophy Sports Event

Prof Mayekiso congratulated the teams and the winners of the different activities and encouraged everyone to get involved and participate in all of the university’s extra curricula activities.