Intending to attract top-performing students, MUT has adopted a community-centred approach of bringing university programmes directly to learners. This method reduces logistical risks and reinforces MUT’s commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Departments collaborate with Marcomms to showcase their offerings during Open Days and tailored recruitment drives.
MUT’s Marketing and Communications (Marcomms) Schools Liaison team hosted a strategic workshop on 23 September 2025, bringing together academic and support departments to reflect on the success of the university’s 2025 Open Day programmes and plan for the year ahead. The workshop focused on MUT’s outreach efforts across KwaZulu-Natal, where four major Open Day events were held in rural and township communities. These events are part of MUT’s commitment to “taking the university to the people,” ensuring that learners, especially those in underserved areas, have direct access to information about academic programmes and career pathways. The workshop highlighted the value of this cross-functional teamwork and reaffirmed the importance of taking MUT to the people.
“By hosting Open Days in learners’ home communities, MUT reduces logistical barriers and deepens its connection with future students,” said Sister Khanyi Gasa, a regular face at the MUT Open Day events. This approach also allows departments to showcase their offerings in a more personal and impactful way. Sibongiseni Masondo from Electrical Engineering shared his appreciation in an email to Marcomms after the workshop. “It is always rewarding to engage with learners, especially in rural areas where exposure is limited. We appreciate the thoughtful recognition and look forward to more impactful collaborations.”
Zama Sishi, Director of Stakeholder Relations Management, emphasised the importance of teamwork. “Our foot soldiers are the heartbeat of recruitment. Their efforts ensure that learners, regardless of geography, receive the guidance they need to make informed academic choices,” said Sishi.
The University’s approach has been hailed by provincial education leadership, who have informed MUT that without such intervention programmes, important career information never reaches the most underserved communities. This results in learners making uninformed academic decisions, with some ending up at home despite having good matric results, due to a lack of guidance on university application processes, admission requirements, and closing dates.
The workshop reaffirmed MUT’s commitment to inclusive recruitment and collaborative planning. Departments will continue working closely with Marcomms to ensure that future Open Days are even more engaging, informative, and accessible.