From every level of study, and for everyone that is interested in writing, the most basic requirement is that they need to write well. Writing well precedes even the gist of the message. A reader gets discouraged if a piece they are reading is badly written, and may decide to stop reading it, even before they get to the gist of what is written. A good writer is always at a different level. Being aware of these facts, the Teaching and Learning Development Centre’s (TLDC) Writing Centre decided to run writing workshops for students. On 17 September 2025, the Writing Centre conduct a second workshop at MUT’s North Campus. The Writing Centre’s Dr Nondumiso Shabangu said the aim of the Student Writing Empowerment (SWE) workshop was to create an environment where the students could engage with practical strategies to strengthen their academic writing, while also introducing them to new trends and tools that are shaping writing today, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Shabangu continued: “We conducted this workshop to support students in developing strong writing skills, which are the foundation of academic success. Many students struggle with academic writing, and through the SWE workshop, we provide the students with guidance, tools, and practical tips to help them write more confidently and effectively,” said Dr Shabangu. Dr Shabangu added that it was also about reminding the students that writing is not just a skill for assignments; it is a lifelong tool for thinking, expressing your views, and advancing knowledge.
The students were from various faculties and at all levels of study at MUT. The students joined voluntarily, “showing their eagerness to strengthen their academic writing, and to learn more about the role of AI in higher education.
Dr Shabangu said they chose AI “because it is reshaping how we think, work, and learn. Students are already encountering AI tools in their studies and daily lives, but many are not sure how to use them responsibly or effectively in their writing,” Dr Shabangu said. She said that they wanted to empower students with knowledge about how AI can be a helpful assistant and why it is critical to use it carefully, ethically, and with academic integrity at its core.
Dr Shabangu also explained how they were going to test the students’ grasp of the presentation. “Our approach is interactive. During the session, we used discussions, short activities, and practical examples to test their understanding. Beyond the workshop, students are encouraged to apply what they have learned in their assignments and consultations at the Writing Centre,” Dr Shabangu said.
The Writing Centre team continues with the workshop today.