To enhance operational efficiency and strengthen the services provided by its Stores department, the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has announced the appointment of two dynamic new leaders. Sphesihle Nkabinde has taken the helm as the new Director of the department, joined by Nompumelelo Princess Khalishwayo, who steps in as the new Deputy Director: Purchasing and Bids. The dual appointments represent a significant institutional investment aimed at empowering the Supply Chain Management (SCM) team and streamlining University procurement.
Nkabinde, who officially assumed her duties on 1 April 2026, brings a robust academic background to the role, holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management and Marketing. She steps into her directorship with a clear, time-bound vision for her team. Her primary goal is to ensure that every member of the SCM department is fully equipped and thoroughly understands their deliverables within her first six to nine months in office. To achieve this, Nkabinde has outlined a proactive, multi-step strategy.
She will begin by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the foundational SCM skills currently present within her team. Following this, she plans to host a legislative induction to bring staff up to speed on the latest legal and industry developments in the supply chain sector.
Furthermore, Nkabinde will initiate targeted training meetings designed to clearly outline Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for her staff. Her leadership approach will also heavily feature ongoing performance monitoring, balanced with a strong commitment to acknowledging and rewarding excellence within the department.
Working alongside Nkabinde, Khalishwayo is already bringing a sharp focus on strategic alignment to her role as Deputy Director: Purchasing and Bids. Reflecting on her early days at MUT, Khalishwayo noted that she has quickly recognised the critical need to align the University’s procurement processes with its broader institutional goals. She aims to ensure that academic departments receive efficient support and that supplier management directly contributes to the University’s overall operational sustainability.
Taking a collaborative and analytical approach to her new position, Khalishwayo is currently auditing the department’s operations. “While I am still in the process of deepening my understanding, I am actively engaging with stakeholders, reviewing policies, and assessing current processes to identify areas of improvement,” Khalishwayo shared.
Together, the strategic foresight of Nkabinde and the analytical rigour of Khalishwayo signal a transformative new chapter for MUT’s Stores department, promising enhanced service delivery and sustainable procurement practices across the Institution.