Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, has made a strong commitment to strengthening institutional support for academics, asserting that teaching and research are not mutually exclusive. Speaking at a farewell ceremony on 24 June 2026, for the founding director of the Research Directorate, Dr Anette Mienie, Professor Songca urged management to prioritise staff well-being to drive institutional success.
Professor Songca lauded Dr Mienie’s 26 years of “more than sterling work,” noting that she built the directorate from the ground up and earned numerous accolades along the way. Professor Songca pointed to Dr Mienie’s leadership as a blueprint for the University’s future management style. “We need to start looking after our staff,” Professor Songca said. “Dr Mienie created an enabling environment where staff conducting research could thrive. We undertake to make sure your work is not in vain. You built a solid foundation.”
The farewell coincided with the conclusion of the Vice-Chancellor’s inaugural Vlog series, a project where Professor Songca engaged directly with MUT researchers to discuss their areas of inquiry. Professor Songca told MUT staff and Council members that the talent unearthed during the series proved that the University has the potential to rival any institution in the country. She credited Dr Mienie with instilling a culture of excellence early on by ensuring that MUT researchers published their work in recognised, accredited journals.
Reflecting on the conversations from her Vlog series, the interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal shared a story of a young, emerging MUT researcher who has already secured a Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) award despite not yet holding a Master’s degree. “I told her and others that they will be assisted,” Professor Songca said, reaffirming a promise made to the University’s National Research Foundation (NRF) rated researchers. She pledged that management will actively remove barriers to ensure researchers have the resources to elevate their work.
Professor Songca concluded by challenging the traditional divide between the classroom and the laboratory, stating that it is a mistake to view teaching and research as separate entities.
Backed by the foundation laid by Dr Mienie and the vibrant research community showcased in her recent video series, the interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal expressed immense optimism for the Institution’s trajectory. “I know that MUT can be the best in the country, given what I saw during the Vlog series,” she said. “Thanks to Dr Mienie.”