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On 18 March, the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) briefed the MUT community on what AIMday is about and solicited their participation. The announcement was made to the MUT community by Dr Anette Mienie, MUT’s Research Director, on behalf of Interim Vice-Chancellor, Professor Rushiella Songca. Dr Mienie explained that AIMday, which stands for Academy–Industry Meeting Day, is part of MUT’s participation in the South African–Swedish University Forum (SASUF), a project aimed at strengthening the University’s networks with Swedish institutions. “AIMday is a structured, one-day (or half-day) event designed to connect external organisations, such as companies, non-profits, or public sector bodies, with university researchers to solve specific, real-world challenges,” Dr Mienie said. The initiative follows a model developed at Uppsala University in Sweden, which has since been adopted by universities around the world. The format is deliberately focused: each challenge submitted by an organisation is addressed through the core concept of

Empowering the next generation of financial professionals, the Finance and Accounting Services Sector Education and Training Authority (FASSET) has officially handed over high-end laptops to a group of deserving students at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). The handover ceremony, held on 18 March 2026, marked the continuation of a funding initiative that began in the 2025 academic year. The students received tuition funding and laptops. FASSET selected 16 top-performing students from the Department of Accounting, covering all levels of study, but excluding the Advanced Diploma. As a specialised Finance SETA, FASSET’s intervention is designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure that academic excellence is not hindered by financial constraints. While the bursary covers critical tuition fees, the inclusion of a “tools of trade” allowance has been the highlight for many recipients. The laptops are considered essential tools for research, assignment submission, and modern accounting simulations. “This bursary intervention has

As the global landscape shifts toward knowledge-based economies, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) continues to set its reputation as a leader in African innovation. Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO), recently represented the Institution at the Trilateral Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Partnership (RIEP) Faculty Exchange Programme, held from 4–6 March 2026. Hosted at the prestigious IIT Madras Zanzibar Campus, the event brought together academic and industry experts around the theme: “Universities as startup engines: Building scalable pathways from knowledge to enterprises.” MUT was invited to the RIEP platform as an expert Institution, a move that recognises the University’s growing influence in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Dr Hlongwane’s role involved sharing comparative insights drawn from innovation ecosystems across India, Africa, and Europe. The discussions focused on the mechanics of transforming “lab bench” research into “market-ready” ventures. Key strategies explored during the exchange included strengthening technology transfer systems

While many institutional launches are defined by banners and applause, the official unveiling of Mangosuthu University of Technology’s (MUT) Strategy 2026–2030 on 13 March 2026, was signalled as a profound turning point in the University’s history. According to Dr Liile Lekena-Bayaga of the Directorate of Institutional Planning and Research (DIPR), the launch was a defining institutional moment that clarified the University’s identity and future trajectory. The core significance of the 2026–2030 roadmap lies in its transition from a high-level vision to delivery. Dr Lekena-Bayaga emphasised that for the strategy to succeed, it must be translated into the University’s core planning mechanisms, which are  Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP), Annual Performance Plan (APP), and Institutional and Departmental Operational Plans (IOPs and DOPs). “The launch was the beginning of a more focused and accountable implementation journey,” noted Dr Lekena-Bayaga. The goal is to ensure that every faculty member and support staff can see

An academic from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has contributed to provincial discussions aimed at strengthening agricultural development and rural transformation in KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Karabo Molomo, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture: Animal Production at MUT, was invited by the Acting Head of Department at the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (KZN DARD), Dr Fikile Qwabe, to present at the department’s Strategic Planning Review session. The session took place at Thembela Venue in Richards Bay, northern KwaZulu-Natal, from 5–6 March 2026 and brought together policymakers, government officials, agricultural specialists, researchers and industry stakeholders. The meeting focused on reviewing departmental programmes and exploring strategies to strengthen the province’s agricultural sector. During the session, Dr Molomo delivered a presentation titled “The Commercialisation of Emerging Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal.” His presentation examined the opportunities and challenges associated with transitioning emerging farmers from subsistence and small-scale production into sustainable commercial agriculture.

