The visit to MUT by the Department of Higer Education and Training on 22 and 23 October marked a defining moment — a testament to how far Cebo Nyondo has come in steering the management of the DHET grants, which include the Sibusiso Bengu Development Grant (SBDG), University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG), Infrastructure Efficiency Grant(IEG) and Clinical Training Grant (CTG) in just a short while.
Managing DHET grants is no ordinary task. These multi-million-rand projects, spread across various MUT departments, demand not only technical expertise but also a rare blend of qualities — being technologically astute, numerically sharp, deeply patient, and emotionally intelligent. It’s a space where precision meets purpose.
At the heart of this transformation stands Nyondo, who was faced with an immense challenge: to make sense of a complex billion-rand grants portfolio or risk MUT losing the funding altogether. Instead of retreating, Nyondo rose to the occasion. Within a remarkably short period, he has brought order, accountability, and vision to a process that once seemed overwhelming.
This is a lesson in selflessness, leadership, and resilience. It reminds us that true leadership is not about titles or timelines, it is about showing up when it matters most. The progress made with physical infrastructure, grant spending, and the impact of the different grants on the Teaching and Learning agenda of MUT were commended by the DHET delegation, led by Jabulani Ndlovu. DHET further expressed appreciation at how the equipment and laboratory space are well taken care of, indicating appreciation and commitment to student experience. “We commend the improvement in infrastructure projects, working relationships, and some successes with procurement processes. We are happy to have voiced our concerns and noted your challenges, thank you for your time and taking us on a walkabout to appreciate the work that has been done on campus. We are also very encouraged that MUT is spending its own funds in cases of shortfalls, the department is happy,” said Ndlovu.
Special appreciation goes to Dr Makua, Senior Director in the Teaching and Learning Development Centre (TLDC), for his steady mentorship and Dr Ntshangase, acting DVC: Resources and Planning, for his keen eye in identifying and nurturing talent. As the saying goes, “An institution that grows its own timber will never run out of shade.” Indeed, MUT is proving that when homegrown talent is nurtured and trusted, excellence takes root — and the results speak for themselves.