News

Mangosuthu University of Technology showcased a range of pioneering innovations developed by its researchers at South Africa Innovation Week (SAIW), that took place in Nasrec, Johannesburg, from 16 to 20 March 2026. Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director: Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in the Research directorate, said that the exhibition forms part of the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing research and innovation that address real-world challenges, while contributing to economic development and sustainability. Also involved in the initiative were Makhosi Cebekhulu and Portia Dlamini, both from the TTO. Their main goal is to connect researchers with potential funders, industry stakeholders, and innovation partners. The platform provides valuable opportunities to foster collaboration and accelerate the commercialisation of locally developed technologies. Among the MUT innovations on display at Nasrec was the ‘Organic Herbicide’. This is an environmentally friendly solution aimed at sustainable agriculture. There was also a ‘Ceiling in a Can’, a novel

The Office of the Registrar at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) reaffirmed this week its commitment to working with the MUT Council to lay a foundation for ethical leadership and good governance. Senior and middle managers participated in an engaging and reflective ethics training workshop facilitated by globally respected ethics expert Professor Deon Rossouw. Professor Rossouw, CEO of The Ethics Institute (Pretoria), Governance Associate, Extraordinary Professor of Philosophy at Stellenbosch University, and Chairperson of the International Banknote Ethics Initiative, on 30 March 2026, brought both depth and practical relevance to the session, positioning ethics as a critical enabler of institutional excellence. Anchoring the workshop in the timeless golden rule, ‘do unto others as you would have them do unto you’, Professor Rossouw emphasised that ethics is not theoretical, but lived daily through decisions, conduct, and relationships. He further unpacked how King V elevates ethical leadership as a cornerstone of governance,

Newly appointed Human Resources and Development (HR&D) Senior Director, Sipho Mgedezi has outlined an ambitious vision to transform workplace culture and strategic HR delivery at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), just weeks after joining the Institution. Mgedezi, who has been in his role for just over a month, says his decision to join MUT was both personal and strategic. Although he originally aspired to pursue a career in engineering, he long admired the University’s reputation for producing top-tier engineering graduates. “MUT had always stood out as a pioneer in creating a conducive learning environment for engineers,” he said. “When the HR&D opportunity arose, it felt like the perfect chance to contribute meaningfully using the skills I have built over the years,” Mgedezi said. Mgedezi added that the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to the University’s growth played a significant role in his decision. “I wanted to work

On 31 March 2026, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) reached an important institutional milestone with the successful submission of its Institutional Improvement Plan (IIP) Progress Report to the Council on Higher Education (CHE), marking a strong close to the University’s first term. Led by Dr Phiwayinkosi Gumede, Director: Quality Management Directorate (QMD), the IIP Report was officially submitted on 31 March 2026, following due consideration and approval by Senate and Council. The CHE has since formally acknowledged receipt of the submission, an achievement that reflects both compliance and institutional cohesion. “This submission is particularly significant for MUT,” noted Dr Gumede, “as it demonstrates our collective ability to meet national regulatory requirements, while drawing on meaningful institutional contributions across the University.” The successful completion of the report was the result of a coordinated institutional effort. Contributions from various units ensured that the submission was both comprehensive and reflective of MUT’s commitment

Staff from the Faculty of Engineering at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), alongside former student Aluwani Gangashe, participated in a two-day symposium hosted by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) on 26 March 2026. The event, held at the Galleria Conference Centre, brought together academics, industry professionals, and stakeholders to discuss key developments in engineering education and professional registration in South Africa. A highlight of MUT’s participation was a presentation by Dr John Zvidzayi, Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering, who delivered two research papers during the symposium. His work focused on the critical role of assessing graduate attributes in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes and Advanced Diploma System Design Projects. These assessment frameworks are essential in preparing graduates for the demands of the engineering profession and enhancing their prospects for professional registration with ECSA. Dr Zvidzayi’s research emphasised that structured evaluation of practical competencies not only strengthens employability but also

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) has reaffirmed the strength of its academic offering following a joint oversight visit by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on 19 March 2026. The engagement formed part of national quality assurance processes and focused on confirming the status of the University’s qualifications within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Dr Phiwayinkosi Gumede, Director of the Quality Management Directorate, reported that all MUT academic programmes are fully accredited by the CHE and formally registered with SAQA, with no outstanding accreditations. He noted that the University’s participation in the national re‑registration initiative is a proactive step to ensure continued alignment with updated qualification standards, while all programmes under review remain valid and registered. Dr Gumede highlighted the complementary roles of CHE and SAQA in safeguarding academic quality and graduate mobility, while adding that compliance also supports MUT’s broader strategic objectives.

The gap between academic research and real-world application narrowed significantly this week as the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Technology Transfer Office (TTO) hosted the Research to Impact” workshop. Held on 23 March 2026, the workshop brought together academics from the Departments of Environmental and Biomedical Technology. Dr Mandla Hlongwane, Deputy Director: Technology Transfer in the Research Directorate, said the primary goal was to equip researchers with the tools to transform laboratory breakthroughs into marketplace innovations that address global health and societal challenges. The workshop provided a deep dive into the “innovation pipeline,” guiding participants through the complexities of intellectual property (IP) protection, commercialisation, and entrepreneurship. Dr Hlongwane noted that the session pushed academics to look beyond publishing papers. Researchers engaged with critical concepts, including identifying market potential, aligning research and development (R&D) with consumer needs, and exploring strategies for launching University spin-out companies. “These discussions equipped academics with a

The seventh annual Teaching with Technology Summit (TWT) officially opened its doors on 26 March 2026, bringing together a global cohort of educators to tackle the evolving landscape of digital instruction. Under the theme, “Designing learning that works: technology, e-Pedagogy and the pursuit of student success,” Dr Manyane Makua, Senior Director, Learning and Teaching Development Centre (LTDC), emphasised that while the tools have changed, the core mission of education remains helping students think, question, and connect. Addressing the unique hurdles facing South African educators, Dr Makua did not shy away from the practical difficulties of the modern lecture room. “We teach in lecture rooms that experience a myriad of challenges,” Makua noted, highlighting that South Africa is not alone in these struggles. He framed the summit as a vital laboratory for solving universal educational crises, which include shrinking attention spans in an age of instant gratification; the digital divide, ensuring