As part of their ongoing community engagement and outreach initiatives, on 5 September 2025, the Department of Biomedical Sciences staff members visited Inselele Primary School in Umlazi Township to raise career awareness among Grade 7 learners, with a focus on the medical laboratory science profession, to provide the learners with a practical illustration of laboratory science through a live demonstration, and to empower girl learners with essential knowledge on feminine hygiene and self-care.
Dr Ziningi Jaya, a Lecturer in the department, delivered a career talk to the learners, introducing them to the field of Medical Laboratory Science and its critical role in the healthcare system. Dr Jaya told the learners that laboratory professionals form an important part of the diagnostic chain, enabling doctors to make accurate treatment decisions. This was a response to the general belief that everything that has to do with giving people treatment is done by doctors. Examples used to illustrate this included the laboratory’s role in diagnosing tuberculosis (TB), cancer, and diabetes.
Senamile Dlamini, who recently completed a Medical Laboratory Science programme at MUT and is now a staff member, supported the career talk. Dlamini attested to having been taught by the presenting academics, and highlighted how the programme prepared her for her professional role. “Dlamini’s presence served as a practical example to the learners of what is possible when one is committed to their studies,” Dr Jaya.
The department staff also highlighted the subject requirements for admission into the Medical Laboratory Science programme at MUT. In their Grade 12 final examination, the learner must have level 4 in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Science and English.
Dr Jaya said that while all this was still some years away for the learners, they encouraged the learners to keep this essential information in mind when selecting their subjects in high school. Learners make this vital selection at Grade 9.