MUT has appointed Professor Bhekisipho Twala as an Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Planning. Professor Twala said he was stepping into the role at what he described as a “pivotal moment” for the Institution.
A globally recognised artificial intelligence scientist, and digital transformation strategist, Professor Twala brings more than two decades of experience in higher education leadership, research, and technology. Professor holds a PhD in Applied and Theoretical Machine Learning from The Open University. He has been ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists for five consecutive years.
Explaining his decision to join MUT, Professor Twala said the choice was “not difficult” but deeply intentional. He highlighted the University’s strong community roots and its focus on technical and vocational education as key factors. “I came because it presented the most meaningful opportunity,” he noted, adding that MUT’s potential for growth and transformation aligned closely with his career focus on real-world impact.
Professor Twala outlined a three-part strategy for the Institution: stabilise, modernise, and elevate. In the short term, he plans to address critical infrastructure challenges, including water supply issues, while strengthening governance, accountability, and institutional culture within the resources and planning portfolio.
His long-term vision centres on digital transformation. Professor Twala aims to overhaul ICT systems, introduce data-driven decision-making, and implement automated and analytics-based processes to improve operational efficiency. “MUT must become a digitally capable institution in a deep, structural sense,” he said.
Beyond operational improvements, Professor Twala’s broader ambition is to position MUT as a leading example of innovative and accountable university management in Africa. His plans include building strategic partnerships, expanding alternative revenue streams, and investing in staff development to enhance institutional performance and reputation.
Before joining MUT, Professor Twala served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Digital Transformation at Tshwane University of Technology, where he led major digital modernisation initiatives. He also held the role of Executive Dean at Durban University of Technology and previously served at the University of South Africa (UNISA) as Director of the School of Engineering and Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
With more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and recognition among global academic leaders in data science, Professor Twala is widely regarded as a leading voice in the intersection of technology and higher education.
Professor believes MUT is poised for significant progress. “This is not an institution in decline,” he said. “It is an institution in ascent.”
Twala’s appointment signals a renewed focus on strengthening MUT’s operational foundations and dovetails with the goals set out on IGNITE 2030.