20 September 2023

 

MUT has another flagship event, weeks after the Focus Conference

Encouraged by the support from the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale, the Department of Marketing and Communications is pleased to announce that it will run the Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) for the tenth time this year. The Founder and Convener of the event, Mbali Mkhize, said they were overjoyed as the event has been running for the past 10 years if one were to include the inaugural EAC. Mkhize said that she was more than content with how the event has impacted upon the multitudes of office administrators, largely from the higher education sector. “Yeah, it is true that most of the delegates that supported the EAC were from this sector, particularly in the first few years of the event’s history. But this situation changed over time. Now we have delegates from government, State-owned-Enterprises, and the private sector as well,” said Mkhize. Mkhize said the main reason for this change has been how the organisations regard the EAC. Mkhize said leaders of the organisations now believe that their office administrators benefit a lot from the attending the EAC.

Said Mkhize: “We have witnessed the office administrators’ professional lives changing because of the EAC. For instance, some office administrators have been promoted largely because of their added impact upon their organisations because of the lessons they learned from the EAC. At the University, we have witnessed this change, with colleagues getting promoted, and having their voices strengthened because now they know more, and their attitude is that of people that are sure-footed. One of the MUT staff that has been promoted is Bongiwe Dludla, who is now a Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration and Economics. Dludla used to be a secretary in the department,” said Mkhize. Also, Ntombikhona Khuzwayo, a former secretary in the University’s Teaching and Learning Development Centre (TLDC), is now a Learning Designer in the directorate. Mkhize said office administrators from other organisations, public and private, have also climbed the ladder because of the EAC.

Mkhize said the 2023 EAC would focus largely on how office professionals could become more agile, and be able to respond to situations, and also be pro-active. Some emerging topics include integrating stakeholder management and project management. Mkhize  gives reasons for these choices. “After Covid-19, office adminsitrators indicated that they were the ones that held the fort when everyne had to work from home. Some of these employees suffered from mental illeness. We don’t know how deep the problem is. But we do know that they need help because they were overwhelmed by work. This is the reason the organisers of the EAC decided to have a discussion on these areas. Delegates will be sectionalised;  and be given a chance to air their views,” said Mkhize.

Mkhize added that it has become imperative for the office administrators to learn project management. She said that office administrators administer projects on a daily basis; so project management is now a must for them. Mkhize also added that the EAC would continue to have technology as one of the topics to be presented. Everyone needs to know the latest trends in technology, she said. “We will give the office administrators what they need; technology is not a nice to have”, she said.

The EAC will also focus on issues on emotional quotient (EQ), Mkhize said. The conference will take place from 21-22 September 2023, at the Gateway Hotel, Durban. So far, more than 190 delegates from both higher education and the private sector have registered. Mkhize said they were expecting this number increase, with new and returning delegates.

End/

Contact Bheki Hlophe on 082 432 1805

 

6 September 2023

 

MUT to launch the ‘R100m & Change’ fundraising project

The Institutional Advancement Department at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is set to launch the R100m & Change initiative, a 10-year alumni resource mobilisation project, during this year’s Alumni Fundraising Dinner (AFD) to be held on 20 October. MUT Chancellor and prominent businessman, Mr Sandile Zungu, will be the host of the AFD.

The R100m & Change project is part of a series of programmes by the university’s Institutional Advancement Department dedicated to gathering resources to create financial reserves and endowments for the university. The project is aligned with the new direction that the university is embarking on to safeguard its financial sustainability.

“Like many Historically Disadvantaged Institutions, our institution is relatively young and does not have the reserves and endowments that our privileged counterparts have. MUT has identified a need for a strong focus on resource mobilization, and we have a department dedicated to institutional advancement. The R100m & Change project gives our alumni and industry partners an opportunity to contribute to building a new legacy for our university,” said Professor Marcus Ramogale, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MUT.

He further explained that he was encouraged by the commitment of the university’s alumni community to give back to the university through such an ambitious project which could change the destiny of the institution.

“A university is only as good as its alumni. I am thrilled that our alumni have a focused programme of giving which will attach their names to the legacy of our institution. Our project portfolio is diverse and extends far beyond the R100m & Change to give all our stakeholders causes that they can contribute to,” explained Professor Ramogale.

Professor Ramogale added that the university was also targeting partnerships with industry players and the business sector. This is an area that MUT Chancellor Mr Zungu has committed to focus on during his tenure as Chancellor at the institution. Zungu has already started extending invitations to his network of fellow businesspeople to follow his lead.

Dr Connie Israel, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, said having the University Chancellor and Convocation Executive at the centre of it all should signal to the business community that MUT’s doors were open to any person or organisation interested in making an investment into the future of South Africa through education.

“MUT has a portfolio of diverse projects that potential donors and funders could contribute to beyond the R100m & Change project. We are going to share some of these projects with our guests at the AFD to give them an opportunity to pledge their support and contributions,” said Dr Israel, whose department leads the University’s resource mobilization efforts.

She added that her department was also knocking on the doors of businesspeople in the province to move MUT to the top of their lists when they consider who and what to fund.

Seats at the AFD will be available at R2,000 per seat or a table with 10 seats at R20,000. Guests have a limited opportunity to purchase seats on the Founder’s Table, Chancellor’s Table, Vice-Chancellor’s Table, Convocation Table, Alumni Masters’ Table, Women in Engineering Table, and the Leaders’ Table. Details of the event are as follows:

Name: Alumni Fundraising Dinner

Venue: The Oyster Box Hotel

Date: 20 October 2023

Time: 17h30 for 18h00 – 22h00

 

RSVP by no later than 20 September 2023. Contact alumnievents@mut.ac.za for more information.

Ends

Dr Azwi Mufamadi

Director: Fundraising and Development

Mangosuthu University of Technology

Tel: +27 31 819 9417 | Cell: +27 78 528 6065

Email: mufamadi.azwi@mut.ac.za

4 September 2023

 

MUT agricultural expert contributes to empowering small scale farmers

Making a presentation at the Farmer Skills and Enterprise Development workshop held at Elangeni TVET College in Pinetown on 24 August 2023, the Head of the Department of Community Extension at the MUT, Dr Eric Mthembu informed the farmers that MUT would focus on conducting agricultural research activities that were informed by farmers’ problems and challenges. “The research activities will be conducted together with the farmers themselves. Such types of research are called ‘On Farm Trials’”, Dr Mthembu said that to the members of the South African Mini Industry Development (SAMID), which are MUT, Elangeni TVET College, Agricultural Research Council, Nedbank, and Agribusiness Development of eThekwini District Municipality. SAMID sought to outline to the Farmers’ Leaders, the agricultural training activities they would provide in supporting farmers of eThekwini District Municipality to acquire knowledge and skills in order for the farmers to move from being subsistence farmers to being commercial farmers. Dr Mthembu further stated that ‘On Farm Trials’ assist to develop Agricultural Technology Adaptation, which is crucial for the farmers to use agricultural practices that are practicable under their local climatic and environmental conditions.

