In a powerful demonstration of respect for its founding heritage, the leadership of Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), led by Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rushiella Songca and accompanied by Council Chairperson Dr Mosidi Makgae, undertook a journey of more than three-and-a-half hours to spend an entire day with the family of the University’s Founder, the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.
The historic visit to KwaPhindangene, the home of the MUT Founder, on 29 May 2026, marked the first time a full MUT executive delegation and Council leadership had formally travelled to engage the Founder’s family at their ancestral home. The visit was both a tribute to Prince Buthelezi’s enduring legacy, and an opportunity to strengthen ties between the University and the family that continues to safeguard the Founder’s vision.
Arriving in the heart of Zululand, the MUT delegation was received by His Royal Highness Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, the Founder’s son, and members of the Buthelezi family. The atmosphere was one of reflection, appreciation and shared commitment to ensuring that the values upon which MUT was founded continue to guide the Institution’s future.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr Makgae, MUT’s Chairperson of Council, emphasised that the purpose of the visit was to honour Prince Buthelezi’s extraordinary contribution to higher education and to reaffirm the University’s commitment to his belief that education remains the most powerful weapon against poverty.
“We are here to share our values, our mission and our plans for the future,” said Dr Makgae, describing MUT’s IGNITE 2030 strategy as a continuation of the Founder’s vision of empowering communities through education.
Professor Songca used the occasion to provide a comprehensive overview of the University’s strategic direction and recent developments. Professor Songca unveiled four catalytic programmes designed to accelerate MUT’s transformation and position the Institution as a globally competitive university of technology. These initiatives include the establishment of a prestigious Founder’s Annual Lecture; the Friends of MUT network, a fundraising and sustainability programme; the development of student-centred Creative Hubs, and an ambitious internationalisation agenda aligned to the University’s IGNITE 2030 strategy.
The executive team further outlined plans to expand postgraduate enrolments, strengthen research and innovation, introduce new academic programmes, embrace ethical artificial intelligence technologies, and forge strategic partnerships that will advance both institutional growth and community development.
Throughout the day-long engagement, discussions extended beyond strategy and statistics. The visit provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue about MUT’s future, the preservation of the Founder’s legacy, and areas where the University and the Buthelezi family can work together to advance socio-economic development.
One of the most poignant moments of the visit came when Prince Zuzifa personally guided the delegation through the historic KwaPhindangene homestead, sharing stories and artefacts that chronicled Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s lifelong commitment to leadership, education and public service.
The visit concluded with an emotional tribute at the Founder’s gravesite, where the MUT leadership paid their respects to the man whose vision gave birth to the Institution. Standing before his father’s resting place, Prince Zuzifa informed the late statesman that the University’s leadership had travelled from Durban to pay homage to his legacy, and to reaffirm their commitment to advancing the mission he began.
For MUT, the journey to Ulundi represented far more than a courtesy call. It symbolised a bridge between the University’s proud history and its ambitious future. By travelling hundreds of kilometres to spend the day with the Founder’s family, the University’s leadership demonstrated that while MUT is embracing innovation, technology and global partnerships, it remains firmly rooted in the values and aspirations of a man whose dream made the Institution possible.