The Directorate of Institutional Planning and Research (DIPR) on 30 October 2025 hosted a celebratory breakfast with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, and the Strategy Development Task Team (SDTT) to honour the people behind Mangosuthu University of Technology’s newly approved Strategy 2026–2030.
Professor Sibiya warmly thanked SDTT members for their unwavering commitment, adding that it would be remiss not to recognise the project leader, Dr Liile Lekena-Bayaga, acting Senior Director: DIPR. “This strategy speaks to the collective aspirations of all MUT stakeholders. Thanks to Dr Lekena-Bayaga and her team for leading this process diligently, transparently, and with heart,” Professor Sibiya said.
Reflecting on the road travelled, Dr Lekena-Bayaga noted the complexity of developing a strategy “in the midst of administration, an Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and a newly constituted Council.” Even so, Dr Lekena-Bayaga said, the team forged a clear, evidence-based path forward, grounded in consultation and disciplined process. That effort culminated in a major milestone: Council approval on 8 October 2025.
Throughout the event, which took place in the morning, speakers foregrounded the power of teamwork, DIPR’s facilitation and process stewardship, the EMC’s leadership of engagements, the SDTT’s technical rigour and generosity, and the contributions of faculties, divisions, students, alumni, and partners.
“Strategy is a team sport,” Dr Lekena-Bayaga emphasised. “DIPR’s role is to provide direction, method, and evidence, while the SDTT and broader university bring insight, innovation, and ownership. That combination delivered approval-ready work.”
With approval secured, the focus now shifts to implementation—translating intent into impact with the same collaborative energy that got MUT to this point.