In a landmark moment for African higher education, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) delivered a bold and visionary address during an official visit to California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), USA, on 8 May 2025. Professor Sibiya’s speech, titled “Bridging Continents, Transforming Futures: Global Engagement Between MUT and the Sacramento State,” marks a significant step in MUT’s emergence as a globally engaged Institution committed to excellence, innovation and social impact.
Described by observers as “inspirational and historic,” Professor Sibiya’s message was clear: global collaboration is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. The visit aims to lay the groundwork for a multidimensional partnership between the South African university and its Californian counterpart, focusing on research, innovation and shared education leadership.
Professor Sibiya’s message was concise, direct, and clear. “We do not seek global engagement for prestige,” Professor Sibiya told the audience. “We pursue it because excellence is no longer optional. For institutions like MUT, born out of exclusion and tasked with societal transformation, excellence is a moral imperative,” said Professor Sibiya. The VC keynote address also provided a glimpse into South Africa’s higher education landscape. At one of the engagements in New Orleans, many academics were incredulous when they heard how segregated higher education was during Apartheid and how the ripple effects of that are now playing themselves out with Historically Disadvantaged Institutions having to do a catch-up to Historically Advantaged Institutions.