The launch has been hailed as a significant milestone in government's programme to significantly increase access to higher education.
In his keynote address, the Minister acknowledged the work completed to date and affirmed the Department's commitment to the 2014 start-up of the university. He explained that the university would incorporate the infrastructure of the province's three existing higher learning institutions, which would allow it to open its doors next year.
"Until now, Mpumalanga has been one of only two provinces without a university in its territory. While the Lowveld Agricultural College at Mbombela, the hospitality school at KaNyamazane and the Siyabuswa education campus have provided some of the framework for higher learning, there was still a need to establish fully-fledged university in the province that would satisfy the academic and economic ambitions of the people.
The new University of Mpumalanga will do just that. Incorporating the infrastructure of the three institutions that already exist, and already a legally-established entity, the university will admit its first students at the beginning of the 2014 academic year," he said.
With the primary economic basis of Mpumalanga being founded in the fields of agriculture and tourism, and with the aim of embracing the needs of the province, the Minister said the new university would offer diplomas in Agriculture and Hospitality, and a Bachelor degree in Foundation Phase Education in its first year. He added that the institution would increase its programme and qualification offering year-on-year to encompass degrees in Life Sciences, Business Economics and Management Studies, Communication, Health and related sciences.
Together, these disciplines will work to grow the region's existing economy, and ensure the university becomes an academic centre of excellence, with a strong commitment to its communities and the region as a whole.
On a broader scale, the University of Mpumalanga is expected to significantly enhance the country's knowledge production and innovation capacity.
In his address, Mpumalanga Premier, David Mabuza, said the launch was a poignant moment for him, as it marked the realisation of a personal dream to see a university built in the province.
He noted that Mbombela was selected to host the new university as, among others, it was well integrated with the regional and local movement infrastructure; was directly linked with the growth in the R40 road and the Development Corridor; had established bulk infrastructure; had the space for future expansion; and offered quick operational and academic establishment.
As one of the first new universities to be launched since 1994, the University of Mpumalanga symbolises the ambitions of South Africa's new society - that of democracy, inclusiveness, growth and opportunity for all.
Founded on the highest academic and administrative principles, the university aspires to be an academic destination of choice for all qualifying school leavers and a centre of excellence worthy of assuming its place among South Africa's other renowned institutions of higher learning. Its vision is to provide its students and staff with the highest level of academic opportunity in an environment that mirrors the respect, progressiveness and best practice of a 21st century institution
