The successful delivery and commissioning of the Stampede 1 OpenHPC Cluster at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP)
We are excited to share a key milestone in the CHPC HPC Ecosystems project: the successful delivery and commissioning of the Stampede 1 OpenHPC Cluster at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP). This accomplishment reflects exceptional teamwork across provinces and institutions and marks an important advance in strengthening South Africa’s national research infrastructure.
Seamless Deployment and Setup
Deployment began with the assembly, configuration, and thorough testing of the cluster at CHPC. Once the system met all quality checks, it was carefully transported to UMP. There, Sam Mathekga oversaw the unboxing, on-site setup, and network integration, ensuring a smooth transition to the university's environment and full operational readiness.
First Tests and Pilot Users
After installation, Sam Mathekga conducted site acceptance tests to confirm the cluster’s performance and stability within UMP’s operational environment. The successful outcome marked a major step toward project handover. Over the next six months, we, the CHPC HPC Ecosystems team, will facilitate ongoing support and hands-on training for UMP’s cluster administrators. During this period, a dedicated group of pilot users will rigorously test the system, pushing it to its limits to ensure peak reliability and readiness before the official launch. This collaborative, phased approach ensures the cluster will be fully embedded in the university’s research ecosystem from day one.
Empowering Research at the University of Mpumalanga
The deployment of the Stampede 1 OpenHPC Cluster represents a leap forward for the University of Mpumalanga’s research capabilities. With this new resource, researchers and students will have access to powerful HPC infrastructure, enabling advanced computational projects across various disciplines.
This milestone was achieved through the dedication and expertise of many. Special recognition goes to Sam Mathekga for leading the on-site deployment, Mfundo Mdwadube and Funeka Mafani (CHPC), Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa (Vice-Chancellor & Principal), Prof Aldo Stroebel (DVC: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation), Joel Vele (CIO), Prof Ntombovuyo.Wayi-Mgwebi (Associate Professor in Information Communication Technology), Michael Ramatapa (Deputy Director ICT Operations) and his team for their pivotal roles in facilitating delivery and cluster development team, Mfundo Mdwadube, and Bryan Johnston (CHPC), with Bryan Johnston serving as project lead. We also gratefully acknowledge Bryan Johnston and Werner Janse van Rensburg for their project leadership and management, championing the initiative from inception to completion. Our sincere thanks extend to all colleagues at CHPC and UMP whose knowledge and commitment made this deployment possible.
This is just the beginning. As the Stampede 1 OpenHPC Cluster is put through its paces and new users come on board, we look forward to seeing innovative research and collaboration thrive at UMP. Stay tuned for further updates as the CHPC HPC Ecosystems project continues to grow and empower South African research.
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