In acknowledging Dr Mthembu’s Presentation, the CEO of SAMID, Bonga Gumede said: “We would like to extend our deepest appreciation for MUT insightful contributions, research presentations and engagement with attendees. Dr Mthembu’s PhD focused on soil fertility and agro-forestry systems. He obtained his PhD from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Dr Mthembu’s presentation helped to enrich discussions and shared light.” The event was attended by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Innovation, Nedbank, Microsoft, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

MUT has recently signed an MOU with SAMID for the purposes of collaboration in the broader areas of research, agro-processing, community engagement, teaching and learning, technology development and agribusiness development. The MOU will further allow MUT to incorporate knowledge and developed technologies from research projects in its curriculum;  to provide practical agribusiness training to students in order for them to acquire agricultural business skills and eventually become Agri-Entrepreneurs/Agribusiness persons; to involve MUT students in SAMID projects for practical training as part of work integrated learning (WIL) and Experiential Training; to enable SAMID to facilitate engagements with farm-enterprises to give consent for MUT staff; and MUT Post-Graduate students to conduct research in production farms where SAMID is involved. Dr Mthembu said that was meant for exchanging research findings with farmers, and for staff and student development, and for acquiring higher qualifications.

Dr Mthembu said the Senior Director of the University’s Department of Marketing and Communications, Mbali Mkhize, “had been very helpful during the process of developing the MOU which was signed by the Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale, on 8 August 2023.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

End/

4 September 2023

 

MUT collaborates with local NGO to revive Sport at Umlazi Township

MUT has struck out a collaboration with a local non-governmental organisation to revive sport in Umlazi Township. The University’s Sport department and the Community Engagement and Development (CEAD) directorate are collaborating with the Inkonjane Youth Development in the venture. Giving reasons of the collaboration, Inkonjane Youth Development’s Vuma Mfeka, said his organisation, approached the University’s Sport department to host a sports tournament. Vuma said they wanted to revive the sporting spirit in the schools so the youth would be shielded from all forms of misbehaviours. Mfeka is soccer legend that kept goals for the AmaZulu and African Wanderers football clubs and was a school principal. The Sport department Deputy Director, Siyabulela Mkwalo, and Researcher in the CEAD, Dr Bonginkosi Zondi emphasized the importance of sport in general and in the life of a learner in particular. Dr Zondi said that through Sport learners would a chance to socialize.

The collaboration between the two organisations resulted in a tournament that featured 16 football and netball teams from 13 high schools that performed above 75% in their academic performance in year 2022. The Deputy Director in the University’s Sport department, Siyabulela Mkwalo, said the collaboration sought to establish strategic partnerships with the broader community “to enrich learning and research, prepare engaged citizens, and contribute to the public good. The premise for this project is community engagement that values a culture of openness and access, creating value and improved quality of life, and collaboration with community stakeholders”. The games were played through two phases, with the first phase starting with a “glorious” event launch on the 28 July 2023, followed by the main event on 11 August 2023. The last eight teams in both sporting codes took part in this main event. The football final was won by Qhilika High School, beating Igagasi High School by 3-0, at the University’s sport grounds. The inaugural winners received their trophy on 29 August 2023, much to the applause of both teachers and learners.  The winners were also awarded with a brand new Adids soccer jersey set. This was added to another set of soccer jerseys that MUT donated to the school. The University donated soccer and netball sets to all the teams that took part in the tournament.

Zwelethu High School became the inaugural winners of the netball final after beating Canaan College by 10 points to points to four, and also got a cup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

End/

4 September 2023

 

Acting DVC: Teaching and Learning gives conference delegates lessons in leadership 

The success of any organisation largely depends on the strength of its leadership. This was main message of the Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr Manyane Makua, to the more than 200 delegates that attended the 10^th annual Focus Conference that took place off campus, from 23-25 August 2023. Dr Makua lamented the lack of good leadership in all parts of the society, and emphasized this lack of leadership in the government in the country, and how this fact affects higher education.

Dr Makua said that leadership was not about positions, but about the relevant and the required qualities that leaders should have. “Leadership becomes less about position and more about engagement and action … and practice,” he quoted one of the experts.

He said that that was what constitutes leadership, and that there was notion of good or bad leaders. “You are either a leader or not a leader,” he said. ‘Leadership’, by definition, is positive. Dr Makua said that the higher education sector needed leaders that would understand the sector, and then take the right decisions. These are leaders who are able to face the challenges, and find solutions, not leaders who “bury their heads in the sand” and hope the problems would go away. They have a vision, he said.

In the higher education sector, Dr Makua emphasized the need for all levels of leadership to work together towards the common goals. He said an malfunction in the chain of leadership in a university, for instance, would result in adverse results that would affect the core business of the institution,  it did not matter what level of leadership that would be, he said.  Dr Makua said that research on higher education indicated that there were “challenges” in the sector.

True to this academic background, Dr Makua continued to quote several writers that have commented on leadership. He said: “’A central tenet of leadership-as-practice decentralises leadership away from an individual, usually pre-established as the leader, and repositions leadership as an outcome rather than a prerequisite of practice involving more than one person and non-human artefacts,” again quoting another expert writer in the subject.

For Dr Makua, staff involved in the higher education sector must spend some time reading about leadership. There is plenty of literature available that staff can consult. Some of this literature are religious books. Dr Makua quoted from one of these books. According to Dr Makua, leadership should not be a positive coincidence; it must be based on a planned effort which is guided by some foundation, so it does not crumble, but achieve its set aims.

Dr Makua’s presentation was highly appreciated by the delegations, and well supported by a panel that was asked to respond to it. The members of the panel were the University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale, the Administrator of the University, Professor Laurens van Staden, and Professor Mahlapahlapana Themane from the University of Limpopo. In his response, Professor Ramogale said people in general, should stop thinking that problems emanate from outside; they needed to look from within to find solutions to their problems.

 

End/

4 September 2023

 

MUT divisions contribute to creating a “state-of-the-art” library in neighbouring school

Two of the University’s divisions have collaborated with a local school to contribute in improving the reading ability of its learners. The University’s Library Services and its Community Engagement and Development (CEAD) have responded to a request from Umlazi Comtech to provide some needed assistance with the school’s library. On 28 August 2023, the two divisions were part of the partners that opened the school’s library. Senior Director of the University’s Library Services, Dr Nthabiseng Mosala-Bryant, commended the schools for its ‘forward thinking’. Dr Mosala-Bryant said the school was responding to a dire reading situation at primary education level. Dr Mosala-Bryant said this gruesome state of reading at the country’s primary education level was the outcome of a research that was conducted by the University of Pretoria, and was commissioned by Angie Motshega, the Minister of Basic Education. The study, which was done in May 2023, revealed that 81% of South African children could not read for comprehension in any of the country’s 11 official languages. As you can see, this is not about English literacy, it says in any of the 11 official SA languages, our children’s reading competence is dangerously low,” said Dr Mosala-Bryant. Dr Mosala-Bryant said that the researchers recommended that the department improves literacy levels in the country. “Which is what I think Comtech is doing here,” she added.

The MUT Library made a telling contribution to the Comtech Library. Dr Mosala-Brayant said the MUT Library System’s administrators donated the Koha Integrated Library system worth over R300,000.00. And said Dr Mosala-Bryant: “Without the donation of the server, trolleys and paint from MUT CEAD, and the consistent support from Professor Nkonki-Mandleni and Dr Bonginkosi Zondi, CEAD Researcher, and the donation from Toyota to the value of +/-R100k, it would have been very difficult to proceed and complete this initiative,” said Dr Mosala-Bryant.

