The University’s constructive attitude towards its neighbouring schools and the Umlazi Township community has once again resulted in a big gain for the learners of the high schools in the township. On 20 May 2025, the University had an Open Day at Vukuzakhe High School. Explaining the reasons for the Open Day at Vukuzakhe High School, two high-ranking officials in the Department of Basic Education said the University’s location and attitude were the main reasons the event was held at Vukuzakhe High School. These officials, and others in the system, hailed MUT’s decision to have the event at a place that is within their reach. The other schools that attended the event were Menzi High, Qhilika High, Velabahleke High, Ndukwenhle High, Sishosonke High and Vukuzakhe, the host school. Learners from these schools gained from presentations from the following MUT departments: Chemistry, Community Extension, Electrical Engineering, Marketing, Human Resources, Public Administration, Accounting, Biomedical Sciences, Agriculture, Sport, and Clinic. There was also the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Chief Education Specialist from the Department of Basic Education, Nombulelo Yeni, said they consider MUT a natural partner. MUT is within reach. “We have to partner with the University. MUT targets Umlazi community. This gives Umlazi schools a chance to do well. Yeni also said the Open Day gave MUT time to give learners detailed information on the subjects offered by the Institution,” Yeni said, adding that their target was that all Umlazi Township school learners should go to tertiary schools.
The Principal of Menzi High School, Nozipho Ndlanya, who collaborated with MUT’s Department of Marketing and Communications to have the Open Day at Vukuzakhe High, gave many reasons for the event. Ndlanya said many students are unaware of the range of programmes offered at universities, and do not understand the difference between universities of technology and traditional universities. “This knowledge gap affects their ability to make informed decisions about their future,” said Ndlanya, adding that they had noticed that science, humanities, and management programmes are not equally promoted. “Management studies often receive less attention. We urge a more balanced presentation of all academic fields to reflect diverse interests and potential of our learners,” said Ndlanya. Ndlanya requested that the event be held annually.
Among the more than a thousand learners who first listened to the presentations and then visited the stands was Nonzuzo Duma, a grade 12 learner from Vukuzakhe High. Nonzuzo, a Head Girl, was a changed individual when she left the hall where the event took place. “I learnt a lot about careers I did not know. For instance, I did not know about Human Resources and Management. I only knew about medicine, nursing, and optometry. I also now know there is mechatronics.” Nonzuzo only had information that relates to the grade 12 subjects that she is studying, which are a mixture of commerce and science subjects. She obtained straight A’s in her grade 11 exams.