MUT Library Services Welcomes You

So, you have finished your studies.

Maybe you have just wrapped up the semester. You have got time on your hands. Now what? This is the moment real life begins. It is time to figure out who you are, what you can do, and how to show it to the world.

Your personal profile is key. It is how you introduce yourself—on paper, online, and in person. Your profile tells your story. Not just your qualifications, but what matters to you, what excites you, and what makes you stand out.

What do you bring to the table? What’s your story? Do not make it boring. Make it real.

People remember stories, not just facts. Building a strong profile is about more than a polished CV. It is about showing what you believe in and what you are capable of. Think of your favourite movie or book character—they make an impression. You want your profile to do the same. That is what people are looking for—employers, collaborators, mentors. Be clear, confident, and human.

If you do not have a job yet, volunteer. Show the world who you are. What do you care about? Walk into a workplace you admire and offer your time. You are not asking for a salary—you are asking for a chance. A chance to learn, to grow, and to get your name out there.

People notice that kind of effort. Volunteering often leads to more. That kind of initiative stands out more than any qualification. Yes, the job market is tough. But the power to move forward is still in your hands. Use what you have. Learn. Connect. Ask questions. And just as importantly—listen. Reflect. Grow.

In a crowded field, people remember those who are clear about who they are and what they want. So, ask yourself: What makes me different? Then lead with that. Your story is your strength. Do not wait to tell it.

What I Didn’t Expect to Learn from Group Work

By Andiswa Jili

In my first year, group work was one of the hardest things for me. I did not think it would be so tricky, but I ended up learning a lot—about others and about myself.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

At the beginning, I tried to form my own group by asking a few people to join me, but it did not work. I realised about myself that I do not have much patience when people do not take me seriously. In the end, I joined another group that accepted me. That is when I learnt that group work is not always about choosing your friends—you sometimes have to work with new people.

Not Everyone Follows the Rules

I quickly found out that not everyone follows the rules. No one in my group went to the briefing session about how to use Turnitin effectively. This caused problems later. We did not do our plagiarism check properly, and no one wanted to take the blame. I learnt that in a group, one person’s mistake can affect everyone. Some people take shortcuts because they are desperate, they don’t care, or they think no one will notice.

You Might Have to Pick Up the Slack

My group was not well organised, and we ended up submitting our work late because some important parts were left unfinished. When it was time to speak to the lecturer, no one else wanted to do it, so I had to. I made sure our late work was accepted. It was stressful, but I learnt that sometimes you have to take charge when others refuse.

Sometimes You Miss Out on Learning

We were in such a rush to finish that I did not get to type the document myself. This mattered to me because my computer skills are still very weak. I realised it is important to be involved in every part of the work, especially the parts you are not good at. Next time, I do not want to rely on others to finish things for me—I want to improve my skills and do it on my own.

Final Thoughts

Group work is hard, especially when you are new to it. But it taught me a lot about myself, what I expect from others, and what I need to get better at. I am not perfect and still learning, but now I am more prepared to handle it next time.

By Andiswa Jili

– Andiswa Jili is doing her diploma in public finance and accounting.

How Do I Make This Better?

By Sanelisiwe Jali

I often ask myself, how do I make this better? When it comes to my studies though, I am still trying to find the definiteanswer. Here’s why.

I struggle with letting go of control. When I don’t know what to expect, I feel uneasy and unprepared. As a student, you sometimes find that important information is often kept from us, and we are told to just comply and not complain. But I do better when I know the exam scope — what to study and how to tackle the task. Unfortunately, exam details are rarely shared clearly, making it hard to prepare.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m pretending to be someone I am not. I do not like making excuses when things go wrong, but I had a tough time adjusting to teaching styles that do not match how I learn best. Afraid of repeating modules, I chose to cram just enough to pass, even though I knew my understanding of the material was dodgy.

I am also dealing with life outside of campus. A bad incident took place. I was robbed at gunpoint while waiting for the bus home. Two armed men jumped out of a car and demanded my phone — no one was around to help. It was a harsh reminder that to change my situation, I needed to stand up for myself and fight for justice.

So far, I am still figuring it out — how to make this better, in my studies and in life. But I am not giving up.

