MUT ALUMNI Welcomes You!

Framework of the Alumni Relations Office

Background

The Alumni Relations Office joined the new Institutional Advancement structure in 2023, and reports to the Executive Director: Institutional Advancement who reports to the Vice Chancellor and Principal. It must be noted that the Alumni Relations staff do not report to any Alumni, Convocation Executive or Chapters/substructure.

The relationship between MUT and its graduates is what is termed a ‘Gown to Grave’ relationship. It is therefore the responsibility of the Alumni Relations Office to ensure a lifetime connection between MUT and its graduates.

This document serves as a guide for Convocation and Alumni structures on the functions, authority and objectives of the MUT Alumni Relations office.

Authority and Functions

The Alumni Relations Office is a functional and management unit in Institutional Advancement responsible for Alumni support and resource mobilisation, which includes the following:

Compiling the alumni relations annual plan and preparing the required budget for
Maintaining and updating the Alumni
Overseeing the management of the funds allocated annually for all alumni activities.
Coordinating administrative duties of the annual general meeting of the Convocation, which is managed by the Registrar’s Office

The Alumni Relations Office is responsible for the agreed upon administrative and other support to Convocation and alumni, including Convocation Executive and alumni chapters/substructures. The said support may include:

Providing support with venues for meetings or events for Convocation or alumni chapters on
Providing guidance and information on the University’s fundraising needs .
Providing reports on alumni relations

Providing coverage or marketing of alumni chapter activities on alumni and the university’s communication platforms.
Coordinating annual programmes for alumni

The office is responsible for nurturing the connection between MUT and its alumni. Some of the day-to-day responsibilities of the alumni relations office are to:

Reconnect MUT alumni with the
Revitalise alumni
Inspire alumni to invest their time, talent and resources for the benefit of MUT and its
Track and profile alumni progress/achievements to inspire current student as well as position MUT to external

The Alumni Relations office provides support to the various alumni structures as may be required and agreed upon.

The Registrar serves as a secretariat of Convex and Convocation and provides related administrative support and advice to the President of Convocation and the Convocation Executive, and is responsible for all formal communication.

The Registrar’s role includes ensuring the enhancement of content governance and compliance processes that will improve accountability on programmes and projects as well as the strategic implementation of the University Strategy in meeting the goals of the University.

The Registrar manages the process of nomination and election of Convocation Executive members with the support from Alumni Relations office.

Objectives of the Alumni Relations Office

The Alumni Relations office will ensure that Convocation and all alumni structures align with MUT’s vision through their plans and activities, with guidance and support that results in the following:

Convocation and alumni community with a vested interest in the well- being of the university.
Convocation and alumni community that always act in the best interests of
A strong culture of community amongst Convocation and alumni structures.
A strong professional network that is a resource for current students and recent
An alumni network that is willing to give back to MUT through their time, talent, and treasure.

Review of the Alumni Relations Office Framework

These rules shall be reviewed every four (4) years or otherwise whenever deemed necessary during the intervening period.

Giving TO MUT Online

Thank you for supporting us with your donation! Your generosity sustains MUT’s legacy of building bridges to access and excellence. All legitimate donations qualify for tax rebates under Section 18A of the Income Tax Act, as amended.

CONVOCATION 2025

Alumni Mentorship Programme

At the heart of the #100Million&Change campaign lies the belief that every individual has the potential to create meaningful change. Our Alumni Mentorship Program is a powerful bridge connecting experienced alumni with ambitious students and emerging leaders. Together, we will shape a future where mentorship drives not only personal success but collective progress, one connection at a time.

What is Alumni Mentorship about

Mentorship is a powerful partnership that brings together an experienced Alum (mentor) and less experienced recent graduates/students (mentee) to help them grow personally, academically, or professionally. Mentors use this connection to offer insights, information, and networks, guiding mentees toward their goals.

Why is it crucial for MUT Alumni to participate in Mentorships?

Because you have acquired the education, skills, and success, as a mentor, you can help graduates/students grow personally and professionally, offering guidance, encouragement, and industry acumen while also developing their leadership skills.

Why Be a Mentee?

As a mentee, you gain the opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of those who’ve walked the path before you. You set personal and career goals and, with your mentor’s support, access the knowledge, resources, and direction needed to reach them, to make informed decisions, and to navigate your journey with confidence.

How Can MUT Alumni Mentors Support Mentees?

Alumni mentors are matched with mentees based on shared interests or goals. Communication can be flexible via email, phone, or online. Whether it’s career advice, entrepreneurial support, or adjusting to new environments, your input can make a lasting impact.

Your mentorship contributes to building a thriving MUT community where knowledge is shared, futures are shaped, and lifelong connections are formed. It’s not just about giving back; it’s also an opportunity to grow as a leader and expand your perspective.

How the Alumni Relations Office Supports Mentorship

MUT Alumni Office facilitates Mentor-Mentee connections through structured programmes, networking opportunities, and continuous support. We also share job openings, internship opportunities, and career development resources with alumni, encouraging them to extend these benefits to others within their networks.

The 4R's

MUT has more than 42 000 alumni spread across South Africa, SADC and a sizable number overseas. These alumni take pride in MUT and are prepared to play a pivotal role in the development of MUT. They know where MUT has come from and; like MUT’s founding fathers, have the vision of elevating the MUT brand to greater heights.

The Alumni Relations Office knows that alumni will be the longest serving members of MUT. The alumni are the lifetime members of this university. They give testimony to this University which arose in a township simply to provide access to African students in 1979 when there was no Technikon for them in KwaZulu-Natal.