CEAD Director, Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni said their involvement in the project as part of the University’s Anchor Strategy that requires the Institution to “grow with its communities”. Professor Nkonki-Mandleni said this the school approached her directorate about the library. “The CEAD Directorate carried out minor repairs of the library, purchased book trolleys and a laptop that would be used to upload the software that was donated by Universal Knowledge System (UKS). The software is used to manage books in the library. All this was carried with the facilitation of Dr Zondi from CEAD,” said Professor Nkonki-Mandleni.

The Principal of the school, Nkosinathi Shandu, thanked MUT’s divisions and “all others” for contributing to the creation of a “state-of-the-art” library. “We view this donation as a lifetime resource for our learners and the entire school community. This day is a significant milestone on our school calendar,” said Shandu. Shandu added that as a school, they were proud to partner with “great” institutions like MUT.

 

 

 

 

 

End/

4 September 2023

 

Local school young rugby ace to play in interprovincial tournament; uncle asks colleagues to help fund the trip

An Umlazi Township school’s learner’s good performance in his school rugby team, where he is Captain, and at Amanzimtoti Rugby Club, has earned him a place in the KZN Duikers, an amateur team for the KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union (KZNRU) and Durban Rugby Sub Union (DRSU). Sibona Jijimba, a grade 9 learner at Comtech High School will be taking part in the interprovincial rugby tournament in Pretoria, from 30 September 2023, to 7 October 2023. Sibona was speechless when asked how he felt about the opportunity to play for the KZNRU Duikers in the tournament.  However, for Sibona to be able play in the tournament, he needs R10 500 for the trip. The trip is self-funded. Learners/players and their families have to raise the founds the trip. Sibona’s uncle, Nkosana Jijimba, a staff member at the University’s Department of Information Technology and Networks (IT&N) has appeal to his University colleagues to help with trip funds. Jijimba gave staff all the relevant information for them to help.

KZNRU Duikers will be facing the likes of Blue Bulls, Lions, Falcons just to mention the few. The 15-year-old Sibona plays loose head prop – number 1 his main position, and tight head prop – number 3.

 

 

 

 

End/

16 February 2022

 

MUT Sport department launches a Sport Development Project for Umlazi community

MUT has initiated a sport development project for the community of Umlazi, particularly the High Schools. This new project is a collaborative initiative between the University’s Sport & Recreation department, and Community Engagement and Development (CEAD) directorate. The initiative was aims to establish strategic partnerships with the broader community to contribute to the public good. The premise for this project is community engagement that values a culture of access and collaboration with community stakeholders.

The community-based partners are Mayibuye Organisation for Community Development and Upliftment; Inkonjane VM; Amaqhawe Soccer Academy and Sivusisizwe. Schools. These are organized through the local Department of Education. The tournament is organised under the name “MUT Schools and Community Cup”.

Football and Netball have been identified as the two sport codes that will be delivered in 2023 with an intention to increase the project scope in future. The tournament will take place over on 11 August 2023, at the University Sport grounds. It will be preceded by a launch event on 28 July 2023, at the University’s Seme Hall foyer. The launch will also see the unveiling of the tournament logo.

 

 

 

End/

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

20 JULY 2023

MUT RADIO LOOKING FOR RADIO PRESENTERS

The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) radio station MUT Radio is looking for new talent to be on air for the radio station based in Umlazi.

If you would like to apply to be a radio presenter please make sure that you are a registered MUT student. It also helps if you have a passion or interest in radio or presenting.

For those MUT students that are interested in becoming a DJ it is always best to create a digital profile first on a website or Facebook page, Instagram page, Tik Tok or You Tube.

‘’It is extremely important to complete a qualification in one of the following areas, sound engineering or Media and Journalism Studies or Public Relations, also consider picking up digital content production and editing skills. You can also become a volunteer DJ/Journalist at your local University/College Campus Radio Station, online and/or community radio stations. Your other option is to start your own online radio station – no better way to learn the art of radio broadcasting than this. The point is to learn and expose yourself to as many opportunities as possible at all levels within the sector,’’ advised Carl Sheik, CEO, Media Maverick Consultancy.

MUT students that are interested in being a radio presenter will have to submit a demo recording to MUT Radio. The radio station is looking for potential talent that have a great voice, great personality and are eager to learn by doing what is necessary. MUT Radio is also looking for News readers, Sports Readers, Producers, and a Hip Hop Show Host.

Carl Sheik shared some tips on what makes an impressive demo:

Plan your content: Before recording, create a detailed outline or script for your demo. Decide on the topics you want to cover and the sequence of segments or shows you’ll include. A well-structured demo will showcase your range and abilities as a radio broadcaster.

Engage your audience: A compelling demo should grab the listener’s attention and hold it throughout. Use your voice to convey energy, enthusiasm and confidence. Vary your tone, pace and delivery to keep the audience engaged. Speak directly to the listener.

Showcase versatility: Radio broadcasters often must adapt to different formats and styles. Include various segments in your demo. For example, you can include news updates, interviews, music introductions, or even a mock live broadcast.

Pay attention to audio quality: Invest in a decent microphone and record in a quiet environment. Use headphones and monitor sound quality. Clean, crisp audio works best.

Keep it concise and focused: Radio demos should be concise and highlight your best work. Keep the duration at between three to five minutes.

‘’Edit and polish your demo. You don’t record the full song, only 5 seconds of the song (for music station demos). After recording, carefully listen to the recording and edit out any mistakes, pauses or unwanted noises. Remember, the goal of a radio broadcasting demo is to captivate potential employers to showcase your talent,’’ said Carl Sheik.

For more tips and a free evaluation on your radio demo please email carlito@maverickconsulting.co.za and ensure your demo is no longer than 3 – 5 minutes.

Students who would like to submit their demo to MUT Radio should submit it to radio2@mut.ac.za

For media enquiries and interviews contact Slindile Ngobese, Program and News Manager, MUT Radio Radio2@mut.ac.za

ENDS

Issued by Mangosuthu University of Technology.  For more information visit: www.mut.ac.za

 

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

19 July 2023

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MUT REGISTERS STUDENTS FOR THE SECOND SEMESTER

 

From 17 – 21 July 2023, the University’s Faculty of Engineering is registering new and returning students for the second semester, while the Faculty of Natural Sciences registers only new students.

To register online visit www.mut.ac.za and click on student portal, then click on      STUDENT IENABLER and follow the process. This is for the students that applied and were given offers. These are prospective students that would have received an email or SMS which with  updates on their application status. MUT would also like to warn applicants to be wary of WhatsApp scams.

If a student has lost their SMS communication with their details of an offer they can contact MUT on 031 907 7181/031 907 7180. The student will need to bring the following documents with to the University: a certified copy of RSA ID and proof of payment.

Applicants that did not get an SMS communication regarding their application can visit the CAO website www.cao.ac.za and click on ‘’My Application’’ to find out the status of their application. Applicants should send their CAO / ID number to info@mut.ac.za for an SMS.