By Sanelisiwe Jali

– Sanelisiwe Jali is completing her electrical engineering diploma.

Big Dreams, Bad Habits

By Evelina Mbiba

Lots of students dream big—about success, freedom, and helping their families after graduation. That’s inspiring. But what’s frustrating is that those with the biggest dreams often put in the least effort to reach them. I find that problematic.

Skip Class Like It Doesn’t Matter

Some students skip class like it’s nothing—but it is. If you need help understanding the material, missing class makes things much harder. Still, in many classes, online or in-person, half the students don’t show up. Why? It’s not about how smart they are—it is about their habits. And too many are building the wrong ones.

Avoid Campus Like It’s a Trap

Many students do not like coming to campus. But when they stay in their residences or accomodation, they mostly eat, sleep, scroll, and chat—not study. There is not much structure or good study space outside the library. Still, they choose it over campus, where learning actually happens. Why? Maybe it is comfort or routine. But either way, it is a habit that hurts them.

Too Afraid to Speak Up

Many students stay quiet in class—not because they have nothing to say, but because they are afraid. Afraid of making mistakes or looking silly. So even when they are confused, they stay silent and wait for someone else to talk. But staying quiet rarely helps. To learn, you need to ask questions. Confidence comes from trying. And no one can help if you don’t speak up.

Wait Too Long to Ask for Help

Students do not like asking for help. Maybe they do not want to seem weak or feel embarrassed. But the longer they wait, the harder it is to catch up. If no one knows you are having trouble, they cannot help you. Waiting until the last minute—right before tests or deadlines—usually means it is already too late.

Final Thoughts

It is easy to dream about a better future. But dreams do not come true without action. What worries me is not that students struggle—that happens to everyone—but that many choose habits that make things harder. We all need to take responsibility now, not later. Success does not start after graduation—it comes from the small, tough choices you make every day. So show up. Speak up. Ask for help. Change your habits. Because if you do not help yourself now, no one else can do it for you.

By Evelina Mbiba

– Evelina Mbiba is an environmental health student.

Breaking Barriers Together

By Nofezile Jali

This is my journey in helping others become their best. I love helping people overcome whatever it is that is stopping them from becoming the best they can ever be. But honestly? It is easier said than done. Let me share a bit of my own story.

I have my own struggles—everyone does. I was meant to be in my final year of school, but my NSFAS funding was canceled. After that, I could not focus on anything else. Paying for my studies took over my mind. I felt desperate, lonely, and sad. I wanted help but didn’t know where to turn. In the end, I failed.

This experience showed me how many feelings people keep inside. One important lesson I learned is about denial and respect. Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to give them space. Helping does not always mean asking questions or pushing them to open up, and make them say something they feel not ready to share. When someone says, “I’m okay,” even if I feel something is wrong, I do not force them to talk. I respect their need to handle things in their own time. Sometimes, “don’t ask; don’t tell” is the best approach because everyone faces their struggles at their own pace.

Here is an important truth: it is okay to learn from mistakes. People need space to figure out what is right and wrong for themselves. We do not always know what is best for us. But it is not our job — or anyone else’s — to fix someone else’s problems. Our role is to be there, to listen, and offer support when they are ready.

Helping others is a special journey, full of kindness, patience, and understanding. We all have our own struggles, and sometimes just being there and respecting someone’s process is the greatest gift we can offer.

By Nofezile Jali

– Nofezile Jali is an accounting student.

When Being “Me” Didn’t Feel Like Enough

By Ziyanda Mbonambi

I have always been someone who loves meeting new people, learning new things, and trying new experiences. I am active, open-minded, and friendly—that is how I have always seen myself. I enjoy being around others, and I like to think I bring good energy wherever I go.

But this year, I have been asking myself something I never expected: Are my strengths enough to carry me through everything life throws at me? Let me explain.

The Race Against the Clock

Every day feels like a race. I am always in a rush to catch the next bus. Even during class, I find myself checking my watch over and over, calculating how much time I have left before I need to run. There’s usually a tight (sometimes impossible) gap between when my lectures end and when the campus bus departs.

