The MUT health and safety team continues emergency drills to prepare staff, students, service providers, and guests within the University for any emergency. This initiative is supported by Council and University management, who advocate the ‘safety first’ culture.
Lizwi Masondo, Safety, Health and Environment Officer and team leader, said they were conducting the drills so that everyone within the University would have the necessary information and develop the required habits to deal with emergency situations. The latest drill was conducted in the Student Centre on 12 November 2025. Both staff and students responded well; they left the building and waited at the designated assembly point, where Masondo addressed them. Pinky Gwala, of the Financial Aid Office, set the example. She was one of the first staff members to rush out, wait on the spot, listen to the message from Masondo, and was among the last to return to the office when Masondo declared the building safe. Under emergency conditions, everyone must keep cool and follow the orders, both verbal and written, posted in visible strategic spots throughout the University.
Masondo thanked them for their cooperation and explained the reasons for the drill. “We are conducting the drill so that you will be prepared in an unfortunate situation, such as a fire or any other emergency. We will continue conducting the drills until everyone has it in their DNA so we can ensure that everyone is safe,” said Masondo, whose knowledge of emergency situations is very extensive.
Recognising that any workplace could be subject to an emergency or disaster, MUT as an employer must do whatever is necessary to minimise the likelihood of disasters that can cause harm to employees and destruction of property. “The continuation of these drills will be extended to other buildings, and everyone must comply. The initiative is aligned to strategic objective 19 (SO19), which focuses on enhancing students and staff safety and security,” said Masondo.