The University’s Administration division has emphasized that it will not accept walk-ins. If a student has problems along the way they can contact 031 907 7181/031 907 7180 or you can also email info@mut.ac.za

There is also an Admission Call Centre which you can call on 031 819 9299.

Students are reminded to check their application status at www.cao.ac.za

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

4 July   2023

INSPIRING MUT RADIO INTERVIEW WITH CANCER SURVIVOR PAUL HUSSEY

Recently MUT Radio listeners heard the inspiring interview with cancer survivor Paul Hussey. Hussey shared with listeners how he fought cancer, ran the Comrades Marathon and finished the ultimate race.

The MUT Radio’s Vukubangene Breakfast show hosts Sbu Lushozi and Sands hosted the interview with sound engineer Paul Hussey.

‘’The interview was very positive, the presenters and producers were very friendly, professional and positive,’’ said Hussey about the interview.

Hussey believes that medical science, running and a healthy diet have all kept him healthy and stopped the cancer from coming back. ‘’Letting go of grudges and anger, healing relationships, all of this I believe has a part to play in the healing equation,’’ mentioned l Hussey.

Hussey’s advice to those fighting cancer is to never give up, no matter what, because you never truly know what the future holds. ‘’I spent a lot of time in a hospital bed thinking about running Comrades. Medical science is getting better and better at getting patients into remission. However, there’s a lot we as patients can do to stay in remission,’’ advised  Hussey.

Hussey was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago at Durban’s  Addington Hospital. Due to lack of resources at the hospital he had to go back home to England for a full recovery. He then came back to Durban in 2023 to run the annual Comrades Marathon.

‘’I left South Africa in June 2014. It was the day after Comrades and I was in a wheelchair at King Shaka airport heading back to the UK for emergency medical treatment. At the airport I was surrounded by hundreds of athletes wearing their Comrades medals. In that moment I vowed to return and run Comrades. So to finally come back and honour that vow nine years later was an amazing experience,’’ said Hussey.

Hussey is also raising funds for a dialysis machine for Addington Hospital.

‘’Paul’s interview  was very inspiring and educational in a sense that the spirit of Ubuntu was evoked within me and there is nothing you can’t do if you put your mind to it and be patient,’’ said Ntokozo Buthelezi, Technical Manager and Producer, MUT Radio.

Hear his inspirational interview here: https://iono.fm/c/6488

For media enquiries and interviews contact Slindile Ngobese, Programme and News Manager, MUT Radio Radio2@mut.ac.za

ENDS

Issued by Mangosuthu University of Technology. For more information visit: www.mut.ac.za

 

 

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

4 July   2023

 

MUT Radio proves itself as a reliable source of information

The Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) radio station (MUT Radio) has become more and more a source of reliable news source. The station is a welcomed addition to other communication platforms. The Station Manager, Slindile Ngobese, said the station’s listenership numbers were growing. Ngobese added that the numbers had grown by a large percentage, compared to the same period last year. Ngobese also said that Afika Mkhahlela, the driver of the midday Campus Voice show, is attracting big numbers.

The MUT Radio has committed to providing accurate, prompt, and verifiable news. The media are encouraged to do reconstructive and attributive quotes, by sourcing information from podcasts.

The radio station has a wide variety of topics, as guided by its programmes. These topics include music, news and interviews which is ideal for students, academics, and the stations online listeners. ‘’MUT Radio brings informative content that is relevant for everyone, with music, news, and interviews, MUT Radio covers it all,’’ said Ntokozo Buthelezi, Technical Manager and Producer at the MUT Radio station.

There are quite a few ways that you can listen to MUT Radio. You can listen to MUT Radio on the MUT website. For more information about MUT Radio, and live streaming, visit: https://www.mut.ac.za/mutradio-about/

For those of you with a mobile phones or tablets, you can download the MUT Radio App and listen to the radio station on your favourite device. For Apple users visit this link: https://apps.apple.com/za/app/mut-radio/id1570606439 and for Android users visit this link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fm.iono.p2206

The other option is to visit www.iono.fm and search for MUT Radio and you can find a wide variety of MUT Radio shows and podcasts to enjoy at your leisure.

For media enquiries and interviews contact Slindile Ngobese, Program and News Manager, MUT Radio Radio2@mut.ac.za

For more information visit: www.mut.ac.za

ENDS

 

ENDS

Issued by Mangosuthu University of Technology. For more information visit: www.mut.ac.za

 

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

5 July   2023

Management Faculty Postdoctoral fellows publish a book 

Dr Steven Msosa, a postdoctoral fellow in the Faculty of Management Sciences, has teamed up with Dr Courage Mlambo, another postdoctoral fellow in the same faculty, and Shame Mugova, a Lecturer at Birmingham City University, United Kingdom, and also a Research fellow at Durban University of Technology, to publish a book. The name of the book is: Corporate social responsibility in developing countries: Challenges in the extractive Industry

Dr Msosa says his book examines corporate social responsibility theories and models in the context of developing countries. “The developing countries are among the poorest countries of the world, despite vast natural resources, says Dr Msosa. Dr Msosa states that the natural resources in the developing world “are mismanaged, proceeds are misappropriated, corruption and conflict are centered on resource control”. He says that Governments and Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are at the centre of the controversy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the affected countries. “Moreover, the lack of systems, procedures and legislation to enforce CSR has led to environmental degradation and a decline in business ethics and morality,” Dr Msosa says.

Dr Msosa also observed that companies in the extractive sector “frequently violate the rights of host communities by stealing resources, forcibly relocating people, and wreaking devastation on the environment to maximise profits”. Dr Msosa says that there are many unanswered questions about the responsibilities of key stakeholders such as governments, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), who are sometimes considered the last line of defense for protecting human rights and the welfare of society when there are no effective policing mechanisms in place to protect vulnerable communities.

Delving into the core of his book, Dr Msosa highlighted that the concept of social responsibility was extremely important in forming relationships between businesses and the communities in which they are located. He says that businesses can foster peaceful cohabitation with communities in their surrounding areas, using CSR activities. According to Dr Msosa, in the extractive industry, corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be a strategy to alleviate conflict among various stakeholders and meet their respective interests. He says that both social and economic forms of CSR are viable options for mediating resource disputes in locales rich in mineral deposits. Dr Msosa argues that projects with a social focus, such as building schools, health centres, entertainment centres, and water facilities, could reduce the number of fights between businesses and the people nearby. “To help mining towns, companies are also expected to provide the needed resources and infrastructure. It is necessary to have alternative livelihood initiatives available to keep the local communities’ economic lives going to maintain peaceful coexistence,” Dr Msosa says.

Dr Msosa has also said that multinational corporations have the potential to create a positive impact on society, and gain legitimacy in the eyes of their customers. Nonetheless, many questions remain about the morality of extractive industry companies’ practices, he says. CSR researchers and practitioners have an obligation to determine whether CSR activities are merely a public relations (PR) stunt designed to make the company look good to its stakeholders, or whether they are essential to the success of the business, he says. “Therefore, academics and professionals in underdeveloped nations should prioritise creating a sustainable business model to guarantee that funds go toward long-term community development,” concludes Dr Msosa.

