Honouring the vision. Advancing the future

Mangosuthu University of Technology proudly presents the 2026 Founder’s Annual Lecture: a flagship intellectual and public-engagement platform honouring the vision and enduring legacy of the University’s Founder, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

The lecture brings together leaders from higher education, government, business, industry, traditional leadership and civil society to consider the future of higher education and its responsibility to prepare South Africa for a rapidly changing global world of work.

More than a commemorative occasion, the Founder’s Annual Lecture is a living platform for ideas, dialogue and action. It connects MUT’s proud history with its future-facing mandate as a University of Technology committed to transformative education, pioneering research, innovation, inclusive development and societal impact.

About the Founder’s Annual Lecture

The MUT Founder’s Annual Lecture has been institutionalised as a permanent flagship event of Mangosuthu University of Technology.

It honours Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s contribution to education, leadership, community development, traditional leadership, governance, African identity, peaceful dialogue and nation-building. At the same time, it creates a nationally significant platform through which MUT can convene influential thinkers and decision-makers around the issues shaping South Africa, the African continent and the world.

Through keynote addresses, moderated dialogue, research and innovation showcases, cultural expression and stakeholder engagement and the public lecture concept thus aligns strongly with:

The re-positioning of the University.
MUT’s IGNITE (Vision) 2030.
The university’s transformation in teaching and learning, research and innovation and social cohesion objectives.
African-centred scholarship.
Public intellectual engagement and nation-building priorities.

As the lecture develops, it will create an expanding body of intellectual contributions that reflect MUT’s commitment to academic excellence, public scholarship, ethical leadership, and inclusive development.

The 2026 Theme

Towards 2030: MUT’s shared vision for South Africa’s Higher Education contribution to the global world of work

The world of work is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, automation, digital transformation, climate change, new industries and rapidly changing skills requirements.

These developments place universities at the centre of an urgent national conversation: How should higher education prepare graduates not only to enter the future world of work, but also to shape it?

The 2026 Founder’s Annual Lecture will explore the contribution that South African higher education must make towards building a capable, innovative, inclusive and globally competitive society.

The conversation will consider how universities can:

Develop agile, ethical and digitally capable graduates.
Strengthen the connection between qualifications and the needs of society and industry.
Modernise curricula for emerging professions and technologies.
Expand work-integrated learning and entrepreneurship.
Advance research and innovation that respond to real societal challenges.
Prepare students for careers that may not yet exist.
Address unemployment, inequality and the changing nature of work.
Strengthen collaboration among universities, government, industry and communities; and
Ensure that no student or community is left behind by technological change.

The theme reflects the spirit of MUT’s IGNITE 2030 Strategy and its commitment to future-fit learning and teaching, research and innovation, financial sustainability, meaningful community engagement and a unified, high-performing institutional culture.

The enduring legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi’s founding of Mangosuthu University of Technology remains one of the most enduring expressions of his belief in education as an instrument of liberation, dignity and development.

At a time when access to technical and higher education for Black South Africans was severely restricted, Prince Buthelezi recognised that political and social advancement could not be separated from education, skills development and economic participation.

Through his leadership and mobilisation of support, the institution that would become Mangosuthu University of Technology was established in Umlazi in 1979. It began with only 15 students and was the first Technikon established specifically to serve African students.

From those modest beginnings, MUT has grown into a fully-fledged University of Technology serving more than 13,500 students and producing tens of thousands of graduates who contribute their skills and knowledge across South Africa and beyond.

Prince Buthelezi’s public life spanned traditional leadership, politics, governance, and national service. He served as Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation and as the first Minister of Home Affairs of democratic South Africa. Yet, within his extensive legacy, MUT remains a powerful testament to his understanding that education changes not only individual lives, but families, communities and nations.

The Founder’s Annual Lecture carries this vision forward. It calls upon present and future generations to use education, leadership, technology and innovation to build a more inclusive and prosperous society.

From founding vision to IGNITE 2030

The 2026 lecture comes at an important point in MUT’s institutional journey.