That stress has turned something as ordinary as a timetable into a source of anxiety. It got to the point where the timetable feels like my enemy. As soon as class ends, I run out the door—not because I want to, but because I have no choice. There is no time to talk to classmates, ask a question, or simply breathe.

Drowning in Deadlines

I am not proud of it, but I still panic when deadlines pile up. Then there are the assignments. I’m still learning how to manage pressure without getting terrified. As soon as I turn something in, another assessment shows up—sometimes two, due on the same day. It can feel like a never-ending cycle. I love people, and I do not like being alone, but when I am stressed, it shows. I cannot fake a smile when I am struggling inside. I realised that being honest about how I feel is more important than pretending everything is fine just to make others comfortable. And I definitely do not like pretending to have fun when my mind is racing through a checklist of everything I haven’t finished. I often find myself buried in unfinished work.

Losing My Lifeline

And then there was the heartbreak I didn’t see coming. My laptop died. No warning. One day it was fine, the next day—nothing.

It may sound silly, but I genuinely felt like I lost a trusted friend. That laptop helped me stay on top of everything: classes, deadlines, notes, communication. It gave me freedom. Now I got stuck trying to do my work on a cellphone, and let’s be honest—phones are not built for academic life. It is frustrating. It is limiting. And it made everything feel ten times harder. It was a reminder of how much we rely on certain tools, and how much harder things become without them.

Still the Same Me, Just Growing

I have not changed. I still love people. I still love to learn. I still say yes to both new opportunities and challenges. This year has tested me in ways I did not expect. Even my biggest strengths felt small when life became too much. And that’s okay. It does not make me weak. It just means I am human.

So, I am learning to pause. To breathe. To admit when I’m struggling. To ask for help without guilt. Because maybe real strength isn’t about being cheerful all the time—it is about being honest with yourself and choosing to keep going, even when things are hard. And that is the version of me I am becoming.

Final thoughts

I am learning to balance those strengths with patience, self-compassion, and the ability to say, “I’m struggling” when I need to—because real strength is not about always staying upbeat; it is about being honest with yourself and knowing when to slow down and ask for support.

By Ziyanda Mbonambi

–           Ziyanda Mbonambi is doing her local government finance diploma.

I try harder

By Saneliswe Ngcobo

When there is a job to get done, I can never hold back. Maybe it is because I am naturally bubbly. Maybe it is because I have the courage to take on any challenge. But I think it is something else—something simpler: I always try harder.

I tend to take on more tasks than I can comfortably handle. I like to finish my work on time (if not early), so I push myself—sometimes more than I should. When I am working in a group, I often take on the lead role, not because I am asked to, or expected to. But because I want to make sure things get done right and without delay. Before I know it, I am the one running around doing everything while others sit back, seemingly relaxed.

I am also someone who needs reassurance. I do not feel fully satisfied until I have received some kind of feedback or approval. But feedback does not always come quickly. Sometimes I wonder if anyone even reads the work, I put so much effort into. Still, I take every comment and correction seriously. I reflect on what others say, and I use it to grow. I do not mind changing things—especially if it helps me learn.

One thing I really dislike, though, is spending money unnecessarily. It is frustrating to be completely broke just because I had to submit a project. Hard copies are often required for assessments, and printing is not cheap. And yet, it is something I often must do just to meet requirements. Sometimes, it costs me more than I expected just to turn in my work.

So, why do I keep pushing myself so hard? Maybe it’s just who I am. I care. I try. I want to do well. And even when it is exhausting, I never stop giving my best.

Final Thoughts

Pushing myself has never been about showing off or trying to outshine anyone. It is about personal pride—knowing I gave it everything I had, even when it was tough. Yes, I get tired. Yes, I feel overwhelmed. And yes, sometimes I wish things were easier or cheaper or fairer. But in the end, I know that the effort I put in today shapes who I become tomorrow.

Trying harder is not always easy—but it is always worth it.

By Saneliswe Ngcobo

– Saneliswe Ngcobo is a civil engineering student.

I Choose to Show Up

By Mandisa Khumalo

I made a personal decision to be more active on campus, especially by taking part in outreach programmes within both my residence and the university community. What I did not expect was how deeply moving it would be to hear other students open up about the pressures they face — academically and personally. The stories I have encountered have shown me just how much we all carry silently.

