Professor Marcus Ramogale, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching, is known as one of the longest-serving DVCs at MUT, where he has held the role for 16 years, five of which he also served as acting MUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal. Before that, he was also a DVC Academic at the University of Venda, thus making him the longest-serving DVC at any South African university. In an impromptu speech, he reminded the audience that the university’s most consistent and proudest achievement has been its unwavering ability to graduate students year after year. This, he emphasised, is the very core of why MUT was founded: to provide quality, life-changing education and produce skilled graduates who uplift their communities and the country. “MUT has been consistent with its academic agenda, and as we recognise excellence in teaching and learning, we are reminded that our mission at MUT is to ensure that we give our best to the learning and teaching agenda, which is the sole reason we are here”.
His words resonated across the room, prompting a quiet reflection. He spoke not only about institutional progress, but about personal responsibility, calling on staff and students alike to continually reconnect with their mission for being at MUT. His message was one of purpose, urging everyone to remember that excellence is intentional, cultivated through dedication and collective effort.