Dr Mienie expressed that it is a considerable honour to oversee the Research Directorate, which has experienced substantial growth over the past 25 years. “I am immensely grateful to the funding organisations that have supported the establishment of positions within the Research Directorate,” she stated. She highlighted the contributions of a dynamic and proficient team, which invigorates her leadership and enhances the visibility of their initiatives.
In addition to established members Sfiso Qwabe and Sindi Ngongoma, the team has been augmented by the expertise of Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director of Intellectual Property; Dr Melvin Mothoa, responsible for the Higher Degrees and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship; Mthobeli Myeza, who manages the NRF and Pre-grant Administration (NRF Funded); Makhosi Cebekhulu, serving as the Intellectual Property Administrator; Nozipho Mnguni, Secretary for the Higher Degrees and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship; and several interns including Portia Dlamini (Intern in Intellectual Property), Senamile Zuma (Intern for the University Capacity Development Programme/Grant and Ethics), and Celani Tshazwa (Intern in Research).
Dr Mienie has played a pivotal role in advancing research at MUT. She articulated that one of her greatest privileges has been to participate in “the journeys of our researchers.” This involvement has enabled her to connect with their passions, aspirations, and the challenges they face in pursuit of their goals. “I deeply value the numerous forms of support extended to the Research Directorate—often without solicitation—and the remarkable ways in which they have enhanced the reputation and brand of MUT,” Dr Mienie concluded.