Mangosuthu University of Technology took centre stage at the official launch of the newly rebranded South African National Science Month (formerly Science Week). Hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the high-profile event took place at the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Southern Gauteng Science and Technology Park in Sebokeng.
The national launch convened under the inspiring theme, “Science is for everyone.” The event drew hundreds of learners from across Gauteng Province, along with an influential delegation of dignitaries from national, provincial, and local government, academia, industry leaders, and research institutions.
The launch served as a platform to ignite curiosity in young minds, promote public engagement with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and highlight the pivotal role innovation plays in solving societal challenges and building a sustainable future for South Africa.
MUT staff members Dr Sibusiso Nkosi, Dr Sithembile Nkosi, and Mfundo Makhanya engaged with enthusiastic learners throughout the event. The MUT team showcased the University’s diverse academic offerings, specifically focusing on career opportunities within its engineering, information technology, biomedical sciences, and technology-driven disciplines.
A major highlight of MUT’s participation was providing Gauteng-based learners with fresh, alternative educational pathways that they might not typically encounter from local institutions. “The enthusiasm displayed by learners underscored the importance of creating platforms such as National Science Month that encourage interaction between institutions of higher learning and prospective students,” said Makhanya.
The presence of top-tier government officials reinforced South Africa’s national commitment to leveraging science and technology as core drivers of economic growth and social development. Throughout the programme, keynote speakers urged the youth to view themselves not just as students, but as the country’s future innovators, researchers, and tech leaders.