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The Department of Institutional Planning and Research (DIPR), led by Dr Liile Lekena-Bayaga, Acting Senior Director, has expertly organised a Senior Management Lekgotla focused on the development of the Annual Performance Plan (APP) and Individual Operational Plans (IOPs) for 2026 from 10-12 September 2025. This off-site session was thoughtfully arranged to encourage reflective thinking and strategic engagement, marking an important milestone in Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) journey toward Vision 2030. The gathering began with a careful revisitation of the forthcoming Vision 2030 Strategy, a comprehensive and ambitious framework for institutional transformation. “How we will be taking MUT to the next level over the next five years,” was the rallying cry of an inspired Dr Lekena-Bayaga, who has not only been pivotal in crafting the Vision 2030 Strategy with various teams, but is now championing its operationalisation through robust performance indicators and planning frameworks. The DIPR, under her leadership, has

The recent Senior Management Lekgotla convened by MUT’s DIPR served a dual purpose: it was not only a platform for strategic development but also marked the formal introduction of the University’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Bulelani Mahlangu. This event highlights the institution’s commitment to enhancing its leadership dynamics while fostering an environment conducive to strategic dialogue and institutional growth. Delivering his inaugural address to the University’s leadership collective, Mahlangu impressed with a fresh, forward-thinking approach to finance. Blending humility with strategic clarity, he positioned MUT’s Finance Division as a modern, collaborative enabler of the academic agenda, rather than a gatekeeper of costs. “I am keen on cost optimisation where technology and the balance sheet must work for us. I am also keen on income optimisation,” Mahlangu stated, signalling a shift towards a smarter, more agile financial strategy. His remarks struck a balance between fiscal discipline and growth-oriented innovation. Drawing

On Friday, 12 September 2025, Dr Xolile Ngubane, the senior director in the Office of the Vice Chancellor, delivered a keynote address outlining the university’s envisioned Transformation Agenda during the senior management Lekgotla. Her address served as a critical assessment of the institution’s journey toward transformation, setting the stage for a comprehensive plan to navigate the path ahead. Dr Ngubane began by reflecting on the progress on transformation made thus far, acknowledging the contributions of Professor Marcus Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning. She paid tribute to the Senate Colloquium on Transformation, which took place in June, an event that laid the groundwork for many initiatives aimed at reshaping the curriculum. Among these initiatives was the development of the Academic Identity Document, which has become a foundational element in MUT’s transformation efforts. This document emphasises essential skills such as communication, computer literacy, applied learning, and entrepreneurship—skills that are increasingly vital

In a powerful display of strategic vision and academic leadership, Professor Alfred Msomi, Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), is rapidly positioning his faculty at the forefront of global collaboration and innovation.  This time, in the high-impact world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). When Sandile Mahlaba, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga Microsoft Leader in the Government Sector and a proud MUT alumnus, requested a meeting with the Dean during the lead-up to the Government AI Summit, Professor Msomi didn’t hesitate. He ensured his entire leadership team was present at the meeting, ensuring that the faculty MANCO was fully engaged in what may be one of MUT’s most consequential strategic moves yet. At the heart of the discussion on 10 September 2025 was Professor Renée Cummings, criminal psychologist and terrorism expert from the School of Data Science, University of Virginia, USA. Professor Cummings, a globally

The Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences’ Department of Community Extension continues its efforts to promote the correct habits when it comes to what people eat. On 11 September 2025, the department joined other like-minded organisations and delivered the necessary information to the local community at the Ghandi Settlement Centre, near KwaMashu, Durban. This community outreach event was hosted by the  Nutrition Society of South Africa (NSSA). Professor Xolile Mkhize of the Community Extension department said the event aimed at addressing malnutrition and promoting healthier urban lifestyles. Under the theme “Empowering Healthy Lifestyles Through Good Nutrition, Urban Gardening, and Informed Food Choices”, the event brought together students, partners, and community members, some of whom took part in the practical sessions. Professor Mkhize, an NSSA Council Member and the Eastern Branch Chairperson, described the initiative as a significant step for nutrition advocacy in the province. Reinforcing what some of the speakers

MUT is proud to host the Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) on 18–19 September, a landmark event that brings together administrative professionals from across South Africa to share insights, strengthen leadership, and celebrate the transformative role of support staff in higher education. Held under the theme “Harnessing the Power of AI in Administrative Support”, the conference features masterclasses and presentations focused on strategic administration, emotional intelligence, and the evolving role of administrators in shaping organisational success. In a message shared ahead of the opening, MUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Nokuthula Sibiya extended her best wishes to all participants, emphasising the critical role administrators play in the university’s transformation journey. “This gathering is more than a professional event—it is a celebration of the vital role administrators play in shaping the soul and success of our institutions,” said Professor Sibiya. The conference is expecting delegations from higher education institutions across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Free State, Eastern

It is natural to look tense before the event, no matter how many times the organisers have been organising the event. This was the general feeling among members of the Department of Marketing and Communications this week when they met to discuss the progress of the annual Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) that will be in Durban from 18 to 19 September 2025. Among what the team discussed were the awards that delegates have to enter. The main reason for having the awards is that the team recognises the importance of attending the EAC, and their role in different segments of the EAC. The first award is the ‘Delegation Mobiliser Award’. This award recognises individuals who successfully mobilise prospective EAC delegates to attend the conference. Next is the  Connector Award. Mbali Mkhize, the Founder and Convenor the soon to be 12-year old event, said this award recognises individuals who build bridges

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. 

The Department of Human Resource Management (HRM) hosted its first HR Talk Day on 10 September 2025 at Bozzoli hall. Themed “Employability Around HR”, the event aimed to prepare students to become adaptable, entrepreneurial, and future-ready HR professionals in a rapidly changing business environment. The event was organised under the SABPP (South African Board for People Practices) Student Chapter, the official HRM professional body. Silindile Mkize, the Student Chapter Co-ordinator, said the programme addressed employability and also placed strong emphasis on the entrepreneurial side of Human Resource Management. “This focus aimed to instil an entrepreneurial mindset upon students, preparing them to innovate and create opportunities in the evolving world of work,” said Mkize. Industry guest speakers, including Sibongile Bulose from the Co-operative Education Department, shared valuable insights on employability, career development and the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry. The students eagerly took part in the  discussions,

Excited! This is how Lubabalo Ngcaweni, Director: Infrastructure said he was feeling about one of the huge projects they are responsible for – the multi-purpose sports field on the main campus. Ngcaweni was addressing stakeholders who had come to witness the official handing over of the facility to the Sport and Recreation Unit. Ngcaweni said the facility was more than just brick and mortar. “It is a dream realised. Every completed project is a major win for us in Infrastructure, especially given where we are coming from.  Today, my MUT community has a beautiful, functional sports facility,” said Ngcaweni. This is a huge facility where athletes who perform nine sporting codes will show their sporting abilities. These codes are soccer, rugby, long jump; triple jump, pole vault; shot put, hammer throw, athletics (track events), and steeple chase with water jump. “This wide range of codes ensures we serve various student