A University of Limpopo journey: from the site of struggle to a respected seat of higher learning

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo, Professor Mahlo Mokgalong, reflects on a long and fruitful relationship with the institution which nurtured him and which he, in turn, has taken to new heights as its leader.

Yours has been a long journey with the University of Limpopo. What stands out in your memory from your years at the institution?

There are several highlights, but my very first year at the University stands out. That was 1972, the year in which the late Onkgopotse Abram Tiro made the iconic speech at the graduation ceremony, what became known as the Turfloop Testimony. This was the speech that got him expelled and which led to him going into exile in Botswana where he was killed by a parcel bomb in 1974. The 1970s in general were memorable because of the resurgence of black consciousness, following the lull in political activity as a result of the banning of antiapartheid organisations and the sentencing of people like Nelson Mandela to life imprisonment in 1964.

As the place where the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) held its inaugural conference in 1969 – when I was still working towards my matric at Hwiti High School – the University of the North (Turfloop) was the hive of activism. It captured the mood and temperature of the country and the world. I recall when students held a Viva Frelimo Rally on 25 September 1974. This rally had been banned by the Justice Minister at the time, Jimmy Kruger, but the Black Consciousness Movement had done the spadework to ensure that the event went ahead anyway, with Turfloop attracting one of the largest crowds. There was a lot at stake. Pandelani Nefolovhodwe, who is the current Chairperson of the University Council, was one of the leaders who were subsequently charged under the Terrorism Act for their role in organising the rally. Of course, 1976 was not only the year of the 16 June uprising nationally but was also the occasion of my graduation.

Obtaining my BSc, majoring in Zoology and Botany, was certainly a major milestone. It set me on a path of scholarship which resulted in my PhD in 1996, then my ascent to management and leadership roles that got me to the present position. Watching the growth and evolution of the University and the country, first as a young observer, Professor student, junior academic, up to the position of Vice-Chancellor, allowed me to witness various watershed moments and to participate in processes that shaped the future of the institution under trying circumstances, from teaching on a campus occupied by the South African Defence Force to being put under administration, the merger and demerger with Medunsa, through the #FeesMustFall phase and now the NSFAS era.

What were the most challenging aspects of the task you faced?

Allowing the University’s programme to run smoothly, motivating a large contingent of academic and nonacademic staff to perform consistently, attracting the right mix of talent and expertise to an institution in a rural province, juggling the interests of many stakeholders, addressing the pressing financial needs of the students and the University, while growing the institution’s offering.

What will be the biggest challenge for the University in the near future?

Our University caters for learners who come from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools. This places funding at the core of the challenges facing higher education. It is disturbing to watch the goings-on at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), because over 15 000 of our 23 000 students depend on its grants. So, although there are other challenges such as keeping our academic qualifications relevant and responsive to the needs of society, generating research that addresses Africa’s bread-and-butter issues in the 21st century and beyond, unless funding for students is adequately dealt with, our University and others like it will struggle to keep up with the high demand for higher education.

What are you most proud of during your tenure?

Guiding the University from the financial doldrums to where it ranks today among the country’s 10-richest higher-education institutions, while growing the student population from around 8 000 to 23 000 is one. Coming out of the merger with Medunsa to establish the first MBChB programme at a South African university in the post-1994 dispensation was another proud moment for me, as was ensuring that our Accountancy training gained accreditation with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and seeing our pass rate exceed the national average.

UL has had some remarkable alumni. Please reflect on your cohort – who among that group has gone on to become well-known or make a significant contribution to society?

There are too many to count, but among the most remarkable are people like the former ViceChancellor of the University of the North West, Prof Recias Melato Malope, who graduated in 1972.

Beyond my generation there have been others such as Risenga Maluleke (Statistician General of South Africa), Chupu Stanley Mathabatha (the current Premier of Limpopo), Dunstan Mlambo (Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa) and Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the current President of the Republic of South Africa.

Please comment on some of the notable academic alumni of UL. Political leaders are often highlighted but you were not the only academic high achiever, not so?

Professor Phuti Ngoepe, world-renowned Senior

Physics Professor and currently Director of our Materials Modelling Centre, should count among the very best. A native of Limpopo, even after studying at the University and achieving global acclaim, he still returned to his alma mater to make unparalleled contributions to make STEM accessible to learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.

To what extent were you able to retain a link with teaching and research during your period as Vice-Chancellor?

Fortunately, a Vice-Chancellor is the accounting officer of an academic institution. This essentially means that the core mandate of a Vice-Chancellor is to ensure that the institution fulfils its cardinal mandate of teaching and learning, research and community research. It is practically impossible for any Vice-Chancellor to lose touch with the core mandate of the institution they lead. Granted, my role is at executive level. However, my daily commitments involve chairing structures like Senate and the Executive Committee of Senate, both comprised of the academic leadership of the University across all four faculties. My leadership style includes a feet-on-the-ground approach. I take a lot of pride in walking the corridors of our University, interacting with students, academic and non-academic staff and visitors. This has made it easier for me to perform my executive duties while maintaining a link with the core business of the University.

Where to next for UL?

It is up to the future leadership of the University to determine that. However, given the foundation that has been laid by the institution in its first 65 years of its existence and its ability to adapt, the motto “Finding solutions for Africa” should chart the course for the institution.

Where

to next for Professor Mokgalong?

Retirement is long overdue; and just as I have allowed the universe to lead me here, I will follow the soundings of the spheres to know what to do. It has been an honour to serve. ■