The second week of MUT Researcher Vlog Series has reinforced the Institution’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and societal impact, with interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, expressing pride in the University’s researchers and the progress of the initiative.
Launched on 18 June 2026, the high-profile Researcher Vlog Series is part of MUT’s Vision 2030 Strategic Plan and serves as a platform to showcase the University’s research strengths and promote a vibrant research culture.
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Professor Songca commended the researchers whose work is helping position MUT as a University that delivers innovative solutions to real-world challenges. “I am proud of the work done by our researchers, and as the interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, I will continue to foster an enabling environment for research and researchers to thrive at MUT,” she said.
Professor Songca explained that the Researcher Vlog Series was designed around two key objectives. “First, to strengthen a research culture at MUT while simultaneously showcasing the groundbreaking work done by our researchers. Secondly, MUT has just launched IGNITE 2030, and central to this vision is the pursuit of excellence, impact, and visibility. Thus, the series enhances the visibility of MUT and showcases the University’s contributions in solving real-world problems,” she said.
Throughout the series, Professor Songca engaged leading MUT researchers in insightful conversations about their work and its contribution to addressing pressing local, national and global challenges. The discussions covered a diverse range of research areas, including phytomedicines, energy systems optimisation, biomedical sciences, human settlements and climate change, monogastric animal production and its relationship with food security, as well as transformative food systems and indigenous foods.
Professor Songca said, “While diverse in focus, all of the featured research themes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and are grounded in African knowledge systems and approaches, while maintaining global relevance and impact.”
The second week of the series, held from 22 to 26 June 2026, featured conversations with Dr Devashan Naidoo, Professor Xolile Mkhize, Dr Ndumiso Ncobela, Dr Bethel Mutanga and Nomah Jili-Ngcingolo. Each researcher shared insights into their work, highlighting how research conducted at MUT is contributing to sustainable development, innovation and community transformation.
By placing researchers at the centre of the conversation, the Vlog Series has not only celebrated the depth and diversity of research at MUT but has also demonstrated the University’s growing influence in producing knowledge that addresses contemporary societal challenges.
As the inaugural Researcher Vlog Series concludes, it stands as another important step in advancing IGNITE 2030 and Vision 2030, strengthening MUT’s reputation as a University committed to research excellence, meaningful impact and increased global visibility.