On 27 February 2024, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, MUT DVC Research, Innovation, and Engagements hosted a UKZN delegation led by Professor Moosa Moshabela, UKZN DVC Research & Innovation. The purpose of the visit was to explain how the USINGA (Umlazi Surveillance Initiative to Nurture Grassroots Action) Project which is located at MUT, would benefit Umlazi Township and MUT. Introducing USINGA, Professor Moshabela said, “USINGA stands for the Umlazi Health and Demographic Surveillance System. It plays a pivotal role in Umlazi Township and functions as a comprehensive Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). USINGA collects prospective data from the designated wards at both individual and household levels in communities facing developmental constraints”. With MUT being the host of the infrastructure there will be opportunities for “its researchers and students to be directly involved in research. All the work being undertaken will be used to drive the development of Umlazi Township. We need Umlazi Township to work, and the data will enable us to improve the Kasi economy”, added Professor Moshabela. Responding to Professor Moshabela, Professor Sibiya put an emphasis on how the project would position MUT’s researchers, academics, and students. “I am fascinated about how high-profile visitors will be hosted by MUT, as well as how we could build an academic buzz around Umlazi Township”, said Professor Sibiya.