Latest news with #UniversityofMpumalanga
The Citizen
5 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
University of Mpumalanga host Enactus preparation camp
The Enactus team has been in an intensive prepatory camp leading up to the 2025 Enactus South Africa National Exposition scheduled to take place at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) on Thursday, July 17. The Enactus team is committed to using entrepreneurial action to empower and change lives. They educate, inspire and support young people to use innovation and entrepreneurship to solve the world's biggest problems. According to the UMP's spokesperson, Tlangelani Ubisi, they selected a group of students who are enterprise owners, Enactus executive members, and project contributors, to attend the camp which is committed to advancing social impact through entrepreneurial action. ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga finishes fifth overall at winter sports games The seven-day camp, hosted at UMP's Mbombela campus, was structured to foster focused collaboration, strategic refinement and presentation readiness. 'Participating students engaged in rigorous work sessions that encompass business modelling, project impact evaluation, presentation development, and team alignment activities,' Ubisi said. ALSO READ: Buffelspruit woman facilitates change, one stitch at a time The camp supported technical preparation, and encouraged innovation, leadership and a shared commitment to the values of Enactus. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Proud KaBokweni master's graduate advocates for inclusive development
A University of Mpumalanga master's graduate conducted a study titled, 'The role of local economic development (LED) in empowering women in rural areas in the City of Mbombela, South Africa.' Andile Hlatshwayo (28) examined whether women in communities such as Clau-Clau, Low's Creek and Gutjwa benefitted equitably from economic opportunities introduced through co-operatives. These are organisations where local people collaborate to stimulate economic growth and improve their communities. They leverage local resources and expertise to create jobs, enhance livelihoods, and promote sustainable development. ALSO READ: Farewell for retired Ehlanzeni district manager after 44 years service 'My research showed that many women are not benefiting from LED initiatives. I believe that with the right changes, municipalities can help empower rural women and build stronger communities,' he said. Hlatshwayo enrolled at the university in 2022 and described his academic journey as both empowering and transformative. His research interest was sparked during his undergraduate studies in development studies, particularly through a module on research methods. 'It gave me an in-depth understanding of how research can change not just individual lives, but also society at large. I believe research should not only be used to attain qualifications, but also to address real societal challenges.' He said completing the degree was not without difficulties. Without any external funding or bursaries, he financed his studies while also supporting his family. 'Behind every desirable outcome, there is often a sad story that builds a person from nobody to somebody. I registered with no plan and no bursary. It was a hard journey, and at times I felt like giving up. But the experience taught me patience, resilience and the value of hard work.' His findings showed that many rural women were either unaware of LED opportunities or did not trust them due to a lack of visible outcomes. 'The majority of women I spoke to had no idea about LED and the opportunities provided by the municipality to start co-operatives or sustain livelihoods. Some said they were told there would be help, but nothing happened. Others believed that only people close to officials or affiliated with certain political parties were benefitting,' Hlatshwayo said. ALSO READ: Bridge destroyed by floods reopened at Lowveld Botanical Garden At the time of his research, the municipal council was still in the process of approving the LED framework, raising further questions about communication and transparency. While respecting the confidentiality of his data, he submitted recommendations to improve access and awareness. 'I recommended that the municipality run public awareness campaigns to clarify the purpose and goals of LED. Ward councillors should also play a more active role in disseminating this information to ensure everyone in their communities has access to these opportunities.' ALSO READ: Game Comes Alive: Event empowers young entrepreneurs in Salubindza Hlatshwayo is currently employed in the office of the deputy minister of basic education, Hon Dr Reginah Mhaule. He views his work as deeply connected to the principles of development. To the youth who do not believe in dreams coming true, he says: 'Dreams require hard work and hard work makes dreams come true.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Phelophepa Health Train on Bushbuckridge's doorstep
Bushbuckridge communities are encouraged to make use of the quality medical services provided at the Transnet Phelophepa Health Train, which has been stationed at the Ximhungwe Train Station since June 2. A team of dedicated health professionals is on board to provide quality healthcare, Monday to Friday until June 13. The Mpumalanga MEC for health, Sasekani Manzini, and the executive mayor of Bushbuckridge, Lydia Moroane, welcomed the train on June 3. The Phelophepa Health Train is a mobile clinic initiative that brings essential healthcare directly to communities, enhancing the reach and effectiveness of service delivery. It offers primary healthcare support, eye care, dental care, psychology and pharmacy services. ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga celebrates Africa Day in style Community members are encouraged to arrive at the train earlier as services are available on a first come, first served basis with a limited number of patients assisted per day. They need to bring along their ID, birth certificates or passports for children and some cash for the dispensary of some medication such as R5 for eye drops, R10 for dental services and R30 for a pair of glasses. ALSO READ: Arnot community receives much-needed mobile clinic In the province, the train started in Mkhondo, then moved to Belfast and Komatipoort before Ximhungwe. As per the schedule, it will be moving to Limpopo next, therefore, Mbombela residents would not have the privilege to make use of the health train. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- The Citizen
Protection of children a priority for Uthando House in Masoyi
Uthando House is a facility at the forefront of providing care, support and safe spaces for vulnerable children. This orphanage advocates for National Child Protection Week, commemorated annually from May 29 to June 5, to raise awareness of children's rights as articulated in the Children's Act 38 of 2005. This year's theme is 'Working together in ending violence against children'. As the country comes together to raise awareness about child protection, the manager of Uthando House, Tracy Malope, said their efforts serve as a shining example of the impact that can be made when individuals and organisations work together to protect and care for vulnerable children. The shelter houses 28 children, providing them with a nurturing environment and protection from harm. It is dedicated to ensuring the children's physical, emotional and psychological well-being. Malope said she works closely with social workers and police officers to educate the children about their rights and protect them from abuse and exploitation. ALSO READ: KaBokweni muso follows father's footsteps as a DJ 'We do our utmost best to ensure that our children are safe by accompanying them to school and back. We mostly accept children brought in by the police or social workers,' she said. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has urged caregivers and parents to actively monitor and guide their children's online activities and also keep them safe all the time. The department shared some tips on how to protect children online, stating that children must be taught to safeguard personal information and avoid sharing private details, images or locations online. ALSO READ: University of Mpumalanga produces first-ever PhD graduate in its history • Parents and guardians should use parental controls and regularly update privacy settings on all devices • Cellphones are tools, not toys; parents should set boundaries and promote offline activities • Check your child's contacts and social media regularly. Monitor the apps your child downloads and uses • Encourage children to speak openly about their online experiences and report suspicious content or behaviour. The Department of Social Development encourages the community to report any rights infringement or abuse against children. ALSO READ: Entries open for Game Lifestyle Awards 2025 This can be done via the following channels: • Call the toll-free number on 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV) to speak to a social worker for assistance and counselling • Callers can also request a social worker from a command centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cellphone • Help can be reached from Childline South Africa via 116 and Child Welfare South Africa via 011 452 4110 or email: info@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