This week, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) joined the national chorus in celebrating the vital role of libraries, hosting a vibrant “Library Week” from 16 to 20 March 2026. Under the evocative theme “Reclaiming Knowledge, Empowering Futures,” the University showcased the library not just as a repository of books, but as a dynamic engine for intellectual growth and ethical scholarship. Bongiwe Nyide, Deputy Director of Library Services, described the week’s agenda as a “dynamic and impactful” programme designed to empower both students and staff. The crown jewel of the week’s activities was a double book launch for MUT that brought local narratives to the forefront. The event featured three distinct voices, two of whom are members of the MUT community. Stella Mbonambi, Senior Committee Officer: launched her book titled: As Long as I Still Breathe, a poignant narrative centred on the theme of resilience. Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director: CEAD, introduced

The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) community gathered in sombre reflection at the North Campus on 19 March 2026, to bid a final farewell to a man described as a “humble giant” and an “angel” of conservation. The memorial service for the late Dr Sibonelo Thanda Mbanjwa, a Lecturer in the Department of Nature Conservation, drew heartfelt tributes from family, colleagues, and students alike. The atmosphere was heavy with emotion as speakers recounted the life of a man whose journey from a struggling student to a PhD-holding academic became a blueprint for perseverance at the Institution. The keynote tribute was delivered by the Head of the Department of Nature Conservation, Professor Roger Coopoosamy, who shared a deeply personal history of his 15-year bond with Dr Mbanjwa. Their journey began in 2011 when Mbanjwa was a student facing the crushing weight of academic rejection. “I still remember that moment vividly: he

The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Convocation has officially signalled its support for the appointment of Professor Rushiela Songca as the University’s new Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal. In a statement released by MUT Convexco President Sandile Dlamini on 2 March 2026 off campus, the Convocation applauded the MUT Council for its decisive action in securing leadership aimed at restoring stability to the Institution. A primary theme of the welcome was the preservation of MUT’s unique identity. Dlamini emphasised that the University must remain a sovereign entity, free from the influence of external academic bodies. “We state categorically clear that MUT is not a sub-branch of any other university; we are an independent institution,” Dlamini asserted. “We definitely are not expecting to see MUT being turned into a sub-branch, as it was beginning to happen.” The MUT Convocation, which represents the University’s alumni and broader academic community, expressed a fierce sense

In what will be seen as a fresh start for Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), Student Representative Council (SRC) President Mdumiseni Chonco officially welcomed the newly appointed Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rushiella Songca, during a ceremony that took place off campus on 2 March 2026.  Speaking on behalf of the student body, Chonco delivered a speech centred on stability, collaboration, and renewed optimism, framing the leadership transition as a pivotal moment for the Institution. Addressing members of the University Council, executive management, and staff, Chonco emphasised that the appointment comes at a time when the University requires a leader who prioritises “courage, vision, and integrity.”  “Today marks the beginning of a renewed journey, one that brings hope, stability, and a shared commitment to the progress and excellence of our institution,” Chonco stated. The SRC President noted that for students, whom he described as the “heart of the institution”, the

In a move signalling a new chapter of strategic growth and stability, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) officially introduced Professor Rushiella Songca as its Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal on 2 March 2026. The formal introduction was presided over by the Chairperson of the University Council, Dr Mosidi Makgae, who presented Professor Songca as a “dynamic and visionary leader” equipped to guide the Institution through its current phase of transition. Professor Songca joins MUT with over 20 years of progressive experience in the higher education sector. Most recently, she served as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Walter Sisulu University (WSU), where she was credited with spearheading institutional transformation, digital innovation, and financial sustainability. Professor Songca’s extensive resume includes senior executive roles at the University of South Africa (UNISA), where she served as Executive Dean and later as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research. Her career also spans significant service within