UNIVERSITY OF MPUMALANGA CELEBRATES ITS FIRST MASTER'S DEGREE

BY DAN MDLULI
Confidence Ndlovu made history as the first student to graduate with a Master’s degree in developmental studies at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).
Last week the institution hosted a virtual graduation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of 647 students who completed their qualifications during the past academic year.
According to UMP, Ndlovu was the only student to enrol to that level since its inception six years back.
The 25 year old from Mkhuhlu Bushbuckridge local municipality who was one of the 27 students who were awarded their qualifications with a Cum Laude said she was excited about her achievement.
“A Cum laude was anticipated even though it was not an easy journey. However I managed through multitasking and consistency. Some days, sleeping felt like a privilege, my goal was to complete this degree on record time and with distinction. I am the first to graduate with a Masters in my family and couldn’t have done it without their support,” she said.
Ndlovu shared that her journey was a challenging one.
“When I registered for masters in 2020, I was also appointed as the president of ENACTUS. I had to work extra hard to ensure the team delivers on 2020 ENACTUS nationals and meet all my deadlines with my Masters supervisor.
“ENACTUS is a community of students, academic and business leaders who work together but take an entrepreneurial action to promote sustainable development in rural communities. It is a global Non-Profit Organization in most universities in South Africa,” she said.
Her advice to other students is that discipline and respect goes a long way.
Another remarkable moment for institution was when twins, Noncedo and Ncedile Chiloane graduated at the same time. Noncedo graduated with an advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Post-Harvest Technology and Ncedile graduated with a Bachelor of Development Studies Honors.