Q & A: University of Mpumalanga
principles of recognising performance, celebrating success, and motivating each other to strive for excellence are likely to endure. The values of UMP should remain the guiding principles, fostering a continued sense of pride and belonging among staff and students alike.
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing the University of Mpumalanga in the future, and how should the next leadership address them?
Maintaining the relevance of our academic project is essential, as is the continued focus on strengthening UMP’ s entrepreneurial efforts. The University has established the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among our students.
The following graduate attributes – being resourceful, responsive and responsible; possessing critical thinking skills; demonstrating innovation and entrepreneurship; acting as ethically and socially aware change agents; communicating confidently and effectively; and showing adaptability – should be prioritised by future leadership and embedded further into the curriculum.
How did you prioritise student engagement and success during your time in office, and what initiatives were most effective?
Practising an open-door policy and consistently living up to that commitment sent a clear message to students: the Vice- Chancellor is willing to listen. In addition, quarterly meetings were scheduled between the SRC and the Management Committee, creating a platform for open and honest dialogue. These sessions enabled the early identification and resolution of potential areas of conflict, with both parties working collaboratively to find solutions. This approach helped prevent many potential fallouts.
It was important to share with student leadership that a peaceful campus is one that fosters effective learning. When the environment is conducive to study, access leads to improved throughput – and, in turn, ensures that subsidy allocations remain unaffected. In all my engagements with students, whether in person or through written messages, I consistently emphasised the importance of living out our value of excellence.
What advice would you give to your successor as they step into the role of Vice-Chancellor?
I have great respect for the autonomy and uniqueness of each leader, which makes me hesitant to offer specific advice. However, research consistently shows that the most important attributes of a leader are authenticity, trustworthiness, and empathy.
I extend my best wishes to my successor and sincerely hope to see the institution continue to rise and thrive – building on what is already excellent while introducing fresh ideas to ensure that UMP remains on its promising trajectory.
As you exit the university, what are your future plans, and how do you hope to continue contributing to education or your community?
Higher Education is where I have spent a considerable amount of time – in fact, my entire career. I plan to continue with writing and research, and to contribute to knowledge production through chapters in books. I also intend to make myself available for mentoring and coaching roles within the higher education sector. The international collaborations I have established over the years will be further explored. Sharing my knowledge in a consulting capacity is also a possibility. I will continue my involvement with the Academy of Science of South Africa( ASSAf) and Higher Health.
Are you considering venturing back into clinical psychology?
Clinical Psychology keeps me in touch with human agony and anguish. Interventions on my part – undertaken in partnership with clients – and finding ways to alleviate suffering remain lifelong pursuits. I will therefore take on a manageable case load, so that my insights continue to benefit patients and I remain attuned to their concerns. In this way, my cumulative experience as a clinician can help others make meaningful breakthroughs in their own lives.
What message would you like to convey to the university community as you prepare to leave?
I would like to keep my cards close to my chest at this stage. When the time comes to convey that message, I want it to come from the depths of my heart. The essence of what I would express, however, is about striving for excellence and upholding all the values that have guided us thus far. I would also emphasise the importance of integrity and the relentless pursuit of the vision set. The UMP community has always rallied around one another during moments of crisis, and they should continue to do so.
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