The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) hosted Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu and his delegation on November 13, marking a significant step toward enhancing collaboration between the university and the provincial government.

In his welcoming remarks, Sabelo Mahlalela, chairperson of the UMP Council, emphasized the importance of this engagement in cementing the relationship between the two entities.

Recognizing UMP’s Contribution

Premier Ndlovu lauded the university for its outstanding contributions to the province.

“The UMP has set high standards of excellence. You have put our province on the map for the right reasons. May you continue with the excellent work of producing hard-working and well-rounded graduates for our province and our country,” Ndlovu said.

He stressed the need for research-informed decision-making to address pressing challenges such as unemployment and poverty. As part of this vision, the provincial government aims to establish a Research Institute and called on UMP to play a pivotal role in this initiative.

Ambitious Job Creation Goals

Ndlovu reiterated the provincial government’s target of creating 100,000 jobs annually. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with institutions like UMP to develop programs for reskilling and entrepreneurship, equipping the youth and graduates with essential skills for the job market.

UMP’s Commitment to Collaboration

Professor Thoko Mayekiso, UMP Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to partnerships, stating:

“As an engaged university, we value partnerships and appreciate the strategic relationship we have with the provincial government.”

Key Areas of Collaboration

The meeting identified several strategic areas for cooperation, including:

• Research on Just Energy Transition: To mitigate job losses in sectors affected by the shift to sustainable energy.
• Mining Development: Hosting the Mining Indaba and establishing a mining school at UMP.
• Health Sciences: Fast-tracking programs to offer health sciences education at the university.
• Youth Empowerment: Focusing on skilling and reskilling youth to combat unemployment.
• Entrepreneurship: Developing initiatives to foster entrepreneurial skills among graduates.

This collaboration between UMP and the provincial government highlights a shared commitment to addressing socio-economic challenges while fostering innovation and excellence in Mpumalanga.