“I really have no one to talk to.”

This one hit hard. Many students are going through so much behind closed doors — from family issues to the stress of trying to keep up with academics — yet feel like they have no one they can trust enough to open up to. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have my mother and grandmother. They are my pillars of strength. Even from miles away, my mom is always just a phone call away, ready to listen and give the kind of advice that only she can.

“I am okay.”

We hear this line all the time, but it is often just a mask. Many students downplay their struggles or pretend everything is fine — sometimes to avoid being a burden, sometimes because they do not want to admit they have lost focus. I have noticed that some think their problems are “too small” to matter. But small problems pile up. And often, by the time the deadline pressure hits, it is suddenly too late to fix everything overnight. The truth is, admitting you are not okay does not make you weak — it makes you honest and self-aware. It shows you are being real with yourself.

“I drain my worries down the bottom of a beer bottle.”

It is no secret that some students turn to alcohol to escape. And for a moment, maybe it does feel like the stress disappears. But the truth always comes back — along with the hangover, the regret, the wasted time, and misused money. The worst part? The problems are still there, waiting.

Final thoughts

I have learned that everyone is carrying something. We all have our own mountains to climb. But if being a university student has taught me anything, it is that we do not have to climb them alone. Sometimes, simply being there to listen or show you care can really help someone. So, to anyone struggling: You are not alone. Reach out. Speak up. And if you can, be that person who is willing to listen.

By Mandisa Khumalo

– Mandisa Khumalo is a construction management student.

You have got time on your hands. Now what?

So, you have finished your studies.

Maybe you have just wrapped up the semester. You have got time on your hands. Now what? This is the moment real life begins. It is time to figure out who you are, what you can do, and how to show it to the world.

Your personal profile is key. It is how you introduce yourself—on paper, online, and in person. Your profile tells your story. Not just your qualifications, but what matters to you, what excites you, and what makes you stand out.

What do you bring to the table? What’s your story? Do not make it boring. Make it real.

People remember stories, not just facts. Building a strong profile is about more than a polished CV. It is about showing what you believe in and what you are capable of. Think of your favourite movie or book character—they make an impression. You want your profile to do the same. That is what people are looking for—employers, collaborators, mentors. Be clear, confident, and human.

If you do not have a job yet, volunteer. Show the world who you are. What do you care about? Walk into a workplace you admire and offer your time. You are not asking for a salary—you are asking for a chance. A chance to learn, to grow, and to get your name out there.

People notice that kind of effort. Volunteering often leads to more. That kind of initiative stands out more than any qualification. Yes, the job market is tough. But the power to move forward is still in your hands. Use what you have. Learn. Connect. Ask questions. And just as importantly—listen. Reflect. Grow.

In a crowded field, people remember those who are clear about who they are and what they want. So, ask yourself: What makes me different? Then lead with that. Your story is your strength. Do not wait to tell it.

Link: Knowledge Hub episode, 24 June 2025, https://iono.fm/e/1569189

History is more than just dates and events—it’s a living story that teaches us how to be strong.

This year marks almost 50 years since the Soweto Uprising on 16 June 1976, when brave young people stood up against injustice. They showed us the power of courage, sacrifice, and determination.

Today, we must stay committed and keep growing, even when life is hard. Passion and purpose go together. If you are not happy where you are, ask yourself how you can change and grow into the life you want.

Emotional healing matters. Life and relationships can be messy, and sometimes we won’t get the closure we want. But we can still choose peace—for ourselves.

Finding where we truly belong can be a challenge. Whether it is a place or a state of mind, it takes faith and commitment to feel at home within ourselves.

Life is a beautiful struggle. Even when the world says “no,” we can say “yes” to ourselves. Let’s live with purpose, take care of our health, and stay true to who we are—as we honour Youth Day and Youth Month.

Link: Knowledge Hub episode, 17 June 2025. https://iono.fm/e/1567166 

The Stages of Reading: From Motivation to Clarity

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been unpacking something that seems simple but is often misunderstood: reading. Not just reading for the sake of ticking a box, but reading to learn, to grow, and to make sense of the world. Today, we bring that journey together.

