The Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying included an expert from the industry when it had its first-year student orientation on 17 February 2025, in the University’s Bozzoli Hall. Ntando Khuzwayo, Membership and Education Lead: Sub-Saharan Africa, at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), told the freshmen the advantages of being a member of the organisation. Through its membership and chartered status, the CIOB upholds integrity, competence, and leadership in the industry, contributing to the growth and improvement of the built environment worldwide, it is a gateway to finding a job.
CIOB is a globally recognised professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in the construction and built environment sector. With a commitment to advancing the science and practice of building, the CIOB supports professionals through education, training, and accreditation, ensuring high industry standards.
Khuzwayo’s message was that the students should develop a professional attitude from day one. It is well-known that some MUT Engineering graduates are doing very well. One of these is a man who is among the first students to graduate from the University. His name is Gordon Msimang. Msimang was hired by a Dutch company, Philips, after graduating from MUT in 1985. He got a chance to visit the company’s headquarters in the Netherlands. Khuzwayo told the students that other MUT Engineering graduates are doing well in the Middle East.
The new students were very encouraged to learn about the milestones achieved by MUT and their faculty. The Head of the Department HoD, Elias Dala, reminded the students that their priority for enrolling with the University was to study. The HoD told the students about some very important communication procedures in his department. “We want you to succeed. My staff and I are here for you, the first person you should communicate with is the class representative. Others after the class representative are your lecturer, then the HOD. But it all depends on the issue you would like to have discussed,” Dala said, saying that his door was open.
Dala also told the students about the need to focus on their studies and being able to deal with peer pressure. “Even when someone offers one of those fancy liquors, always remember why you are here. We will work to help you graduate with the relevant knowledge and skills,” Dala said.