The Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Engagement (RIE), Dr Anette Mienie, has praised the CEAD for the way it organised the inaugural Scholarship of Engagement conference, which took place off campus from 18 to 20 November 2025. Dr Mienie, who is well known in the Institution for driving research, called the conference a “beautiful initiative. The conference was not only well organised, but relevant and professional. You have truly done MUT proud”, said Dr Mienie.
Writing to Professor Busisiwe Nkonki-Mandleni, Director of CEAD, which organised the conference, Dr Mienie said this “must turn into one of the MUT flagship conferences, being the first in the RIE portfolio”.
Dr Mienie said that was the first time CEAD organised the event, but it was exceptionally organised, for the printed material, to presentations, and the food, everything was beautifully done, said Dr Mienie. “Everything went smoothly. The feel was that it was a well-established conference. You will never tell that it was the first time”.
Dr Mienie said the conference offered an opportunity to show how community engagement is incorporated into research, learning and teaching. “The conference also provided an opportunity to show how knowledge generation can possibly influence societal issues,” Dr Mienie said, adding that “I am also very appreciative of the collegiality and teamwork by MUT staff that contributed to the success of the conference.