Let’s start at the beginning. Before you even open a book, a textbook, or a news article, you need to ask yourself why. That’s your motivation. It’s the first stage, and maybe the most important. When you’re honest about why you’re reading—whether it is to pass an exam, solve a problem, or understand an issue—your whole approach changes. You stop floating through information and start moving with direction.

Once you know your why, the next thing to remember is that words matter. Every word carries weight, tone, and sometimes even danger. A simple “hi” with a smile gets a different response than one without it. And some phrases—especially slang or terms pulled from other cultures—can be unintentionally harmful. Language is powerful. So if you’re ever unsure, consult a dictionary. It is not old-fashioned—it’s a tool that gives you control. Understanding grows when you respect language.

Now, to absorb what you’re reading, you need to familiarise yourself with the subject. You cannot read deeply about something you know nothing about and expect it to stick. Build some background. Search the basics. Ask questions. Get a sense of the landscape before diving in. It is like learning to swim by first getting used to the water.

That brings us to browsing. Browsing is what we do with our eyes and our minds before deep reading begins. You scan headlines, flip through contents, glance at keywords, and check out the index. This is how you learn to navigate big books, dense materials, or new topics. But be careful—browsing is not reading. It is just the entry point. Stopping at browsing is like walking around a building and never going inside.

When you finally get to reading properly, treat it like listening to a story. Every article or academic chapter has a structure. There is a beginning—a clear statement of the topic. There is a middle, where evidence, examples, and arguments build up. And then there is a conclusion, where the writer gives a perspective or opinion. This structure matters because it shows you not just what is being said, but how the writer wants you to feel or respond.

And then comes the skill that separates casual readers from thoughtful ones: reading between the lines. Not everything is said directly. Often, what’s left out is just as important as what is included. Authors choose their words for a reason. Sometimes, one short sentence can carry a whole world of meaning. Think of phrases like “nothing for mahala” or “love triangle.” Those are not just loose ideas—they tell you something about how the speaker sees the world, their values, and even their frustrations. That is why it is important to not only read what is written, but also to ask: what are they really saying? What do they believe? What are they hiding?

Finally, the reason we go through all these steps is to reach clarity. That is the goal. Reading should lead to that moment when you say, “I get it now.” Clarity is not just intellectual—it is emotional. It brings closure. It lets you move on to the next question, the next chapter, or the next conversation.

So to make it simple: you start with motivation. Then you pay attention to the words. You build familiarity. You browse. You read with purpose. You interpret what is between the lines. And finally, you reach clarity.

Reading in this way gives you more than just knowledge. It gives you perspective, confidence, and the ability to engage in meaningful conversations about the world around you. And that is the point. That is what we have been working toward in this series. If you have followed along, thank you. Hopefully, this has shifted something in how you read, how you think, and how you approach information from now on.

Keep reading. Keep seeking. And always, ask better questions.

Series links:

Knowledge Hub episode, 27 May 2025: https://iono.fm/e/1560555

Knowledge Hub, 20 May 2025: https://iono.fm/e/1558243

Knowledge Hub, 13 May 2025: https://iono.fm/e/1555322

Knowledge Hub, 06 May 2025: https://iono.fm/e/1552819

Knowledge Hub, 29 April 2025: https://iono.fm/e/1551204

Knowledge Hub, 15 April 2025: https://iono.fm/e/1546886

How Do You Know When You Do Not Know What You Need to Know?

Knowing when you do not know something is the first step to learning. To do that, you need to be honest with yourself and think carefully. You cannot solve a problem if you do not realise it exists—and that includes not knowing something important. To spot these gaps, you need to understand what knowledge is and how it is different from data and information.

There are Missing Pieces in What You Know

Sometimes you cannot answer questions correctly because the information you have is old, incomplete, or wrong. Other times, the way the information is put together is the problem—it might be messy, unclear, or not useful. This makes it hard to understand things properly or make good decisions.

Silence Can be a Sign of Not Knowing

A clear sign you do not know something is staying quiet. When a topic comes up and you feel lost or unsure, you might avoid looking at others, stay silent, or just nod without really understanding. This is not just missing facts—it means you do not have the basic knowledge needed to follow or join the conversation. Knowing something helps you ask questions, understand, and share your ideas.

