Q & A: University of Mpumalanga
As you prepare to leave your position as Vice-Chancellor, how do you feel about your time at UMP?
I feel a deep sense of contentment and satisfaction – feelings that stem from knowing that the objectives I set for myself at the outset have been achieved.
In my inaugural address in May 2015, as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mpumalanga, I made the following commitment:“ Pioneers have to build a firm foundation, mindful that what they are creating should be durable, marketable, sustainable and enduring. Generations, yet unborn, must find a thriving university – one they would be proud to join – because we, who pioneered it, laid a firm foundation and committed to the immense project with body, mind and soul.”
Today, the university stands on solid ground and is well positioned to continue on its growth trajectory. Expectations in all core areas of the institution – teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community engagement – have been exceeded.
What were some of the significant challenges you encountered during your tenure, and how did you navigate them?
Establishing a new institution while simultaneously integrating staff from the Lowveld College of Agriculture was an exciting challenge. I was acutely aware of the immense responsibility and privilege of being the pioneering leader of the newly established university.
Meeting the expectations of various external stakeholders proved challenging at first, especially given that the UMP was the first university to be established in the province. However, the courage to confront challenges and communicate clearly gave momentum to the early part of the luhambo lwemhlahlandlela( the pioneering journey).
Gaining the trust of the entire staff proved pivotal and became the essential building block of credibility. Once the vision, mission, strategic objectives, and values were communicated with clarity and sincerity, staff embraced them fully.
My responsibility was to nurture a sense of confidence – that deep inner belief in themselves – in both staff and students.
How do you believe your leadership has influenced the university’ s direction and its role in the community?
My leadership as the Founding Vice-Chancellor of the UMP has shaped the developmental trajectory of the institution.
The Vision and Mission guiding the University’ s direction were developed under my leadership and have been pursued with unwavering commitment over the past ten years. We have positioned the UMP as an engaged institution, firmly rooted in its home province. As a result, our academic project holds relevance locally, nationally, regionally, and internationally.
I lead with a strong sense of integrity and authenticity. This means I do not make promises I cannot keep. I take my undertakings seriously, and after engaging with staff, they are clear about what is achievable and what is not. My ability to listen and be fully present – skills honed during my career as a Clinical Psychologist – has been instrumental in guiding the University’ s direction. Creating space for diverse voices and securing collective buy-in has been a strategic cornerstone of my leadership approach.
Generations, yet unborn, must find a thriving university – one they would be proud to join...
What legacy do you hope to leave behind, and how do you envision it continuing after your departure?
The iconic infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, delivered on time and within budget, stand as a tangible and visible legacy. However, the deeper legacy lies in the quality and impact of the academic project at the University of Mpumalanga. We now offer 78 qualifications, ranging from Higher Certificates to Doctoral degrees. In 2025, we celebrated a significant milestone by graduating the University’ s first Doctoral( PhD) candidate.
The Thoko Mayekiso Library and Information Services Building is a source of immense pride and sits at the heart of the University’ s academic endeavour. Its naming is a tremendous honour and a recognition I deeply value.
The focus on the holistic development of students and a genuine concern for their wellbeing are practices I hope will continue long after my departure. I trust that UMP will remain committed to providing a life-changing experience for students through both curricular and co-curricular activities. The core www. futuresa. co. za 9