UL’s first-quarter recruitment drive targets Limpopo and Mpumalanga, embracing diversity
By Staff writers | ulpublications@ul.ac.za
With applications for the 2026 academic year at the University of Limpopo (UL) opening in April, the University has launched an extensive recruitment drive in the first quarter, focusing on Limpopo and Mpumalanga to attract learners from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Organised by UL’s Stakeholder Relations Unit, the campaign seeks to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by providing prospective students with essential information about higher education pathways well ahead of application deadlines. This initiative focuses on engaging learners early, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to navigate the journey to higher education.
In Limpopo, the recruitment efforts thus far have gone to schools such as Northern Academy and Hoërskool Pietersburg both in Polokwane, Stanford Lake College in Magoebaskloof and Hoërskool Frans du Toit in Phalaborwa. Learners were introduced to the online application process, subject combinations, and the calculation of AP scores.
Nobuhle Ndou, a career analyst at Northern Academy, expressed her appreciation for the event, stating, “The goal was to sensitise matric learners to all things tertiary education, from applications to relevant courses.”
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, along with his executive management, supported the initiative by attending and offering advice to learners. Speaking at one of the career expos, Prof Mokaglong presented the University’s programmes to learners and their parents. He stated, “All our programmes are accredited, and this year’s intake was highly competitive, with the Class of 2024 achieving outstanding results. Due to limited space, the University could only admit 5,000 students across various courses. I’m pleased to see so many parents here supporting their children. I urge all parents to ensure their children prioritise their studies and focus on education rather than household chores.”
Grade 12 learner, Tawana Ramalepe shared her inspiration from the information presented, saying, “I enjoyed learning about the various opportunities at UL, and I appreciate that the courses are open to everyone.” Similarly, Craig Freestone, a Grade 11 learner, remarked, “Today, I realised that I can turn my interest in business into a career.”
A significant component of UL’s outreach was the Hoërskool Pietersburg Career Exhibition, featuring 38 higher education institutions. Juanita Marx, Head of Life Orientation at Hoërskool Pietersburg, noted the success of the event, stating, “Our objective of exposing learners to these possibilities has been achieved.”
In Mpumalanga’s Lowveld region, UL expanded its reach to schools such as Hoërskool Nelspruit and Lowveld High School. Grade 12 learner Andre Du Toit said, “I didn’t know what to study at university next year, but since UL has informed me about BA Psychology, I will apply to study it at UL.”
Siyasanga Hompashe, Deputy Director for Stakeholder Relations at UL, stated, “These career expos are part of UL’s quality improvement plan aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion. The goal is to recruit students from various communities, particularly white, Indian, and coloured groups, to create a more diverse student population at UL.”