Mistakes Show What You Don’t Know

Making a lot of mistakes, especially without realising them, is a sign you might not fully understand something. When you know a topic well, you can usually see what might go wrong and avoid problems. But if you keep making errors and you do not know how to fix them, it means you need to learn more. Many people find it hard to admit they do not know because they think they understand more than they do. Noticing your mistakes is actually a good step toward learning.

Without Evidence, It’s Just a Guess

Another sign you do not know something is when you cannot prove or explain it. Knowing is not just believing—it means having evidence to support your ideas. You should be able to show where your information comes from and why it can be trusted. There is a lot of information out there, and not all of it is true. Sometimes what feels right can be wrong, and what seems wrong can be right. That is why it is important to check facts carefully and trust experts and good evidence.

You Can’t Track Where It Started

If you cannot explain how or where you got your information, you likely do not fully understand it. Real knowledge is traceable. You should be able to recall where the idea came from, what context it was in, and how it connects to another knowledge. Those who know can organise ideas, make comparisons, and understand how concepts relate or build on each other. This ability is what separates informed individuals from those who simply repeat information without understanding.

When Ignorance Meets Wrong Information and Lies

Ignorance does not mean you are stupid—it just means you do not know something. It becomes a problem when it is mixed with wrong or fake information. Misinformation is false information shared by mistake. Disinformation is false information shared on purpose to trick people. This problem gets worse when people think they know more than they do. To avoid this, always ask where your information comes from. Did you learn it by checking facts, from experience, or just hearing it from others? Knowing where your information started helps make sure what you believe is true and useful.

Common Myths That Keep Students from Using Libraries and Library Resources

Many students avoid libraries because of some common misunderstandings. Letus clear up these myths and see why libraries are still important today.

Myth 1: “I can get all the answers on Google.”

Reality:
Google and other search tools can give you lots of information fast. But not everything online is true or complete. Some important information is not online at all. Learning well means more than just finding facts—it means thinking carefully and understanding how things really work. Libraries have reliable resources and experts who can help guide you through tricky or complicated topics.

Myth 2: “There’s too much information—I get information overload.”

Reality:
Having too much information can feel confusing. It is hard to know what to keep or ignore. But having more information does not always mean you understand better. Libraries help by giving you trusted sources and support to learn deeply, not just skim the surface.

Myth 3: “I always just go to ChatGPT when I get stuck.”

Reality:
ChatGPT is great for ideas and quick help, but it is not always right. Libraries have trustworthy information checked by scholars and experts, and librarians can help you find the best sources. Consult librarians and peer-reviewed sources to give yourself better and more accurate answers.

Myth 4: “I’ve made it this far on my own—I don’t need the library.”

Reality:
University work needs more than just memorising or cramming. To do well, you need to think deeply and be open to new ideas. Libraries have great resources and quiet spaces that help you learn more than what is in your textbooks.

Myth 5: “I feel embarrassed or lost when I visit the library.”

Reality:
It is normal to feel confused when you first visit the library. But libraries are there to help you, and librarians can show you how to find what you need. Do not be embarrassed—asking for help is a smart way to learn and do better in school.

Why Libraries Still Matter

Even with great online tools, libraries offer special help like expert advice, trusted books, quiet places to study, and chances to learn deeply. Do not let myths stop you from using these resources that can help you succeed in school.

3 Strategies to Access Information

Why do we access information? Sometimes it is just for fun or curiosity. Other times, it is to discover something new, explore ideas, or add our own thoughts. We ask questions, give feedback, and build on what others have done. In the end, we use what we learn to create, to share, and to leave something meaningful behind.

Ask Your Friends

Use social media, news, trusted websites, and official sources to stay informed. Search online academic databases, use AI tools, and talk to people who know their stuff. Always double-check facts—do not just go with what’s easiest.

Read Books

Learn the key terms, ideas, and methods in your subject. Do not just stick to your textbook—check out the Library online for more resources. Search the catalogue for iLink and Perlego. Read with purpose so you really understand what you are learning.

Follow Journals

Journals help you see what is already known, what is missing, and what people are debating. Use local sources like Sabinet and global ones like Google Scholar. They are great for finding research, expert ideas, and improving your writing.