At a prestigious handover event on 18 August 2025, at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, MUT accepted a cheque for R100 000 for a cancer screening project from the Zodwa Zungu Foundation. We acknowledge with deep appreciation the generous pledge of R100,000 made by the MUT Chancellor, Sandile Zungu, during our 2024 Annual Fundraising Dinner, to make this initiative possible. In commemoration of the late Zodwa Zungu, the event was imbued deeply with a sense of gratitude and remembrance, but also, as the Chancellor stated, of action. The Foundation focuses on education, economic sustainability and Healthcare.
“The need for extra diligence in raising awareness around breast and cervical cancer, has dominated our platforms, screens and plans. The breast and cervical cancer screening initiatives proposed at Mangosuthu University of Technology, are therefore timely.
Breast and cervical cancers remain two of the most prevalent and preventable forms of cancer among women globally. In South Africa, delayed diagnosis—often due to socio-economic factors and limited access to preventive healthcare—continues to increase the mortality rate associated with these conditions.
Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) community is predominantly composed of women aged 18 to 45, the demographic most at risk for these cancers. This transformative initiative will prioritise students and staff, with the potential to evolve into a community-facing model as resources, capacity, and partnerships expand in the future. One of the outcomes will be a structured and tiered Peer Wellness Champion Programme will be developed and sustained to drive awareness and engagement among students.
Accepting the cheque, Dr Connie Israel, Executive Director: IA, acknowledged: “This gift from the Zodwa Zungu Foundation is in fact priceless. It will enable us to take the first essential steps towards building a healthier and more informed MUT community.”