On 25 and 26 July 2025, the MUT Student Centre was set ablaze as the MUT Former Student Christian Organisation (MUTFSCO), led by alumnus Siya Malinga, held its second annual reunion. What began as a simple alumni faith gathering has turned into a bold movement that transforms lives and rewrites the story of alumni engagement at MUT.
At the heart of the gala evening on Saturday stood the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya. With her signature blend of intellect and warmth, she delivered a stirring address that positioned MUTFSCO as a strategic pillar in MUT’s ecosystem. In her words, the gathering was aligned with MUT’s vision in actively advancing Goal 4 of the University’s Strategic Plan, which speaks about strengthening strategic partnerships for impactful engagement.
Part of the two-day programme included “Iron Sharpens Iron”, alumni-led power sessions on entrepreneurship, real-world wisdom-powered leadership, and the gala dinner.
Pastor Nhlanhla Khambule, CEO of Edinvest challenged attendees to recognize and activate their divine deposits, gifts, experiences, passions, talents, abilities, resources, and skills (GEPTARS), not for applause, but for impact.
“Your influence is not accidental,” he said. “Whether at home, on campus, or in the boardroom, your mindset is your starting capital.” Through one of Edinvest’s current initiatives, 15 students will now join a dynamic Student Business Mentorship Programme, walking in the footsteps of leaders and unlocking real-world breakthroughs. “We must eradicate the gospel of poverty by planting both financial and spiritual seeds. That’s how transformation begins.”
Sibonelo Mbatha, CEO of PetroConnect and senior alumnus, shared a raw and inspiring journey from being an ambitious, broke graduate to building a multimillion-rand enterprise. He emphasized the power of intrapreneurship—innovating from within—and encouraged graduates not to wait for perfect conditions but to raise capital, embrace risk, and dare to dream boldly.
Prophet Nomusa Dlomo, called the next generation to divine leadership, echoing the voice of God over a University that has shaped her and countless others. Her presence stirred hearts, reminding attendees that spiritual authority and academic success can and must coexist.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when alumni surrounded and prayed over Professor Sibiya. In that sacred circle, they joined hands and spirit in showing unity, honour, and spiritual support.
MUTFSCO is already shaping student success through mentorship, spiritual anchoring, and resource mobilisation. The alumni body raised R5,000 for a sound system to support SCO worship sessions. Its IMPACT Transformation Seminars, launched in 2024, provide moral and emotional support for students navigating University life. Meanwhile, the anticipated JET Projects (Justice, Education, and Transformation), endorsed by the VC’s office and facilitated by Dr Connie Israel, the Executive Director: Institutional Advancement (IA) with Professor Papy Numbi of the Department of Electrical Engineering, are set to extend MUT’s reach into broader community development.
Furthermore, MUTFSCO’s support of the anticipated BASF bursary programme for female students is awaiting disbursement of funds and its role in short-course partnerships demonstrates its commitment to lifelong learning.
In just one year since its formal inauguration in 2024, in partnership with the Alumni Relations Office, MUTFSCO has become a national model for values-based alumni impact. This reunion was a blueprint of what is possible when alumni return not only to reminisce but to rebuild.
So, to every alumnus reading this: the time for sideline support is over. Return. Rebuild. Rise. As Professor Sibiya reflected, “Bit by bit, your involvement builds a foundation upon which future generations will stand.” This reunion is proof that alumni are not just part of the past, they are catalysts for the present and co-builders of a powerful future.