Dr Msosa’s book was published Springer on 21 June 2023. Its target readers are academics, researchers and management professionals.

 

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

26  June  2023

 

MUT adds a new Engineering academic programme

The University continues to strengthen its academic position by revising its existing academic programmes on a regular basis, as required by the government and other regulating bodies, and also by adding new programmes that are designed to respond to socio-economic needs, and also to affirm the Institution as a centre of excellence. The University added an Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. The qualification provides students with a sound knowledge base in Mechanical Engineering in response to the needs of the community, as well as local, regional and national industry by producing competent graduates.  It closes the gaps and disparities in students’ educational and life experience so that they can be better equipped to contribute to the economy.  It also provides students with broad educational and life skills, including Mathematics, Mechanical Engineering subject specific knowledge.

Explaining the purpose of the programme, the Head of the Department, Dr Jean Gad Mukuna, said the programme was intended for Mechanical Engineering practitioners who, on achieving this qualification, would be able to apply management, analytical and practical engineering techniques and knowledge to conduct operations, and solve problems in a mechanical engineering working environment in the areas of design, manufacturing, maintenance, environmental engineering and automation and control.

The Advanced Diploma programme in Mechanical Engineering requires a completion of national diploma, or diploma in the same field. Dr Mukuna said the programme is designed in such a manner as to offer a pathway to horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities within the HEQSF. “For horizontal articulation, the qualification will provide access to enter relevant cognate programmes at NQF level 7, such as the B Eng Tech. With this qualification, graduates could articulate vertically to other related programmes, such as the Post graduate diploma or Honor’s programme.

“The Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is aligned with ECSA’s (Engineering Council of South Africa) prescribed standards; the graduate must be able to demonstrate competence in the Graduate Attributes (GAs) 1 to 11 described in ECSA document: E-05-PT REVISION 4 of 05 November 2019,” said Dr Mukuna.

Dr Mukuna further said that the need for the programme arose from “the growing complexity and evolving demands of the field. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, professionals in Mechanical Engineering must acquire specialised knowledge and skills to address emerging challenges, and contribute to innovative solutions”. Dr Mukuna also said that the programme would meet the needs of a rapidly changing industry by providing specialised expertise, career advancement opportunities, industry relevance, practical skills development, expanded career prospects, networking opportunities, and personal and professional growth. According to Dr Mukuna, the programme equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the field of Mechanical Engineering and contribute to technological advancements and societal progress.

The programme, which will be offered from 2024, is at the NQF Level 7, and has 144 SAQA credits. The minimum duration for a full time study period is one year; if studied on a part time basis, it will be two years. The mode of delivery is contact. “While students are mostly tutored separately in small groups, they undertake their studies and lectures as integral members of the Advanced Diploma student group,” said Dr Mukuna.

Admission Requirements

The admission to the programme is subject to the MUT’s general academic admission rules and the specific requirements of the Faculty of Engineering. In addition, students must be in possession of:

• National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6)
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 6)
• An appropriate National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering equivalent to NQF Level 6
• A cognate qualification in mechanical engineering equivalent to NQF level 6 – foreign qualifications approved by SAQA

The department is already accepting applications for the academic year 2024.

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

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13 June  2023

MUT calls for swift justice as the five accused in the Dwarika case are remanded in custody

Mangosuthu University of Technology has noted the magistrate’s decision to remand in custody the accused suspects in the killing of Mr Shan Dwarika, the late lecturer in the Department of Electrical Engineering, who was found brutally murdered after being kidnapped for a week. The accused suspects will be remanded in custody from 13 June 2023, at least until 20 June 2023. The University community has welcomed this decision.

They will next appear again in the Durban Magistrate Court. Except for accused number four, who is a 43-year-old Sandile Mkhize, who will be kept in the Greenwood Park Police Station cells as he still has to apply for bail, all the other four accused were taken to Westville Prison. These are 25-year-old Sihle Mkhize, who is accused number one; 35-year-old Siyabonga Maye, accused number two; 29-year-old Kwanele Makhaye, accused number three; and Thabani Mhlongo, who is accused number five. Mhlongo is just 23 years old. They all have one lawyer from the Legal Aid. Accused number five, wearing a red gold shirt, kept his head down from the beginning to the end of the hearing.

State Prosecutor, Calvin Govender state prosecutor, addressing the Magistrate Sicelo Zuma, requested that all accused be denied bail so investigation by the law enforcement agencies would not be interfered with.

The hearing was covered by several media houses, which included East Coast Radio, SABC’s Ukhozi FM, the Natal Witness, television station 1KZN, and others. The media were given permission to take still photos and television footages.

The Dwarika family was not present in the court because there was a confusion about time for the case. Dwarika was a lecturer at the University’s Department of Electrical Engineering for 26 years. His body was found at Inanda on 28 May 2023.

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

Press release statement: For immediate release

Submitted by Miss Mbali Mkhize, senior director: Marketing & Communications

 

MUT’s newly appointed DVC: Research, Innovation & Engagements supervises a ground-breaking study

 Professor Nokuthula Maureen Sibiya, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagements has supervised a cutting-edge post-doctoral study which was undertaken by Dr. Dumile Gumede as the Principal Investigator. Gumede is an NRF-funded postdoctoral fellow at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) who has worked under the mentorship of Prof Sibiya, who until September 2022 was Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching & Learning at DUT.

The study, titled, “Ethical and methodological reflections: Digital storytelling of self-care with students during the COVID-19 pandemic at a South African University”, has been accepted for publication in an accredited international journal, PLOS Global Public Health. An elated Sibiya said that the study is unique because digital storytelling is an arts-based methodology that facilitates the creation of 3-to-5-minute short films called digital stories using voiceovers, images, text, video, and music for individuals to tell the story of their experiences. “Our study is unique because it shows how qualitative researchers can leverage technology to collect data remotely. Yet relatively few scholarly articles highlight the ethical and methodological challenges of using digital storytelling in qualitative health research, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

According to the PI Gumede, “The study presents our critical reflections on conducting an entirely remote qualitative study using the digital storytelling method to explore the self-care practices of first-year university students during the COVID-19 pandemic at a University of Technology in South Africa. We critically reflect on the ethical and methodological challenges arising in this study when using the digital storytelling method with this population. We also share some of the solutions that we implemented to address the challenges of using the digital storytelling method.

Such research can inform how more diverse university students can be engaged in digital storytelling, The study findings can help other researchers who are carrying out remote data collection in a similar context.

 

Submitted by: Ms Mbali Mkhize

 

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

14 May  2023

DHET’s Council on Higher Education congratulates University’s DVC Research, Innovation and Engagement on her NRF rating

MUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, has been congratulated by the Department of Higher Education and Training’s Council on Higher Education (CHE) on achieving a C2 NRF rating. The Chairperson of CHE, Vuyo Memani-Sedile, said Professor Sibiya’s new research status was not only benefiting her and the University, but the whole education system as well. While extending a “hearty congratulations” to Professor Sibiya, on behalf of CHE, Memani-Sedile said that they “take comfort in the knowledge that this level of expertise is available to support the work of CHE,” through Professor Sibiya’s participation in Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) and the Accreditation Committee.”