Great strides have been made by the Alumni Relations office to:

Reconnect MUT alumni with the university.
Revitalise alumni engagements with their alma mater, MUT.
To make alumni Reinvest into MUT, their time and money.
To help alumni rediscover progress at MUT and how they could be a part of the developments within MUT

The Alumni Relations office has wide-ranging activities for alumni engagement as well as enabling MUT alumni to perform any of these 4R’s:

Reconnect | Revitalise | Reinvest | Rediscover

Calling on all MUT Alumni

Let’s turn the page and create a lasting legacy together!

Dear MUT Alumni,

As proud graduates of MUT, you have undoubtedly experienced the transformative power of education and the support from our University community. You are living proof that education is for the public good. It is for this reason that we are reaching out to you with an exciting opportunity to give back to your alma mater, in a manner that would make a lasting impact on MUT and the next generation of students.

MUT Alumni "Building Bridges" Legacy

MUT Alumni “Building Bridges” Legacy

The Department of Institutional Advancement is striving for ways to support MUT in its advancement endeavours. One of the ways we can achieve this is by tapping into the wealth of knowledge and expertise within our alumni network. We invite you to return and share your expertise by running short courses and/or offering consultancy services in partnership with the Alumni Relations Office (ARO).

Why you should get involved

While many alumni would love to support the Alumni Bursary Fund in a significant way, not everyone has the financial resources to do so. That should not mean that individuals with limited financial resources cannot give back to their alma mater. Your expertise in providing mentorship, skills transfer, training and development, and your professional success would make a difference to the professional journeys of our current students and members of our community. Your involvement will contribute to the alumni resource mobilisation project aimed transforming the student experience for the better.

Nature of opportunities available

Short Courses: Consider teaching a short course or conducting a workshop in your area of expertise. This can be done in person or online.

Consultancy Services: Offer your consultancy services to meet and support real-world challenges.

Masterclasses: Host Masterclasses on relevant topics or participate in panel discussions and provide mentorship throughout the class.

We are in this together

The ARO is aware that this is an exciting and yet intimidating endeavour to undertake, which is why the ARO will be available to support you every step of the way in this journey. This is an opportunity for you to create a living legacy at MUT and we will be there to give you the support you need to make it happen.

To participate, please fill in the online form (https://forms.gle/uJNFuDCyrXFVy4j8A) or contact our Alumni Relations Office at alumni@mut.ac.za or 031 907 7510. We would be happy to discuss potential collaboration opportunities and tailor your involvement to your schedule.

Join us in this exciting endeavour to give back and make a lasting impact. Create your living legacy at MUT!

SONDELA! Your time is now!

Congratulations

World Wildlife Day, and the theme is Recovering Species for Ecosystem Restoration. This day honours the diverse and beautiful forms of wild fauna and flora, as well as raising awareness of the numerous benefits that their conservation provides to people. We have alumni experts, a student and lecture, joining us to discuss this topic further.

Listen To The Podcast

Alumni Rising

FAQ's

What is Convocation?

The convocation consist of all graduates of the institution (alumni), current and former academic employees of the Institution as well as the university executive. The Convocation plays a role in linking former students with the Institution and it is a medium for communication and contact. One of the important roles of the convocation is to elect representatives to the University Council and to represent former students in the Institutional Forum.

Who are our alumni?

Persons who have received Diplomas, Degrees, Advanced Diplomas or Post-Graduate Diplomas and BTech from MUT

What is CONVEXCO?

An abbreviation for the Convocation Executive Committee
It is an executive structure of Convocation

What does the MUT Convocation Executive Committee comprise of?

The President, who must not be a person employed by or a current student of MUT shall be an Ex Officio member
The Vice-President, an ex officio member who must neither be an employee nor student, He/She shall act on behalf of the president in his absence
The Vice Chancellor, as an ex officio
A representative of the Council appointed by the Council among its members
Two persons elected by the Convocation at the Annual General Meeting of Convocation
Alumni Relations Officer, as an ex officio member
The Secretariat-MUT Registrar

What is the Term of office for EXCO Members of Convocation

Exco Membership may serve for three years
Office bearers are not allowed to serve for more than three terms

Functions of the Convocation Executive Committee

To administer the affairs of the Convocation
To discuss and, on behalf of the Convocation, to state its opinion upon any matters relating to the University or to the Convocation, including matters that may be referred to it by the council
Subject to the consent and directions of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, to solicit, and collect monies in the general interest of the University
To establish, support and maintain alumni association

Functions of Convocation Members

To further the interests of its Alma Mater
Foster and maintain a positive image of the University as a whole in the context of community and business interests.
To Take an interest in matters pertaining to the governance, administration, academic matters of the University and to make recommendations thereon.
To foster a spirit of belonging among Alumni
To Create in the Alumni, a sense of responsibility, obligation, and accountability towards the community in general

Functions of the Alumni Relations Office?

To enhance the image of the university and further its objectives by eliciting student participation in alumni programmes.
To provide administrative support for the Convocation and Alumni Association.
To play an important role in building up mutual beneficial relationships between graduates and their Alma Mater, students and staff.
To invite Alumni to exclusive alumni networking events, reunions, seminars and workshops.
To cultivate interest in alumni relations work amongst student while they ARE STILL ON CAMPUS.
To create awareness among students about the role that an alumni can play in furthering the objectives of the university.
It is important for students to realize that final examinations and graduation is not the end of their relationship with MUT. While we support them with SOME of their desires, they will find that MUT has a lot to offer throughout their life cycle.

What does Alma Mater mean?

A University, College or School that one attended.

MUT Convocation objectives

Contribute towards the University’s good governance and to have a say in affairs of their Alma Mater
Serve as ambassadors for MUT
Uplift MUT Brand
Nature mutual beneficial relationships with MUT