In a strategic move to propel the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences into a new era of research and academic excellence, a delegation from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) recently concluded a high-impact benchmarking tour of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ). Led by the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Alfred Msomi, the visit was designed as a deliberate intervention to modernise the faculty’s infrastructure, boost research output, and refine administrative systems.
According to Professor Msomi, the choice of partners was calculated. While TUT offers a blueprint for practice-oriented, technology-driven education, UJ provides a model for a research-intensive environment with world-class laboratory systems. “The visit was specifically designed to enhance our postgraduate programme development, improve research collaboration, and benchmark modern laboratory infrastructure,” explained Professor Msomi. “This aligns directly with MUT’s broader strategy of embedding innovation within our faculty.”
The delegation returned with a wealth of practical insights after touring state-of-the-art facilities. Key highlights from the visit included recognising infrastructure excellence. The team was impressed with modern laboratories and lecture venues that are well-equipped and compliant with international standards. They were impressed with the administrative efficiency, which entailed advanced timetabling systems that maximise the use of available space and manage staff workloads effectively. The postgraduate success of these institutions also made an impact on the team. This was highlighted by the robust supervision models and monitoring mechanisms designed to improve student throughput. Innovative research, one of the team’s focal points, also captured their attention. This was illustrated by the industry-linked projects that provide a roadmap for MUT to secure external funding and partnerships. “The laboratory tours provided practical insights into scalable design and sustainability models that we can adapt for our own campus,” the Dean noted.
The faculty is not letting the momentum go to waste. A phased implementation plan has already been drafted to ensure these insights turn into tangible results. In the next six months, the faculty will focus on internal dissemination of findings, identifying priority labs for upgrades, and initiating research talks with TUT/UJ. From then on, for six to 18 months, it will pilot new postgraduate supervision models, implement incremental laboratory upgrades, and formalise joint research projects. The last phase will be the full-scale infrastructure enhancement, a strengthened postgraduate pipeline, and sustained external funding.
The benchmarking outcomes have been met with widespread enthusiasm from MUT staff. There is a collective consensus that modernising laboratory spaces and adopting structured supervision models are no longer “nice-to-haves” but necessities for the University to remain competitive.
“UJ was strategically selected because its model of research productivity is adaptable and scalable within the MUT context,” said Professor. Msomi. “The agricultural and health sectors present critical opportunities for us, and these partnerships will help us meet our institutional strategic targets.”
As the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences begins its transition toward an innovation-driven academic environment, this visit marks a defining moment in MUT’s journey to enhance both academic excellence and societal impact.