Responding to the letter from the CHE, Professor Sibiya said: “As the Executive responsible for Research, Innovation, and Engagement, I believe in leading by example. I trust this accolade will inspire my fellow colleagues to do the same.”  “

Professor Sibiya was also congratulated by the University’s Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale. Professor Ramogale said that message from CHE was “another feather in the cap for yourself and MUT. More power to your elbow!”.

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za

End/s

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Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

16 April 2023

 

MUT to honour funeral services baroness and founder of Icebolethu Group at graduation

Next week, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) will honour one of South Africa’s innovative funeral services baroness and founder of Icebolethu Group.

The University will honour Nomfundo Mcoyi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Icebolethu Group, by dedicating the Faculty of Management Sciences graduation to her in recognition of her contribution to the fields of entrepreneurship and business management.

Professor Marcus Ramogale, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MUT, said Mcoyi’s had an inspirational story that he hoped graduates and students alike would learn from.

“Nomfundo Mcoyi transformed herself from being an educator to becoming one of the most respectable and innovative entrepreneurs. Her core business not only employs thousands, but it is also one that many run to when death strikes. Mcoyi is an excellent example of what we always remind our students about looking for opportunities to solve problems that our societies face,” said Ramogale.

Mcoyi started Icebolethu Funerals about 13 years ago and grew it into Icebolethu Group, which boasts over 130 branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the United Kingdom. She transformed what started off as a funeral parlour into a group of 10 companies.

She also established Icebolethu Academy, which contributes to skills development by providing training on various funeral services sector regulations and guidelines.

Her efforts in entrepreneurship and business management have earned her numerous accolades. These awards include Standard Bank KwaZulu Natal Top Brand (2022), Global Business Leader of the Year Award (2021), KwaZulu Natal Top Businesswomen Award (2019), Our Lioness Award (2018), Medium Business Entrepreneur of the  Year Award (2018), Entrepreneur of Change “uphaphe legwalagwala” Award (2017), among others.

Mcoyi has been the Chairperson of the South African Funeral Practitioners Association since 2018.

She is also the Founder and Chairperson of Icebolethu Foundation which is geared towards improving the lives of people living in underprivileged communities, including building homes for families in need. She has personally mentored over 100 young girls through the Rhoda Girls’ initiative to empower women to be leaders in society.

 

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za for interviews.

End/s

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Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

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13 April 2023

MUT to honour globally renowned scientist and SAMRC president at graduation

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is set to honour one of South Africa’s globally renowned scientists, and the Chief Executive Officer and President of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC).

The Faculty of Natural Sciences will dedicate its graduation ceremony in honour of Professor Glenda Gray, for her stellar contribution to science through her research which has her among the best scientists globally.

Professor Gray, who is a National Research Foundation A1-rated scientist, will be honoured on Monday, 17 April 2023. A qualified paediatrician, Professor Gray gained global admiration for her research in the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. This work earned her South Africa’s highest honour, the Order of Mapungubwe in Silver in 2013.

“Professor Gray is one of the world’s renowned scientists and a leader in mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Her contribution in this field has saved many generations from HIV and positioned Professor Gray as an advocate for children’s health and wellbeing. MUT is honoured to recognise this African giant,” said Professor Marcus Ramogale, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MUT.

In the global science arena, Professor Gray is also known for being the co-principal investigator of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN), an international collaboration for the development of HIV/AIDS prevention vaccines.

“Professor Gray is an excellent example of using academic qualifications and training to serve humanity. Hers has been a life dedicated to eradicating HIV from the face of the earth. Her work and that of her colleagues continue to shape new understanding HIV and its efficient prevention methods,” said Professor Ramogale.

Professor Gray has received numerous accolades in recognition of her research work. She received the Nelson Mandela Health and Human Rights Award for her significant contributions to the field of mother-to-child transmission of HIV. She was selected as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World, and Forbes’ Top 50 Women in Africa.

Professor Gray was honoured with a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from Simon Fraser University, a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from Stellenbosch University), and a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) from Rhodes University.

A fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, Professor Gray is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, the Academy of Science of South Africa, the African Academy of Science, and the World Academy of Science. She is a member of the board of Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership, Access to Advanced Health Institute, and a member of the World Health Organisation’s Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Tuberculosis.

Professor Gray is the co-founder of the internationally recognised Perinatal HIV Research Unit in Soweto, South Africa. Prior to her appointment at the SAMRC, she was the Executive Director of the Perinatal HIV Research Unit, an affiliate of Wits University.

Professor Gray holds a t Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBCh) from the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School.  She also completed a Fellowship in Paediatrics and Child Health at the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.

Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za for interviews.

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

12 April 2023

MUT to cap more female graduands as 2858 are set to graduate

 

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is set to continue its trajectory of empowering women with quality education as women dominate the number of graduands at this year’s graduation ceremonies.

MUT will cap a total of 2858 graduands during its graduation ceremonies to be held from 17 to 22 April 2023 at MUT’s historic Pixley Seme Hall. Female graduates account for 57,63% of all graduands compared to their male counterparts at just 42,37%.

Commenting on yet another dominant performance by female students, MUT Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale said that the statistics painted a picture of a University that takes its role of empowering the youth with education seriously.

“The fact that more women graduate with a University qualification at MUT than their male counterparts is not in any way a small feat. These figures not only resonate with the national gender statistics but also tell a story of redress through education. MUT is playing its role in the fight for gender equality. When more women graduate with a higher education qualification, the world becomes a better place,” said Professor Ramogale.

Women are overwhelmingly ahead of the pack in the Faculty of Management Sciences, and ahead with a narrow margin in the Natural Sciences. The Faculty of Engineering remains the one area where males account for 62.42% of the 737 graduands to be capped in that faculty.

“Engineering is one of those fields where women’s representation is greatly needed to also change the misleading and sexist perception that males do better in Engineering. We are confident that with the kind of support we offer our students and the new Engineering Building, along with its infrastructure, more students will get an opportunity to reach their full potential,” said Professor Ramogale.

Meanwhile, this year’s graduation will be the first where newly installed Chancellor, Sandile Zungu, will get to cap graduates. Zungu was inaugurated as MUT Chancellor last month.

 

Details of the upcoming graduation ceremonies are as follows:

 

Faculty of Natural Sciences

Monday, 17 April 2023

All Departments

 

Faculty of Management Sciences

Tuesday, 18 April 2023

Department of Accounting and Law

 

Faculty of Management Sciences

Wednesday, 19 April 2023

Departments of Public Management and Human Resource Management

 

Faculty of Management Sciences

Thursday, 20 April 2023

Departments of Marketing and Office Technology

 

Faculty of Engineering

Friday, 21 April 2023

Departments of Building; Chemical Engineering; and Electrical Engineering

 

Faculty of Engineering

Saturday, 22 April 2023

Departments of Civil Engineering; Surveying; and Mechanical Engineering

 

All the ceremonies will start at 09h00 at Pixley kaIsaka Seme Hall at MUT’s Main Campus in Umlazi Township. To arrange interviews or RSVP, contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za by Friday, 14 April 2023.

