On 10 December 2025, the University had its annual Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards. What became the highlight of the event, as the winners were called out, was that most of them were from the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences. Four out of five! The Dean of the faculty, Professor Alfred Msomi, described this development as “a remarkable achievement that underscores the dedication, innovation, and excellence that define our faculty’s commitment to advancing education and student success”. Professor Msomi said that as head of the faculty, he was immensely excited and proud of these awardees, “whose contributions have set a shining example in learning and teaching. Their recognition not only celebrates their individual efforts but also highlights the high standards we uphold in our programmes. “I encourage all staff members in the faculty to draw inspiration from these four exemplary colleagues,” Professor Msomi said.
The four academics from this faculty were Dr Awonke Mbangi, a Lecturer in the Department of Agriculture, and Dr Thanda Mbanjwa, from the Department of Nature Conservation, both of whom became the Best Emerging Teachers. Professor Xolile Mkhize from the Department of Community Extension won the Best-Established Teacher Silver Award. Dr Nkululeko Damoyi, from the Department of Chemistry, won the Best-Established Teacher Bronze Award. The only staff member from a different faculty who also won an award was Dr Kavita Behara. Dr Behara, from the Faculty of Engineering’s Department of Electrical Engineering, also received a bronze prize.
All these staff members won some cash, a certificate, a goodies hamper, guaranteed participation in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SOTL) research project, and a R15 000 research grant.
Dr Mbanjwa said winning this prize was “an incredible honour and a deeply humbling moment in my academic journey. This recognition affirms my commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire students, ignite curiosity, and connect education to real-world challenges,” Dr Mbanjwa said teaching is both a passion and a responsibility, “and this award reminds me of the impact we can make when we engage students with care, innovation, and dedication.”
Dr Mbanjwa said that the award also carries great significance for him, as it reflects the collective support of his department and students, who continue to motivate him to grow as an educator. “I am truly grateful for this acknowledgement, and it strengthens my resolve to contribute even more to teaching excellence and student success at MUT,” said Dr Mbanjwa.