New appointment for the University of Mpumalanga

MBOMBELA – Driven and motivated to be the cream of the crop, the University of Mpumalanga has filled three top positions with highly qualified and experienced rectors, comprising two professors and the registrar.

Top on their list is to create a culture of intellectualism in the province as statistics show that when compared with other provinces, Mpumalanga is behind intellectually.

During a recent interview with the team, they promised to produce highly qualified graduates as well.

“We will ensure our graduates are not only qualified on paper, but the best graduates, employable and looking forward in creating job opportunities as well,” says newly appointed deputy vice-chancellor Prof Rachmond Howard.

He brings with him lots of experience after being in various departments of the higher- education sector for more than 22 years. This includes being director of research and administration for years at the University of Limpopo and spending a year as campus director at the Tshwane University of Technology.

“It is very exciting to be part of the establishment of the campus of one of the best universities in Africa, which also responds to the post-1994 era, as it will create greater access for students and thus addressing the challenges of poverty and unemployment,” he added.

The trio also includes Prof Richard “Ric” Bernard from Rhodes University. He has more than 32 years of experience in higher education, including 27 years in academic teaching. He has published about 97 journals.

He reveals that most of the universities in the country have a serious backlog in accommodation and the University of Mpumalanga cannot fall into the same trap, hence admissions will start with a few students only.

By next year, only 240 students will be admitted. By 2016 the number will increase to 700. “We need to have infrastructure in place before we can increase the number of admissions and courses offered by the university,” he said.

Buildings are expected to be completed by the end of 2015, enabling the university to offer a diploma in ICT, BA in agriculture, including the launching of new diplomas in various fields, especially nature and conservation, forestry, humanities and commerce management.

The university also has plans to run workshops and enhance the quality of learners coming from high schools through partnering with existing bodies and schools and even through adopting a school programme to elevate the standard of teaching in schools.
The appointed registrar, Mr Sello Lekgodi, also brings a lot experience with him.