End/s

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Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

21 March 2023

South Africa’s plant species key to the discovery of novel antibiotic against WHO-identified ‘critical’ drug-resistant pathogen – MUT study found

 

In its 2017 response to the scourge of drug-resistant pathogenic infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified a list of pathogens that it described as critical, high and medium priority in terms of the urgency of the need for novel antibiotics. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria were named among the three bacterial strains that WHO classified as a critical research priority.

A recent study by MUT researchers found that the South African plant species could hold the potent key to the discovery of novel antibiotics against the drug-resistant P. aeruginosa bacteria.

“P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that commonly infects individuals who are immune compromised, particularly those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and/or those suffering from cancer. It is a common etiological agent of hospital-acquired pneumonia, urinary tract infections and bacteremia,” explained the study.

The study was conducted by MUT’s Dr McMaster Vambe, Postdoctoral Researcher; Professor Roger Coopoosamy, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences; Professor Kuben Naidoo, Acting Head of the Department of Nature Conservation; and Professor Georgina Arthur, whom until her recent retirement was a member of staff in the Department of Nature Conservation.

Titled, ‘South African medicinal plants screened against Pseudomonas aeruginosa’, the study was published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants for Economic Development.

In its review of ethnobotanical studies relating to the pathogen, the study found that only 31 were published over two decades and none of these studies was dedicated solely to P. aeruginosa. Another startling finding was that none of the studies on the pathogen was published in the first three years after the WHO classified it as a critical research priority.

The study, which evaluated various studies that screened plants against the pathogen, found that a total of 152 plant species were screened against the bacterium using crude plant extracts.

“It was encouraging to note that almost half of all plant species evaluated demonstrated noteworthy antibacterial activities against the pathogen,” the study explained.

In terms of phytochemical analysis, the study singled out a study which identified and isolated a compound called plumbagin from the leaves of Asteraceae.

“Interestingly, the compound displayed potent bactericidal effects against P. aeruginosa. To the best of our knowledge, this was the only successful attempt at isolating potent anti-P. aeruginosa from South African medicinal plants documented over the past 20 years,” the study confirmed.

The study also reviewed research that was conducted on the feasibility of using plants in combination therapy to combat P. aeruginosa. The study explained that combination therapies were important because they “widen the antibacterial spectrum, improve the efficacy of clinically ineffective drugs and generally delay the development of antibiotic resistance”.

Several reviewed studies that tested combination therapies where South African medicinal plant extracts interacted with conventional antibiotics against P. aeruginosa generated promising results. The study concluded that these combination therapies could be the quickest and cheapest way to fight the P. aeruginosa pathogen.

“The use of drug-resistance modifying agents in combination therapies could potentially improve the efficacy and hence allow the possible reintroduction of some clinically ineffective antibiotics. From a financial point of view, this approach seems more appealing than developing novel therapeutic agents which customarily have to undergo extensive efficacy and safety evaluations before approval,” the study advised.

 

Contact Bheki Hlophe (hlophe@mut.ac.za) to arrange interviews.

 

End/s

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Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

12 March 2023

MUT study identifies strengthening tutoring as key to students’ academic success

It is widely accepted in academia that tutoring forms an integral part of any university’s academic support system. This is more so in the case of South Africa where a growing number of students, who are underprepared for university, join higher education institutions in the beginning of every year in search of academic success.

In an attempt to strengthen academic support to students and stop the revolving door syndrome in higher education, where large numbers of students drop out without completing their qualifications, a study by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) researchers identified the reconfiguration of the tutoring programme to be sustainable and efficient as a possible solution to improving student support.

Co-authored by Dr Phiwayinkosi Gumede, Acting Senior Director of the Teaching and Learning Development Centre at MUT, and Mashango Sithole, Coordinator of the Peer Assisted Learning and Foundation Provision in the same department; the study was published in the Perspectives in Education journal.

Dr Gumede and Sithole’s study explained that what could help support students is a “sustainable and effective tutorship programme, characterised by qualified and well-trained tutors, stable policy, adequate resources, effective coordination of the activities, and cooperation amongst key role players”.

The study proposed that the tutoring programme should be approached as a system with interrelated components which work together towards a common objective. The two researchers proposed a tutoring programme as a subsystem with three pillars, which are Inputs, Transformation and Output.

Input encompasses the key resources, role players, beneficiaries and structure (tutoring policy).

“The development and implementation of the tutor policy is the bedrock of implementing a tutorship programme, as it ensures standardisation and point of reference for coherence, without which the stability of the programme may be compromised,” explained the study.

The study also cautioned that as much as policies are important, periodic reviews of these policies was important in ensuring that they responded to changes in external and internal environments.

The bulk of the work happens at the second pillar, Transformation. This is where tutors are recruited, trained, and given the necessary support to effectively render their tutoring duties. This is also where the coordination of the tutoring programme takes place; tutoring policies are developed, implemented and reviewed; along with tutorial venue allocations and monitoring the whole programme.

The Output of all these efforts would be a sustainable and effective tutoring programme with “qualified and well-trained tutors, stable policy, adequate resources, effective coordination”, the study explained.

The most critical elements of this system are funding, coordination, tutors, and policies. An investment in these elements is necessary for the tutoring programme’s efficiency and sustainability.

“Tutorship should be considered an integral part of the university system with adequate allocation of resources and efficient coordination of the tutorship programme activities. Long term sustainability is pertinent, considering that tutorship programmes are one of the key interventions put in place by universities to ameliorate poor student success challenges and are part of student support and development mechanisms,” the study recommended.

Contact Bheki Hlophe (hlophe@mut.ac.za) for enquiries or to arrange interviews.

 

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

8 March 2023

MUT saddened by shooting of former student outside the university

Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is sad to confirm that a former student was gunned down outside the University’s main campus yesterday. The MUT community is still reeling with shock and disbelief at the brazen nature of this shooting, which took place during the day.

Although the shooting took place outside the University premises, the University is cooperating with the South African Police Services investigators for any assistance that may be required from the University. Students have also been informed that Student Counselling unit is available for trauma debriefing and any support for those who witnessed the shooting and/or may be affected by the shooting.

The University wants to re-iterate that MUT remains safe for staff and students. Security remains tight and on high alert to ensure the safety of staff, students and the university community.

The University is concerned by the escalating murder and serious crimes rates in South Africa and is appealing to those who might have any information on the shooting to contact the South African Police Services. MUT is also encouraging staff and students to prioritise safety and to remain vigilant even outside university premises.

 

                                                                                                                                    Ends

 

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

1 March 2023

 

Eat lettuce and cabbage, but worry about the irrigation water – MUT study finds

A study by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) researchers cautioned against the long-term reuse of irrigated water with hazardous metals because it causes an excessive build-up of the metals in soil and crops.

Co-authored by S’busiso Nkosi, a Deputy Director at the Technology Station in Chemicals at MUT, and Nomaxhosa Msimango, a Control Technician at MUT’s Department of Chemistry, the study was published in the South African Journal of Science. It was titled, ‘Screening of zinc, copper and iron in lettuce and Chinese cabbage cultivated in Durban, South Africa, towards human risk assessment’.

While the study found heavy metals to be within global limit for agricultural use in the sampled plants (lettuce and Chinese Cabbage), it found that water from the nearby river which is used for irrigation was contaminated with heavy metals.

