A delegation of health sciences researchers from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) represented the Institution at the 12th International Conference on Public Health (ICOPH 2026), held in Bali, Indonesia, from 5 to 7 August 2026.
Organised by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), the global conference convened under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Advancing Public Health through Sustainability, Innovation, and Global Change.”
As an academic partner of ICOPH through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TIIKM, MUT showcased its doctoral research and health sciences projects on an international stage. The global gathering facilitated strategic networking, knowledge exchange, and interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at addressing contemporary public health challenges.
The delegation featured a cross-section of academic researchers: Simangaliso Shangase, Dr Siphesihle Masimula, Dr Karishma Singh, Dr Trishka Pillay, Nokukhanya Thembane, Sbusiso Nkosi, Kegomoditswe Penduka, Dr Roxanne Pillay, Phumzile Sikosana, Dr. Ayanda Magwenyane, Dr. Kavita Behara, Dr Ziningi Jaya, Dr Gugu Mnguni, Solani Mncube, and Khethiwe Bhengu.
Thembane, serving as the Global Academic Partner and University Coordinator for the partnership, played a pivotal role in facilitating international engagement opportunities for MUT scholars. The initiative was supported by the Executive Management of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, alongside the Research, Innovation and Engagements Directorate.
Highlighting MUT’s academic output, three delegation members earned Best Presenter Awards in the conference’s Innovation, Technology and Future of Health session. These staff members are Dr Kavita Behara, Nokukhanya Thembane and Phumzile Sikosana.
The Institution’s participation directly advances MUT’s IGNITE Strategic Goals, specifically Goal 3, which is ‘Professional Development in Research and Innovation’ and Goal 4, which is ‘Strategic Partnerships, Internationalisation, and Institutional Visibility’. By contributing to global public health discourse, MUT continues to expand its global research footprint and foster impactful academic partnerships.