In a resounding endorsement of institutional transformation, Professor Alfred Msomi, Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences at Mangosuthu University of Technology, has stepped forward to lead the charge in expanding the University’s research footprint.
Responding directly to a challenge issued by Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, during the launch of the VC Research VLOG Series on 23 July 2026, Professor Msomi rallied academics across the Institution to embrace research as a core pillar of their professional duties. “I am raising my hand. Who else wants to join me?” declared an enthusiastic Professor Msomi. “This opportunity is what is going to keep us at MUT.”
The Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences holds a dominant presence in the newly launched VLOG initiative, accounting for seven out of the 10 featured researchers selected to showcase MUT’s scholarly impact. Expressing deep pride in his team’s representation, Professor Msomi urged academics to use the platform to highlight the tangible benefits their work brings to local and broader communities.
“I am proud to be the dean of this faculty. Colleagues, make an appointment with the VC so she can hear about the good news we are doing for the communities,” Professor Msomi urged. “We need to market ourselves so people will know. This initiative will inform people who MUT is. Let us come out in numbers and join others,” Professor Msomi said.
The featured researchers from the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences represent a diverse array of scientific fields aimed at addressing modern societal challenges, indigenous knowledge systems, and technological advancements:
Professor Roger Coopoosamy, the Head of the Department of Nature Conversation, focuses on ‘Indigenous knowledge and the future of healthcare’, Dr Karishma Singh and Nokukhanya Thembane focus on ‘the relationship between indigenous plants and Western medicines’; Dr Cyprian Ndumiso Ncobela focuses on ‘growing food security through science’; Dr Bethel Mutanga’s focus is on ‘technology, society, and the future of digital innovation’; Dr Devashan Naidu focuses on ‘biotechnology for a better future’; and Professor Xolile Mkhize, who focuses on ‘revitalising indigenous food systems’.
The other researchers in the inaugural series are Dr Kavita Behara, with a focus on ‘How Artificial Intelligence is transforming healthcare’. Dr Behara is a Lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering; Professor Papi Numbi, the Head of the Department of Electrical Engineering, focuses on ‘powering South Africa’s sustainable energy future’; and Dr Bongekile Mvuyana, Head of the Department of Public Administration and Economics, whose focus is ‘building climate-resilient communities’.