Led by Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Mncedisi Maphalala, the farewell celebration brought together members of Council, Executive Management, Senate, the Research and Innovation Committee, the Higher Degrees Committee, and staff to pay tribute to a leader whose contribution has helped shape the University’s research landscape.
Welcoming guests to the occasion, Professor Maphalala acknowledged that although Dr Mienie would likely have preferred a quiet departure, her extraordinary contribution deserved celebration. “I suspect that if Dr Mienie had her way, she would have quietly slipped away unnoticed,” he said. “But as a University that values and cares for its people, we simply could not allow that to happen. Twenty-six years of dedicated service cannot be allowed to pass without pausing to say thank you.”
The occasion carried added significance as it coincided with Dr Mienie’s birthday, giving colleagues another reason to celebrate. “Today is made even more special because, in addition to celebrating her farewell, we are also celebrating her birthday,” Professor Maphalala said. “So, Dr Mienie, on behalf of everyone gathered here, happy birthday.”
Professor Maphalala reflected on Dr Mienie’s long and distinguished career at MUT, describing her journey as one defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to institutional growth. Since joining the University in 2000, Dr Mienie has held several strategic leadership positions, including Director of Research, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement, and Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal.
Throughout her tenure, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the University’s research capacity, mentoring emerging academics and researchers, and guiding the Institution through important periods of growth and transformation.
“Her journey at MUT has been characterised by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to the advancement of the Institution,” Professor Maphalala said. “Through her work, Dr Mienie has contributed to strengthening research, mentoring colleagues and guiding the University through important periods of its development.”
Professor Maphalala noted that the farewell was not only about marking the end of an accomplished career, but also about expressing gratitude for the lasting impact Dr Mienie has had on generations of staff and students. “Today is about expressing our appreciation for a colleague who has devoted more than two and a half decades of her professional life to this Institution, and who has touched the lives of many staff and students along the way,” he said.
Professor Maphalala thanked Dr Mienie for her exceptional leadership and dedication to the University. “Dr Mienie, thank you for your service, your leadership, your wisdom and your dedication to MUT. We celebrate your achievements, we honour your contribution, and we wish you happiness, good health and success in the next chapter of your journey.”
While Dr Mienie’s retirement brings to an end 26 years of distinguished service, her influence on the University’s research culture and its people will remain an enduring part of MUT’s story.