Mangosuthu University of Technology’s Empowered Administrators Conference (EAC) 2026 has once again demonstrated its growing national footprint, drawing 194 delegates from 22 universities, municipalities, public entities and other organisations for two days of learning, innovation and professional networking.
Hosted at the AHA Gateway Hotel in Durban from 17–18 September 2026, this year’s EAC was held under the theme “AI-Enabled Office Excellence: From Support to Strategic Leadership.” The conference challenged administrators to move beyond conventional notions of administrative support and position themselves as strategic contributors within their institutions.
The national reach of EAC was particularly evident in the strong university representation. MUT had 44 delegates, while Durban University of Technology sent 51. Other sizeable delegations came from the University of Fort Hare and University of the Western Cape with 12 delegates each, Stellenbosch University and the University of the Free State had 11 each, and the University of Limpopo with 10 delegates.
The University of Zululand, Tshwane University of Technology, Vaal University of Technology, University of Venda, Walter Sisulu University, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of Mpumalanga, Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Wits University were also represented. Delegates from Ekurhuleni Water Care, Emfuleni Local Municipality, the Industrial Development Corporation and Umlazi Film Festival further extended the conference beyond the higher education sector.
The impressive turnout affirmed EAC’s evolution from an MUT initiative into a national professional development platform. Conceptualised and hosted by MUT for 14 years, the conference has trained more than 3,000 office professionals from universities, government, corporations and non-profit organisations.