While the 2025 World Intellectual Property Day celebrations that happened at the University’s Student Centre on 25 April 2025 are now in everyone’s rearview mirror, one of the organisers of the event, Dr Mandla Hlongwane, has given a very informative assessment of the event, and shed some light on what the future looks like for those that are involved in the creation of intellectual properties.
Dr Hlongwane said that celebrating World Intellectual Property Day (WIPD) – with the theme “Intellectual Property and Music-Feel the beat of IP”, was very transformative; “the celebration went beyond raising awareness as it activated new networks, nurtured new mindsets in the creative art sector. The event was aimed at raising awareness and looking into the role that intellectual property plays in encouraging innovation and creativity”. Dr Hlongwane said this year’s theme was “fascinating as we celebrated the power of music transcends borders and different cultures while putting a spotlight on the importance of protecting the rights of artists, composers and producers”. The strategic rollout, from the WIPD Media Launch on 16 April 2025 to the roadshow on 24 April 2025 at the Botanic Gardens to the main event, the WIPD celebration, has ensured both visibility and sustainability.
Dr Hlongwane, IP (Intellectual Property) Deputy Director in the Research office, said that hosting the World IP Day event was a significant milestone for MUT, demonstrating the University’s growing leadership in the innovation and creative economy space. Particularly through its Technology Transfer Office, which was spearheading the WIPD, showcasing its role not only in technology transfer but also in creative IP management, which may, in the future, look into expanding the MUT’s IP portfolio into arts-based innovation. Hosting the WIPD positioned MUT as a forward-thinking institution that supports science and technology innovation and champions the protection and commercialisation of creative works like music.
Hosting the event raised IP-related awareness among students, staff and the surrounding community about the importance of intellectual property. It strengthened MUT’s partnerships with national IP bodies, industry players and artists. “Most importantly, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nokuthula Sibiya, affirmed MUT’s commitment to empowering young creatives and entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge to thrive in the knowledge economy.