During his Ministerial Oversight Visit, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hon. Buti Manamela, was satisfied that UL was ready for the 2025 academic year. Photo: Frans Nkhapele
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training lauds UL for infrastructure development
By Reuben Maake – reuben.maake@ul.ac.za
The Honourable Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, has commended the University of Limpopo (UL) for its outstanding dedication to student education through significant infrastructure development in the higher education sector
Hon. Manamela made these comments during his Ministerial Oversight Visit to various universities, a national initiative aimed at assessing institutions’ preparedness for the 2025 academic year and evaluating their overall condition. He recognised UL as a vital institution in the higher education landscape, highlighting its rich history and strong commitment to academic excellence, student success, and its substantial impact on surrounding communities.
The Deputy Minister emphasised UL’s strategic role as a centre for knowledge production, particularly focusing on research and student development. Hon. Manamela underscored the importance of quality assurance, professional accreditation, and effective academic leadership in maintaining the university’s reputation.
“This university must continue to thrive, not just in academia, but also in shaping the future of our country through innovation and scholarship,” he stated. “We are particularly impressed by the robust infrastructure developments, especially in mining and mineral processing, which clearly indicate that UL is at the forefront of academic excellence.”
He also commended the University’s initiatives to tackle student accommodation issues, especially its investment in constructing 4,500 additional beds that are underway.
He urged the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to collaborate closely with the Students’ Representative Councils (SRCs) at universities, recognising their connection with students seeking financial assistance.
Additionally, the Deputy Minister emphasised the need for good governance, urging institutions to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency, and effective governance, while respecting the autonomy granted by the Higher Education Act.
Professor Kwena Masha, the University’s Registrar, reassured the Deputy Minister about the smooth registration processes for 2025, noting that the University had received an impressive 300,000 applications, highlighting that remote online registration has facilitated the seamless integration of the University’s offerings, thereby enhancing the student experience.
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, briefed the higher education delegation on the current state of governance and quality assurance at the University. Despite facing challenges related to student funding and accommodation, Prof Mokgalong expressed pride in the University’s commitment to providing quality higher education with limited resources. “As a University, we do our best under challenging circumstances with the resources available to us, but we ensure that quality education remains at the core of our mission,” he stated.
Prof Mokgalong emphasised that the Deputy Minister’s visit would showcase the University’s quality and promote further growth over its 65-year history. “While challenges may arise, we assure our stakeholders that UL remains fully operational. We do not seek financial bailouts from the department; instead, we strive to provide quality education with financial sustainability,” he added.
Kamogelo Poto, President of SRC at UL, expressed gratitude to the University management for ensuring a smooth registration process and supporting academically deserving students who lacked funds for registration or had outstanding debts, despite delays in NSFAS funding.
“We appeal to NSFAS to expedite the 2025 applications, as our students face accommodation and sustenance challenges,” Poto urged. He also commended the University’s efforts to improve student life, particularly the 4,500-bed construction project, which will increase the University’s student housing capacity by 62%.
ON SITE: Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hon. Buti Manamela, inspects the construction of the 4,500-bed student accommodation at UL, accompanied by Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong. Photo: Frans Nkhapele
The Deputy Minister concluded his visit with a tour of the campus. He expressed admiration for the work carried out at the Materials Modelling Centre, the Reakgona Disability Centre, and the newly built state-of-the-art Earth Science building, all of which underscore the University’s commitment to advancing both academic and infrastructure development