(Dr Makua is acting as Professor Marcus Ramogale is on leave)
As we stand on the precipice of a new year, I extend a heartfelt welcome to staff, students and the MUT community to the 2024 academic year.
I particularly want to express my deepest gratitude to MUT staff, the backbone of this Institution, for the unwavering commitment, particularly in the face of persistent challenges we face.
To our eager-eyed first year, a sense of electric anticipation crackles in the air here in Umlazi, buzzing with the vibrant hum of intellectual curiosity and boundless potential. You stand at the threshold of a transformative journey that will stretch your mind, challenge your preconceptions, and equip you with the tools to be architects of change. To our returning students, I commend your dedication. You have navigated uncharted waters, confronted unforeseen obstacles, and emerged stronger, wiser, and ready to build upon the foundations you have laid. MUT is where minds ignite, dreams take flight, and the future itself is shaped and reshaped, hence we say, “shape and own your future”.
We are all aware of the recent budgetary constraints imposed by the DHET. These are undoubtedly challenging times. But I assure you that the University leadership is working diligently to navigate these complexities and prioritise resources effectively.
Let us commit to open communication, mutual respect, and a shared dedication to academic excellence to ensure a productive and fruitful year, free from interruptions. As we embark on this journey, let us hold fast to the spirit of collective responsibility and shared success. We can make 2024 a year of progress, innovation, and transformative learning.