Under the leadership of Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, the University is aligning its proud history with an ambitious, technology-driven and globally connected future.

The Founder’s Annual Lecture is one of the catalytic programmes through which MUT seeks to strengthen its national and international profile, build high-level strategic partnerships and create lasting academic and societal value.

It directly supports the five strategic goals of IGNITE 2030:

Future-Fit Learning and Teaching

Modernising curricula and equipping students with the technological, professional and human capabilities required by the changing world of work.

Research and Innovation

Advancing impactful, interdisciplinary research and technological innovation that address societal and industrial challenges.

Community Engagement

Strengthening MUT’s role as an anchor institution that works with communities and partners to support inclusive development.

Financial Sustainability

Growing partnerships, networks and diverse sources of support to secure the University’s long-term sustainability.

Institutional Culture

Building a unified, ethical, accountable and high-performing University community.

In this way, the lecture connects the Founder’s commitment to educational access and empowerment with MUT’s contemporary responsibility to shape and own the future.

2026 Keynote Speaker

Mr Zwelakhe Mnguni

Mr Zwelakhe Mnguni, Chief Investment Officer & Co-Founder of Benguela Global Fund Managers, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 MUT Founder’s Annual Lecture.

His address will provide the intellectual centrepiece of the event, examining the contribution that higher education, technology, leadership and strategic partnerships must make towards preparing South Africa for the global world of work.

Leadership Reflections

Professor Rushiella Songca
Interim Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Mangosuthu University of Technology

Professor Songca will deliver the purpose and strategic framing of the Founder’s Annual Lecture, positioning the event within MUT’s institutional renewal and IGNITE 2030 journey.

Professor Mncedisi Maphalala
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagements

Professor Maphalala will highlight the role of research, innovation and engagement in preparing South Africa for future industries and strengthening MUT’s societal contribution.

His Royal Highness Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi

HRH Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi, son of the University’s Founder, will deliver reflections on the life, founding vision and enduring legacy of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi.

Mr Sandile Zungu
Chancellor of Mangosuthu University of Technology

The Chancellor will deliver the ceremonial closing remarks.

The Keynote Address Reflections

The keynote address will be followed by reflections from distinguished leaders from higher education, public policy, business, industry and broader society.

They will focus on practical actions, partnerships, and innovations that can strengthen universities’ contributions to the economy and society.Key questions will include:

What should a future-fit South African graduate look like?
How can universities respond more rapidly to changing skills and employment needs?
What responsibilities do industry and government have in preparing young people for the future?
How should artificial intelligence and digital transformation influence teaching and learning?
How can higher education support entrepreneurship and employment creation?
How can South Africa protect inclusion and human dignity as technology transforms the workplace?
What new partnerships are required to convert knowledge into economic and societal impact?

The distinguished speakers will be announced shortly.

What to expect

The 2026 Founder’s Annual Lecture will offer guests:

A high-level keynote address.
Moderated reflections.
Reflections from the Founder’s family.
MUT research and innovation highlights.
A ceremonial academic procession.
A performance by the MUT Choir.
Media and stakeholder engagements.

Who Should Attend?

The Founder’s Annual Lecture will be of particular interest to:

University leaders, academics and researchers.
Students and young professionals.
Government leaders and policymakers.
Business, industry and professional organisations.
Traditional and community leaders.
The diplomatic community and international partners.
Alumni, donors and Friends of MUT.
Civil-society and development organisations.
Education and technology specialists, and
Members of the media.

Our impact

Transforming communities, advancing Society

MUT’s community engagement demonstrates the enduring impact of its late Founder’s vision: a university established not only to educate, but also to serve, empower and uplift society.

Across Umlazi, Pinetown and rural KwaZulu-Natal, MUT works with communities and strategic partners to address pressing priorities in food security, health and safety, environmental sustainability and resilience, digital inclusion, skills development, STEM education, nation-building and social cohesion.

Our impact at a Glance

10 primary schools supported through literacy development

The MUT Reading Project has expanded from three to ten primary schools across Umlazi and Pinetown. Annual reading competitions help strengthen literacy, build learners’ confidence and cultivate a lasting culture of reading.