“The content levels of Cu [copper] and Fe [iron] in water were measured to be 0.075 mg/kg and 0.731 mg/kg respectively, which exceeds the WHO [World Health Organisation]/FAO [Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations] standard parameters of 0.017 mg/kg and 0.50 mg/kg, respectively,” the study found.

The study was conducted at The Fair Food Company & Adamame Development Programme in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The irrigation water used in this agricultural site was collected from Umgeni River.

“Consumption of high levels of copper can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gastric (stomach) complaints and headaches. Long-term exposure over many months and years can cause liver damage and death. Zinc is considered a fundamental component for human existence; however, acute and chronic exposure to excessively high concentrations of zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and lethargy. Excess iron in the system can cause cirrhosis when deposited in the pancreas, liver cancer when deposited in the liver and cardiac arrythmia when deposited in the heart,” the study warns.

The study findings indicate that waste management and healthy environmental practices in the areas surrounding the Umgeni River are critical to ensuring that the river is not contaminated with heavy metals.

“It is recommended that, to keep the environment less affected by heavy metals, proactive health agencies, trash disposal knowledge, and best practices should be maintained,” the study recommended.

 

Contact Bheki Hlophe (hlophe@mut.ac.za) for enquiries or to arrange interviews.

 

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

7 February 2023

Social learning interventions key to the successful introduction of new agricultural crops – MUT study finds

A recent study by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) academics found social learning interventions to be necessary for any success in introducing new agricultural crops that contribute to nutritional diversity, and fight food insecurity.

The study – “Introducing grain legumes for crop diversification and sustainable food production systems among urban small-holder farmers: food and nutrition security project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa” – was published in the journal of Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems Volume 46, Number 6.

It was co-authored by Dr Bonginkosi Mthembu, the Head of the Department of Community Extension at MUT; Dr Xolile Mkhize, a Senior Lecturer in the same department; Professor Wilna Oldewage-Theron of Texas Tech University; Professor Carin Napier, the Director of Research and Postgraduate Support at the Durban University of Technology (DUT); and Kevin Duffy, Director of the Institute of Systems Science at DUT.

The study found that “social learning interventions through partnerships, meetings, workshops, knowledge exchanges, as well as trial demonstrations, provided farmers with knowledge and skills on various legume crop management techniques”.

The two MUT academics’ study also found that training farmers on “legume nutritional benefits” shifted mind-sets on enhancing crop diversification and managing legumes from production level. The study added that the change in mind-sets was necessary for sustainable land management.

“The study demonstrated that the farmers had the capacity to adopt new behaviours of accepting and adaptation toward legume diversity within their production systems. Continuous commitment and compliance within the planting seasons were part of the positive behaviour shifts which can have environmental impact. However, this occurred provided that continued support was given and that they had access to basic services and inputs such as seed, water, and soil enrichment fertilizers,” the study revealed.

The study also contributes to efforts to enhance food security and increase legume consumption; the legume is an important and environmentally friendly source of protein. This is because of the “stronger correlation between female farmers and successful production of legumes”. This is because women played a vital role in deciding what to plant, and in influencing the consumption of legumes.

The study was conducted at Marianhill, north-west of Durban, with urban small-holder farmers. The farmers involved in the project previously only planted vegetables and relied on the municipality to make seeds available to them, which limited what these farmers could plant. Urban small-holder farmers were chosen because of their potential to “increase and improve food and nutrition security in urban areas”, the study revealed.

However, the study acknowledged that although social learning interventions were key to successfully introducing new crops, the shortage of water and pest infestation needed to be addressed.

Contact Bheki Hlophe (hlophe@mut.ac.za) for enquiries or to arrange interviews.

 

End/s

Press release statement

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

 

14 February 2023

Brewery wastewater has the potential to become bioenergy – MUT study finds

As water continues to be a scarce resource globally and the energy crisis strengthens its grip on South Africa, researchers are trying to find environmentally friendly ways of extracting the full benefits of the resources that we already have.

A recent study co-authored by Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Professor Babatunde Bakare, found that brewery wastewater has the potential to be turned into bioenergy because of its high organic strength using anaerobic technology.

Professor Bakare co-authored the paper with the Durban University of Technology’s Professor Sudesh Rathilal, Siphesihle Mangena Khumalo, and Emmanuel Kweinor Tetteh. The title of the study, which was published in the journal of Water, was “Characterization of South African Brewery Wastewater: Oxidation-Reduction Potential Variation”.

The findings of this study are important because although the brewing industry is essential for the South African economy, brewing requires a lot of water.

“Generally, brewing of beer requires substantial amounts of water: to make 1 m3 of beer, a volume of wastewater of 10-20 m3 is produced,” the study explained. “The brewing process includes malting, mashing, wort filtering, wort boiling, fermentation, maturation, stabilization, and clarification.”

In terms of the Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), the study found that “brewery wastewater can be treated by biological processes on the basis that the reported ORP range permits biological activities”.

As far as the brewery wastewater composition is concerned, the study found that the contents of the water depended largely on the activities that were taking place at the brewery.

“The brewery wastewater treatment plant influent stream composition fluctuates significantly owing to the brewery in-house activities (i.e., washing of malted barley, which is rich in carbohydrates, brewing kettles, yeast fermentation tanks, as well as other beer processing units) and the chemical utilized. The high concentration in terms of orthophosphates and ammoniacal nitrogen could be a result of the type of acids used during brewing yeast cleaning, such as phosphoric acid and nitric acid,” the study discovered.

The contents found in the wastewater give the brewery wastewater a high potential for it to be turned into bioenergy. These findings strike a double for the environment and for South Africa’s energy crisis which has been characterized by frequent electricity loadshedding at a national level.

The study was conducted at a brewery facility in the Durban area.

Contact Bheki Hlophe (hlophe@mut.ac.za) for enquiries or to arrange interviews.

 

Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications

Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za

2 January 2023

 

MUT excellence grips job-seeking South Africans

A mobile app to help South African graduates seeking employment, Job X, may just be what the doctor ordered to curb a high unemployment rate in South Africa.

Job X, which was conceptualised and developed by Mzamo Mbhele, a third-year Information Technology (Software Development) student at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), has become the talk of the town. This is after Job X, a zero-rated app that allows users to download and use it without having any data, received over 10,000 users in its first week and well over 40,000 downloads so far.

“We are humbled by this achievement from our IT student in the Faculty of Natural Sciences. I wish to reiterate what our Acting Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Professor Marcus Ramogale, always say to our graduates, “let not your past determine your future”. Today, we are seeing a MUT graduate making international headlines, and this shows that our strategic direction on excellence has begun to bear some fruits,” said Dr Manyane Makua, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at MUT.

“We are proud of Mzamo Mbhele, and we will assist him to protect his product. We are on course with enhancing our incubation centre. Mbhele will be able to be protected in an environment where he could imagine more innovations,” added Dr Makua.

The University has noted the support by the media and wishes to encourage the media not to shy away from saying Mbhele is a Mangosuthu University of Technology graduate, not a KZN graduate.

Contact Bheki Hlophe (hlophe@mut.ac.za) for further information or to arrange interviews.

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