PROFILE UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA
Professor Meyiwa described the awards as a celebration of UMP’ s continued growth, pointing out that while the University is young, it has achieved remarkable progress.“ Excellence is not accidental. It is cultivated through integrity, collaboration and an unwavering passion for making a difference,” she said.
“ Sustainability demands that we think beyond the immediate and build practices that endure,” she added, noting that partnerships are essential in sustaining excellence.
Professor Stroebel added his voice:“ The Excellence Awards emphasise that achievement is intentional – cultivated through commitment, collaboration and a shared dedication to creating meaningful impact. They recognise individuals and teams whose work enhance the University’ s academic, research and engagement profile.”
Faculty Researcher of the Year
• Professor Tim Forssman: Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Social Sciences
• Dr Tatenda Dalu: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences
Faculty Emerging Researcher of the Year
• Dr Salmina Mokgehle: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences
NRF Rating Awards
• Dr Salmina Mokgehle: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences
• Professor Ferdinand Niyimbanira: Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Development Studies
• Professor Andrew Maredza: Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Development Studies
• Professor Tarombera Mwabvu: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences
Teaching Excellence
• Dr Thomas Mongwe: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences
Engagement Excellence Awards
• Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator( CFERI)
• Dr Zakhaleni Dube: Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Biology and Environmental Sciences
• Ms Confidence Ndlovu: Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, School of Development Studies
The awards ceremony recognised outstanding contributions across research, teaching and community engagement, reaffirming UMP’ s aim of developing talent, supporting innovation and strengthening societal impact. ■
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