MUT is not only a recipient of the R30 million grant from merSeta through the Moses Kotane Institute (MKI), but it will fly its logo among the funders as a host university for the event. “In choosing a host university for this event, we took into consideration the role played by MUT as a university situated in Umlazi Township, further that MUT has opened its doors for the MKI to establish a Digital Centre to service, not only the MUT students but the community and SMME’s of Umlazi Township, for which we are very grateful. MUT has been a game changer for many individuals, Dr Thandeka Ellenson, the CEO of MKI who is the current acting Head of Department at the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, cut her teeth at MUT. In her, we see the product of MUT. It was for this reason that we put a special profile on the fact that a university may be in a disadvantaged area but still be destined for the world. Having been born and bred in Umlazi Township myself, I am very proud to be associated with progressive developments benefiting the township”, said Advocate Thembelihle Mapipa, acting CEO of MKI.
Three other universities from KZN will also receive the grant from merSeta. “The grant comes because of interventions by the MUT’s long-time collaboration partner, MKI which approached merSeta for the skills development and student clearance funds for the KZN province, having considered the challenges faced by students who could not access their graduation certificates due to study fee debts. This not only prevents those graduates from participating in the economy through their academic achievements but also causes a financial strain on the universities, preventing them to register more students. All stakeholders, which include universities, training institutions and training agencies who are entities of the KZN government agreed that there was a need to address a skills gap within the Province and the funding will thus go a long way. Confirmed guests include all executive management from the four KZN universities, MECs, HoDs and executives from merSeta and other training institutions. The event is scheduled for the 10th of November from 12h00 at the Dr Pixley Seme Hall, MUT main campus. The students who are beneficiaries of this grant will be bussed from various universities.