To improve Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement opportunities for MUT Department of Agriculture students, Dr Karabo Molomo, a Senior Lecturer in the department, initiated a meeting with the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa, to revive the placements of students at the department’s research farms in Cedara, Dundee and Kokstad. The meeting was held at the MEC’s office in the Durban city centre on 6 February 2025. During the discussions, the MEC committed to providing WIL placements and funding for students. Dr Molomo also mentioned the issue of MUT not having a farm where students can conduct practical training, and the MEC indicated her department’s willingness to partner with MUT to acquire the farm.
Dr Molomo said that in fostering this partnership, the MEC and the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, Professor Alfred Msomi, and the Head of the Department, Dr Farayi Murungu, will meet to strengthen the partnership. Both senior members of the faculty support what Dr Molomo and the MEC discussed.