23 schools reached through sport and youth development

The MUT Schools and Community Cup engages 14 primary schools and nine high schools in Umlazi. Football, netball and chess are used to encourage youth development, discover talent and strengthen community participation.

Students serving communities locally and internationally

Through the Student Volunteerism Programme, MUT students participate in environmental, civic and community initiatives. A partnership with the Committee for South African Solidarity in the San Francisco Bay Area has introduced an international dimension through masterclasses and educational support for disadvantaged schools. Opportunities for virtual volunteer training and student development in the United States are also being explored.

Community knowledge connected to a global network

MUT’s participation in the Knowledge for Change Global Consortium strengthens the scholarly and international dimensions of community engagement. Through capacity development, global knowledge exchange and community-based participatory research, the University promotes the integration of engagement, teaching, learning and research while enabling communities to become active partners in creating knowledge.

A coordinated response to substance abuse

The Substance Abuse Project brings together government departments, 22 civil society organisations in Umlazi and Verulam, six local schools, faith-based organisations and universities. This collaboration strengthens substance-abuse prevention, education and awareness within affected communities.

Supporting sustainable rural livelihoods

The Assisted Reproductive Technology Project extends MUT’s impact to livestock-farming communities in iXopo and uMzimkhulu. By supporting improved breeding practices and livestock productivity, the initiative contributes to food security, agricultural sustainability and more resilient rural livelihoods.

Partnerships that Multiply Impact

These achievements are made possible through partnerships that contribute expertise, resources and shared commitment. MUT’s Marketing and Communications Directorate amplifies their impact through MUT Radio, social media, institutional platforms and local media coverage—ensuring that community knowledge, achievements and opportunities reach wider audiences.

Through every learner encouraged to read, every young person developed through sport, every student inspired to volunteer, and every community empowered through knowledge and innovation, MUT continues to advance the Founder’s vision of a university that transforms lives.

Event Details

Event: MUT Founder’s Annual Lecture 2026
Theme: “Towards 2030: MUT’s Shared Vision for South Africa’s Higher Education Contribution to the Global World of Work”
Date: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Venue: Durban International Convention Centre, Hall 3A
Guest arrival and registration: 15:00
Formal programme: 16:15–19:30
Networking reception: From 19:30
Dress code: Formal or traditional attire
Attendance: By invitation only

Provisional programme

15:00–16:15	Guest arrival, registration, networking and media engagements
16:15–16:30	Academic procession
16:30–16:40	Ceremonial opening and welcome
16:40–16:55	Purpose of the Founder’s Annual Lecture and MUT’s strategic direction
16:55–17:05	Cultural performance by the MUT Choir
17:05–17:10	Introduction of the keynote speaker
17:10–17:55	Founder’s Annual Lecture by Mr Zwelakhe Mnguni
17:55–18:25	Moderated leadership reflections
18:25–18:55	Token presentations and acknowledgements
18:55–19:05	Founder’s legacy reflections by Prince Zuzifa Buthelezi
19:05–19:10	Closing remarks by the Chancellor, Mr Sandile Zungu
From 19:30	Dinner

The programme is subject to refinement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is attendance free?

Attendance is free, but registration or a formal invitation is required. Admission is subject to confirmation and venue capacity.

When does registration open?

Guest arrival and registration will commence at 15:00. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to allow sufficient time for registration and seating.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code is formal or traditional attire.

Will the event be livestreamed?

Livestreaming and digital viewing information will be published on this page once confirmed.

Will parking be available?

Parking and arrival information will be communicated to confirmed guests before the event.

Can members of the media attend?

Members of the media must apply for accreditation in advance. Accreditation and interview-request details will be published on this page.

Who may I contact for assistance?

Join the Conversation

Be part of a defining conversation about the future of South African higher education and its contribution to the global workforce.

Together, we can honour a visionary founding legacy while building the responsive, innovative and inclusive University that South Africa and the world need.